Flight delays are frustrating enough without wondering whether your taxi is going to be there when you eventually land.
It’s one of the questions we’re asked most often by people booking airport transfers, particularly if they’re travelling abroad. The good news is that a delayed flight doesn’t usually mean you need to start looking for another taxi. As long as we’ve got the right information when you book, we’ll do everything we can to keep your transfer running as planned.
Here’s what normally happens if your flight doesn’t arrive on time.
We keep an eye on your flight
When you book an airport transfer, we’ll ask for your flight number.
Some people assume it’s simply to confirm which flight they’re travelling on, but it actually serves a much more important purpose. It allows us to monitor your journey and see if your arrival time changes before you land.
Flights are delayed every day for all sorts of reasons. Air traffic, weather and operational issues are all outside your control, so we don’t expect every flight to arrive exactly on schedule.
If your arrival time changes, we’ll adjust your collection accordingly.
You don’t normally need to call if it’s just a delay
If your flight is running a little late, there’s usually no need to worry.
Because we’re monitoring the flight, we’ll already know your revised arrival time and can plan around it.
The only time we’d ask you to get in touch is if something significant changes. For example, if your flight is cancelled, you’ve been moved onto a different flight or you’re arriving at a different airport altogether.
The sooner we know, the sooner we can update your booking.
Longer delays can mean a different driver
Not every delay is the same.
A flight that’s 20 minutes late is very different from one that’s delayed by four or five hours.
If your arrival is pushed back significantly, we may need to reallocate your booking to another driver. That’s simply part of managing airport transfers throughout the day and helps us keep everything running smoothly for all our customers.
Your original driver might not be available several hours later, but that doesn’t mean your booking has been forgotten.
Landing isn’t the same as being ready
People often look at the arrival time on the airport website and assume that’s when they’ll be collected.
In reality, there’s usually a bit more to it.
Once the aircraft has landed, you still need to leave the plane, make your way through the terminal, clear passport control if necessary and collect your luggage.
At busy airports, that can easily take 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes longer.
We take that into account when planning airport collections, so don’t panic if you’re not outside the terminal the moment your flight lands.
If you’re delayed inside the airport, let us know
Sometimes the flight arrives exactly when it’s supposed to, but you’re still held up.
Maybe your luggage is taking longer than expected, you’ve been selected for additional checks or you’re waiting for a family member who’s travelling with you.
If you know you’re going to be delayed after landing, a quick phone call or message is always appreciated.
It means we know what’s happening and can keep your driver updated.
Don’t forget to include your flight number
It sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most important parts of an airport booking.
Without your flight number, we can’t monitor your arrival and we’re relying on the original collection details you gave us when you booked.
That might not be a problem if everything runs perfectly, but flights don’t always run to schedule.
Providing your flight number gives us the information we need to react if anything changes.
What if your flight is cancelled?
A cancellation is different from a delay because your original flight is no longer arriving.
If your airline books you onto another flight, let us know the new flight number as soon as you have it and we’ll update your booking.
If your travel plans have changed completely, get in touch with us to discuss your options. Every booking is different, so it’s always better to speak to us rather than assume what will happen.
Airport transfers rarely go exactly to plan
Anyone who regularly travels through Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton or London City Airport knows that things change.
Flights are delayed. Gates change. Baggage takes longer than expected. Roads become congested.
None of that is unusual.
That’s why airport transfers are planned differently to a standard taxi journey. We know that travel doesn’t always go exactly to schedule, so we build that flexibility into the service wherever we can.
A delayed flight shouldn’t mean a stressful arrival
You can’t control when your flight takes off or lands, but you can choose a taxi company that’s used to dealing with delays.
By giving us your flight number and keeping us updated if your plans change, we’ll do everything we can to make sure your airport transfer is ready when you are.
After a long journey, the last thing you need is to start searching for transport. Knowing your taxi has been planned around your flight means you can collect your luggage, make your way outside and get on with the final part of your journey.
