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Travel Guide · Airport Transfers

Airport transfer guide: how pickups work

What happens on the day, what your driver needs to know, and how to avoid a stressful arrival.

A pre-booked airport transfer should remove stress, not add it. Knowing how the day works, who meets you, where, and what happens if the flight is late, makes the difference between a calm arrival and a long wait. Here is what to expect and what to tell us.

Departures: leaving from home

For a departure, your driver collects you from your address at an agreed time and takes you to the right terminal. The time is set backwards from your flight: allow for check-in, bag drop, security and the journey itself, and add a margin for traffic on the day. If you are travelling in a group or with young children, build in extra time. When you book, give us the airport, the terminal if you know it, the airline and the flight time.

Arrivals: how you meet your driver

For an arrival, the driver tracks your flight, so a delay or early landing does not leave anyone waiting at the wrong time. After you land, you collect your bags and walk through to the arrivals hall, where the driver will be waiting. Agree the meeting point beforehand and keep your phone on so the driver can reach you if you are held up at passport control or baggage reclaim.

Terminals matter

Some airports have one terminal; others have several, and airlines can change terminals between seasons. Check your booking confirmation rather than relying on memory. If you are flying with more than one airline on the same ticket, tell us which one you are arriving or leaving with.

What to tell your driver

  • Flight number, airline, and the terminal on your ticket.
  • Number of passengers and the number of large and small bags.
  • Any child seat, accessibility or mobility needs.
  • A mobile number that works abroad, ideally with WhatsApp.
  • Whether you will be travelling on to somewhere other than home, for example a hotel or a cruise terminal.

If your flight is delayed

Delays happen, and a good transfer plan expects them. Because we monitor flights, a late arrival is picked up automatically. If your plans change in a way the flight status will not show, such as a missed connection or a rebooked flight, contact us as soon as you can. It is worth asking, when you enquire, what waiting time is included so there are no surprises.

Which airport are you using?

Each airport has its own layout and quirks. See our pages for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and Southend, or read our full airport transfers overview.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How far ahead should I book an airport transfer?

As early as you can, especially for early-morning flights, school holidays and weekends. Booking early gives us the best choice of vehicle and driver.

What happens if my flight lands early or late?

We monitor flights, so your driver adjusts to the actual landing time. Tell us if your plans change in a way the flight status would not show.

Where will my driver meet me?

Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall. We confirm the exact meeting point with you in advance.

Can you collect me from a different address from the one I left from?

Yes. Give us the pick-up and drop-off details for each journey and we will plan both legs.

Can I book a larger vehicle for a family or group?

Yes. We have people carriers, minibuses and coaches as well as chauffeur cars. Tell us the number of passengers and bags.

Booking an airport transfer?

Send the airport, flight time and passenger numbers and we will quote.

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