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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not know how to get to/from the airport?

279 replies

cjt110 · 09/03/2016 13:41

We go away in June. Me, DH, DS(will then be 20m), DF and DM.

I am totally stuck on getting to/from the airport.

Easiest option - Train £80 return for us all. Fine. But coming home, we land at 00.50 and the first train back is at approx. 04.22. Bollocks. So thats 3 hours from landing time to getting the train. Say 1 hour to collect luggage, still leaves us stuck in a cold train station at that time of night with DS.

We have an estate car but we cannot all fit in with the luggage etc. Plus, DH doesnt really fancy being knackered and having to drive home.

So, taxi. Probably the same cost-ish as the trains but no child seat for DS?

Any suggestions? I can't see any way other than the train :(

OP posts:
TheFairyCaravan · 09/03/2016 13:56

Surely you can fit two suitcases and an buggy in an estate car if you take the parcel shelf out?

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 09/03/2016 13:56

I'd hotel it. Many airport hotels offer parking for the duration of your holiday with a night either at the beginning or end of your holiday (or both if you want it) and they offer shuttle services to the airport. We often do it as it is as cheap, sometimes cheaper, than airport parking. 2am check-ins are no problem.

waffilyversati1e · 09/03/2016 13:56

Yes you are given allowance for a car seat in addition to your luggage allowance

irregularegular · 09/03/2016 13:57

If the luggage won't fit in your estate car, how is it going to fit in a taxi along with the driver as well?

I think plenty of UK taxi companies have car seats, especially the kind that do airport journeys. Ring up and ask - problem solved.

NerrSnerr · 09/03/2016 13:57

I would drive and get your parents to sort themselves out.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 13:57

I will not take my child in any car without a childseat Just to make that clear. I understand you don't legally need to have one in a taxi but I wouldnt personally take the risk.

OP posts:
Twinsareplenty · 09/03/2016 13:57

Inflatable car set - have a look on ebay.

BloodyDogHairs · 09/03/2016 13:58

I use a minibus company, which also provide carseat's.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 13:58

Its not the luggage thats an issue tbh - Its more fitting 2 adults and a childseat in the back of the car.

I would drive and get your parents to sort themselves out. Not very much in the spirit of a family holiday! lol

OP posts:
Andrewofgg · 09/03/2016 14:01

Don't rely on taxis having a car seat unless you have a personal recommendation from someone who has used that company.

Hotel: airport hotels are used to this, it's what they are there for.

Or have you got two lots of really good friends one of whom has a child of about the same age and therefore has the right car seat?

And o/t: rather your DH than I going on holiday with PILs. I saw holidays as a chance to get away from mine!

Radiatorvalves · 09/03/2016 14:02

How will you get from holiday destination to accommodation? Won't you need a car seat? We dragged ours through a number of airports (and what a relief now they don't need one!) as it was so much cheaper than hiring a possibly dodgy smelly old seat.

6 of you, including a toddler and the taxi driver, plus luggage should fit in a big taxi / people carrier. Ring up! Or go for 2 taxis...

I am going to the airport tomorrow am (6 of us including the taxi driver). That is 6 women, 6 lots of women's luggage and a pair or 2 of skis...we are fitting in one taxi.

DawnOfTheDoggers · 09/03/2016 14:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Birdsgottafly · 09/03/2016 14:03

We always use firms that do airport runs, they can usually supply car seats.

We pay £100-180, depending on how many are going Liverpool to Manchester airport.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 14:04

Andrewofgg We've never been on a family holiday all of us together but we're in separate bungalows so some space between us all at least! Grin

Radiator See above post re last time we went to GC - seriously considering taking ours as hold luggage (if I can convince DH!)

Radiator You're going in a minibus rather than a car I assume?

OP posts:
Birdsgottafly · 09/03/2016 14:05

That price included the return, as well. Flight times make a difference to price, but I'd start pricing, easier than hotels, but you can check into hotels at 2am if you let them know in advance.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 14:06

DawnOfTheDoggers see above post - not so much the luggage issue but space in the back.

It's a weeks holiday but our son has a milk allergy so we need to at least take 2 of his tins of formula which will take up space in our case, plus nappies - thats easy 1/4 of our large case.

OP posts:
AliciaMayEmory · 09/03/2016 14:06

We go on family holidays with parents or my siblings. We all get ourselves to and from the airport boths sides. Travelling to airports is not the holiday, when you are there, that's the holiday. No one minds, and in fact it makes for happier travelling as we only have our own small groups to sort out. I would take car to airport and park (your flight home isn't that late and people drive at that time all the time) and ask the others to meet you there. As adults I'm sure they won't mind and in fact am surprised they haven't offered this already seeing as you have a young child to sort out.

TeaBelle · 09/03/2016 14:07

Train to the airport then book a car service for the way home to include a car seat.

HeyMacWey · 09/03/2016 14:09

Put car seat in the front seat and have the three adults in the back.

listsandbudgets · 09/03/2016 14:10

If you use a taxi, won't you have the same problem with luggage? Its still all got to go in.

Which airport is it? There's a good chance that there will be cafes open even at that time of night or atleast somewhere you can sit. Its only a few hours after all you could just a easily be delayed that long

MrsEricBana · 09/03/2016 14:10

What TeaBelle said

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 14:11

Alicia Thats just not my idea of a family holiday, nor theirs. Each to their own though

OP posts:
LuisSuarezTeeth · 09/03/2016 14:11

Take two cars?

listsandbudgets · 09/03/2016 14:12

where are you going? You can probably buy nappies when you get there unless its an undeveloped country of some sort. That would save quite a bit of suitcase space - just take some in your hand luggage as you will need them on the journey

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 14:12

HeyMacWey Front and side airbags which can't be disabled (I dont think?) - so no carseat in the front....

lists Its manchester airport and at that time of night, the train station is all closed up.

OP posts: