Is this the right time to continue with a strike, and put more pressure on an industry that is recovering? This will have a knock on effect to many related businesses, especially taxis and minicabs.

BA state that 60% of long haul flights and 50% of short haul flights will go ahead at Heathrow airport and all flights should operate from London City airport and Gatwick airport.

I have been to many countries, and have always chosen a meet and greet pre-booked service, especially if this is my first visit to the city/country i am visiting, this gives me greater reassurance.

So what do you get for a meet and greet service?

1. The company tracks your flight number and meets you at the correct arrival time, they make adjustments for earlier/later arrival times.

2. The driver will meet you at a specified meeting point, and a name of your choice will be displayed on a greeting board.

3. You usually get a FREE waiting allowance (at least 30 mins) and a FREE car park allowance (at least 30 mins).

4. You can customise your meet and greet service. (for example, you can ask the driver to come in earlier or later).

5. The driver will assist with your luggage to the vehicle.

Can anything go wrong?

A customer should give a certain amount of allowance to the driver/company as they rely on the official airport information systems. Sometimes the scheduled/landing times may not display in realtime, causing the driver to enter the terminal behind your actual landing time. The systems have vastly improved, but with todays technology, the information, should be real time to the second.

Apart from this minor niggle, a meet and greet service is definitely the right choice!

Here is the standard meet and greet procedures for Airport Despatch.

A private hire minicab driver would have taken a basic knowledge test, undergone a criminal record check through the CRB. The variety of vehicles used is greater, and they can range from the eco friendly Toyota Prius, through to a top of the range Mercedes S class.  Any vehicle used for private hire minicab must also pass a yearly inspection from a PCO appointed test centre.

Heathrow Airport Taxi, Private Hire Minicab – Where can i find one?

At Heathrow airport, the traditional taxi is ranked outside each terminal.  The fares travelling into London can vary from £40-£70. A minicab has to be booked in advance, and they generally offer a meet and greet in the terminal (after checking your flight arrival time). The price again will vary from £25-£40 depending on your destination.

Gatwick Airport Taxi, Private Hire Minicab – Where can i find one?

There is no traditional taxi at Gatwick Airport, the official taxi company is Checker Cars, prices vary, but a general price into London is £93.50.  ( A much cheaper pre-bookable service can be found at www.airportdespatch.com )

Stansted Airport Taxi, Private Hire Minicab – Where can i find one?

There is no traditional taxi at Stansted Airport, the official taxi company is Checker Cars, prices vary, but a general price into London is £99.00.

Luton Airport Taxi, Private Hire Minicab – Where can i find one?

At Luton airport, a licenced Hackney Carriage taxi is ranked outside the terminal. A minicab has to be booked in advance, and they generally offer a meet and greet in the terminal (after checking your flight arrival time).

London City Airport Taxi, Private Hire Minicab – Where can i find one?

The official minicab  company is Quay Cars.  London City Airport boasts the longest taxi rank in Europe. Licensed taxis (Black cabs) are available directly outside the terminal building.

Pro’s of either service

Traditional Taxi – Excellent knowledge, do not need to pre-book, can use bus lanes.

Private Hire Minicab – Good variety of vehicle types, A pre-booked journey can be cheaper, Smarter dress code.

Con’s of either service

Traditional Taxi – Can be expensive, no dress code, they do not have to pick you up if you flag them down, vehicle can be uncomfortable and noisy.

Private Hire Minicab – Less experienced on knowledge, must be pre-booked.