If you're planning a journey from London to Accra, one of the first questions you're likely to ask is:
How long will the journey take?
The answer depends on more than the time your aircraft spends in the air.
Your total journey can include airport time, boarding, connections, layovers and arrival procedures. A direct itinerary can therefore feel very different from a connecting itinerary.
In this guide, we'll explain what to look at when estimating your London-to-Accra journey.
If you're ready to compare available itineraries, you can search flights with Hi5Tickets.
These two terms are easy to confuse.
Flight time generally refers to the time spent flying.
Total journey time includes the complete itinerary, which may include a connection or layover.
For example:
Home → London airport → Check-in → Security → Flight → Connection → Second flight → Accra → Immigration → Baggage → Destination
That's why the shortest flight time isn't always the same thing as the shortest overall journey.
The biggest factor affecting your travel time is usually whether your itinerary involves a connection.
A direct option avoids the need to change flights during the journey.
This can make the overall trip simpler and, depending on the schedule, shorter.
A connecting itinerary includes a stop at another airport before continuing to Accra.
The total duration depends heavily on the connection.
A one-hour connection and an eight-hour connection can produce very different travel days even if the flying time itself is similar.
Several factors can increase your total travel time.
This is often the biggest difference between itineraries.
An itinerary with two connections will usually require more airport time than one with a single connection.
If an itinerary requires you to move between airports, you'll need additional time and transport planning.
Unexpected delays can affect connecting journeys.
Security, immigration and boarding procedures can add time to your travel day.
It can be tempting to choose the shortest possible itinerary.
But a slightly longer journey may sometimes offer advantages.
For example, you might find:
The right choice depends on your priorities.
|
Priority |
What to Look For |
|
Fastest journey |
Short total duration |
|
Lower cost |
Compare complete fares |
|
Convenience |
Fewer stops |
|
Flexible travel |
More date/flight options |
|
Family travel |
Simpler itinerary |
|
More luggage |
Suitable baggage allowance |
When looking at a flight search result, don't just look at the departure and arrival times.
Check:
Departure time
↓
First flight duration
↓
Layover
↓
Second flight
↓
Arrival time
↓
Total journey duration
This gives you a much clearer picture of what the travel day will actually involve.
Hi5Tickets' flight-search system allows travellers to compare available itineraries and review the options before booking. Search available flights on Hi5Tickets.
If you choose a connecting itinerary, think about how you'll spend the waiting period.
For a short connection, you may simply need enough time to reach the next gate.
For a longer connection, you may want to:
If your connection is particularly long, check whether airport facilities such as lounges or hotels are available.
Be Careful With Self-Connections
A self-connection is different from a normal connection booked as part of one itinerary.
If you book separate tickets, you may have to:
This can make the connection considerably more complicated.
For example, Heathrow explains that passengers making a self-connection need to follow the arrivals process, collect checked baggage, leave arrivals, check in again and go through security.
Always understand whether your flights are booked together or separately before assuming a connection will be simple.
Give Yourself Enough Time at London Airport
Your journey doesn't start when the aircraft leaves the runway.
You also need to get to the airport, check in, pass security and reach your gate.
Heathrow recommends planning your airport journey in advance and provides official journey-planning and terminal information for passengers.
If you're travelling from Heathrow, check your airline and terminal before leaving home.
Heathrow's official terminal information can also be used to confirm where your flight is scheduled to operate.
How Can You Make a Long Journey Easier?
A little preparation can make a significant difference.
Keep your passport, phone, charger, essential medication and other important items accessible.
Long journeys can be tiring, particularly when a connection is involved.
Know your connection airport, onward flight and approximate gate area.
Don't wait until your battery is almost empty before looking for a charging point.
A connection that looks attractive on paper may become stressful if there is very little time between flights.
What Happens After You Land in Accra?
Your journey doesn't necessarily end the moment you arrive at Kotoka International Airport.
You may still need to complete:
Immigration → Baggage collection → Customs → Airport exit → Ground transport
Your actual arrival time at your accommodation can therefore be later than the aircraft's scheduled landing time.
If you're meeting family or arranging transport, plan accordingly.
Instead of asking only:
"How many hours is the flight?"
Ask:
"How long will my complete travel day take?"
That includes:
This approach makes comparing itineraries much easier.
The total journey time varies depending on whether you choose a direct or connecting itinerary and how long any connection takes.
It can. The length of the connection can add significant time to the overall journey.
Not necessarily. Direct flights can be simpler and often reduce travel time, but a connecting itinerary may offer different schedules or fares.
A layover is the period between flights when you wait at a connecting airport before continuing your journey.
Yes. With separate tickets, you may need to collect baggage, leave the airport's secure area, check in again and pass security. Check the conditions of your booking carefully.
Plan Your London-to-Accra Journey
When comparing flights, look at the complete journey rather than just the flight time.
A convenient connection, reasonable layover and suitable departure time can make a major difference to your travel experience.
Compare available flights with Hi5Tickets and choose the itinerary that works best for your journey.
For questions about booking, you can also visit the Hi5Tickets FAQ.
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