Originally Posted by
Katys Grandad
Hi Diane
I'm flattered by your faith in me but I fear my response won't completely answer your question!
Firstly, on the question of the existing schedules I would say that you are taking a huge risk by what you're thinking of doing. It wouldn't take much of a delay on the BA domestic flight (and they are VERY common) for the whole thing to go pear-shaped. I'd also save the money on Business seats because while you might be able to exit the plane a few minutes before most of the other passenger, it won't make any difference at baggage claim. BA will tag your bag "priority" but, in my experience, in reality it means very little to the handlers.
I very much agree with Pete's wider point on the unceratinty of just what the situation will be so far ahead. For example, just this week AA have announced that they are moving terminals at LHR although they haven't said whether it will be permanent. It's a real mess and there is no certainty on anything at the moment.
I fully get why you are keen to grab the upgrade opportunity on Virgin but I don't see any easy solution to your conundrum if you can't leave home until late the night before. In the past I have driven down to Heathrow which is doable but the drive home after you arrive back from the US is no fun at all.