Calling expat logistics experts: Getting from airport to home with too much stuff

[MrsSprat]

Hello particularly to ex-expats: looking for recommendations and solutions for our UK homecoming. We're not shipping anything. We're def. returning with more than we left with.

We'll have 7-8 suitcases, golf clubs w/hard-case, pushchair, infant car-seat, full complement of hand-baggage, 2 adults, 1 baby and probably a bit of an attitude, from at least one of us, after an overnight flight. Heathrow

What's the best option of these or am I missing something obvious and sensible?(friends/family help not on the cards - too far/too early)

1. Two taxis
   
2. Hire an estate car (but will it be big enough?)
   
3. Is there a lovely car-service thing, with nice big cars who will make it all easy for us? Please?
   
   [stressed]
   
   We are getting to airport this end in rental car, plus 1 taxi (I hope)

[suedonim]

See if there's a people carrier taxi available at LHR, I'm sure there will be, as we even have them at Scottish airports. We always specify a PC taxi when leaving home in the UK to go to the airport. They never think we can possibly have that much luggage for just two people but we do.

Alternatively, can you mail any of your stuff to a UK address, to save lugging it with you?

[MrsSprat]

oooh, do you think a people carrier will be big enough, Suedonim?

Postage seems astronimical for the hassle involved, so had written this off.

[MrsSprat]

or astronomical even.

[bran]

Have alook at Addison Lee they are a huge company so I think have a good range of vehicles. We use them and they are very reliable (although a bit more expensive than average).

[morocco]

we once booked a taxi from one of those local cos that do lots of airport runs to go to the airport, said we had a lot of luggage and they sent a minibus that seated about 16

[Bubbaluv]

Find a mini cab company near where you live as they are generally cheaper than the ones based at the airport. Lots of them have really big cars you can book in advance.
Otherwise 2 cabs - are you going a long way?

[MrsSprat]

Not really, just to S.London. It's so silly really, travelled loads, but never with this much crap luggage, so I have never needed to test a people carrier to its limits.

I'm feeling sick looking at the packed stuff and the still to be packed stuff.

[suedonim]

Re a people carrier, Mrs S. We used one when we moved out here, three bods (and the driver, of course) and seven cases plus assorted bags, valises, backpacks and Colin, dd's dog all fitted in ok.

[ZamMummy]

Hi MrsSprat, hope I'm not too late for you. We always use BA Transfers (no connection with the airline) when coming back from Zambia (lots of luggage, 2DC's, buggies, car seats...) You can book online, they have a huge range of cars inc BIG people carriers and even a minibus!
Go to their website here

[MrsSplat]

Mission accomplished, minus one adult!

Addison Lee came up trumps and T5 has a pay-for porter service that plucked up all my stuff (pushchair, carseat, 4 v.big cases, plus 2 hand luggage) from the carousel as I pointed them out, took me through customs, even found my taxi-driver for me and brought the cart straight to the people carrier and helped pack it all in.

Sadly DD threw up in the taxi, not so great. But home now, just need to wait a few more days for DH.

[Suedonim]

Brilliant! Apart from dd being sick, of course. Why do they wait until the end of a trip? Wer moved from Kent to the N of Scotland when ds1 was four. We had a journey of over 24hrs and he was sick about 10 miles from our destination. Over our cats in their cat basket. They weren't happy.

Best wishes settling back in. I really shouldn't be here, got a taxi coming at 6.45am to take me on the first part of my trip back to 'The Centre of Excellence' - Lagos's motto......

[slim22]

well done!

[ninedragons]

Waiting until the end of the trip to be sick is a far better trick than puking all over everyone the second the plane pushes back from the gate, though.

We took DD on her first ever flight in June and I was very pleased with myself for thinking to pack an extra set of clothes for DH and me in the hand luggage, just in case she had an Exorcist vomiting moment. Luckily she didn't, but we would have been prepared if she had.

[PotteringAlong]

As the op moved back 7 years ago, I'm not sure advertising your business to her will work

[tomatodizzymum]

When we left we had 6 large suitcases, three car seats, two pushchairs, six small suitcases and six people and we got it all into two taxi's. Central London to Heathrow (one was a people carrier) so you might be lucky with one huge people carrier, or just go with two taxis.