Unfortunately we arrive in Heathrow at 10:00 a.m. and depart the same day from Gatwick at 2:30 p.m. Am I correct in assuming the airlines (AA) provides a shuttle? Do you recommend something else? Is this a far distance or will we have time to mosey along? Thanks

There's a speedlink coach from gatwick to heathrow (and viceversa) that takes approx from 70 to 90 minutes (depends on the traffic, could take also three days knowing london).
Looks like you're on a quite tight schedule here.
You can find some more info here:

www.speedlink.co.uk

There's also quite a lot of private car hires that do the trip, never used them before but always rely just on the ones that ask for a credit card number, the others are not really reliable.

IMO, you will have ample time for the speed link, if your plane is on time. Luggage, documents, and customs go fast at Heathrow (try to sit nearer the front of the plane) and the desk for the Speedlink is very convenient. The trip should only be an hour at the most at that time of day, meaning you should arrive at Gatwick around noon at the latest. Since even 1:00 works for your flight, I wouldn't bother with the added expense of a hired car or taxi. It's really efficient, from my experience.

Thanks so much, this really puts my mind at ease. They have changed our flight 3 times since booking so who knows, we could be going out of anyplace!

this thread may be finished, but maybe a moderator might want to move this to the correct topic!

Barb, maybe Teri is flying to London and then
taking an inter-Europe flight, such as Ryanair,
over to Italy.

You NEED to check with your airlines. We had the similar connections 2 months ago. The bus service between the airports is very good, but your airlines does not necessarily pay for the bus service - ours was out of pocket.
Plus, now you can not check your luggage all the way through, so probably you will have to claim luggage at Heathrow, carry it with you on the bus, then recheck at Gatwick - it's all part of new security issues.

Bill & Patty Sutherland
Tuscan Women Cook
Montefollonico, Italy

Oops, sorry Terir, I read 12:30 instead of 2:30.
With 4 hours and a half you shouldn't have any problems.
M25 willing

Hi -- do know that you must claim your luggage at Heathrow and take it with you to re-check at Gatwick. The airlines used to make the luggage transfer, but no more. As advised by other posts, Speedlink or a private driver are the options for how you and your bags make the trip.

Best wishes,

SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor
sally@century-tvl.com
www.sallywatkins.com
My business depends on referrals - please tell someone today!