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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:
Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 15:17

I am nervous about being stuck at the airport, evidently no-one has had this before and packs just swimwear for their holidays.....

OP posts:
Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 15:18

Tread Fantastic, thank you Smile

OP posts:
Twixthecat · 09/03/2016 15:18

Taxi but insist on a car seat! No way would I travel in car without seat belts for us and car seat for DS. I don't care if it's a one off, 1 hour or 10mins.

Around us I've heard of the smaller independent mini cab companis being happy to store your car seat while you're away. I've heard of other cab companies having ones you can use if you pre-book, perhaps not ideal using a car seat you don't know history of, but better than nothing at all! Have you tried calling round to see if an option?

NerrSnerr · 09/03/2016 15:19

I think you're making this into much more than it is. Book a hotel and if space is an issue travel separately to your parents. It's such a small part of the holiday and they'll understand if there's no room.

80schild · 09/03/2016 15:19

Any decent taxi company has a car seat - you just ask them for it.

Flossieflower01 · 09/03/2016 15:19

Think you and husband need some more driving lessons if neither of you can manage one hour in the dark- good grief, what a drama over nothing. Just get a grip and drive!

Roussette · 09/03/2016 15:20

Good lord, just drive! You've said it is only an hour! Why on earth does your DH not want to drive, at that time of night there'll be no one on the mtorway and you'll probably do it in record time.

checking into a hotel and trying to settle DC sounds a nightmare, by the time you've done that you could all be tucked up in your own beds! Ditto trains.

Use meet and greet. That way your car will be waiting outside of departures, hop in, blink and you're home.

nephrofox · 09/03/2016 15:20

Jeez just drive

NickiFury · 09/03/2016 15:21

I know! Just cancel.

As no solution offered seems to be possible. I really can't see what else you can do.

Hiphopopotamus · 09/03/2016 15:21

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

JessieMcJessie · 09/03/2016 15:22

I can't imagine limiting my independence to driving on roads that are not motorways and in my experience many A roads are MUCH harder to navigate than motorways, especially a motorway deserted in the middle of the night. But each to his/ her own.

All airport hotels allow 24 hour check in. But that will cost you a lot more than the extra 40 quid that seemed to put you off the taxi when you reconfirmed the quote. Is it really a prohibitive extra expense?

RudeElf · 09/03/2016 15:22

Book yourself and DH some motorway driving lessons.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 15:24

Hiphopopotamus I didnt say he isnt comfortaoble. He doesnt want to drive at that time of night. He doesn't mind doing it usually.

Sorry that my husband and I pack too much, buy nappis this end, prefer not to risk our childs life by not using a carseat or using one we dont know the history of, that I dont drive on motorways and that he would prefer not to on that occassion....

Evidently we fail at being human beings

OP posts:
TheFairyCaravan · 09/03/2016 15:25

No one has been catty. Just because you don't like what you've heard doesn't make people "catty!" Hmm

JessieMcJessie · 09/03/2016 15:25

Well, you did also need help with Googling.....

NickiFury · 09/03/2016 15:25

No you just fail at getting conveniently to and from the airport because of the restrictions you put on yourselves.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 15:27

fairy IMO they are. No need to say we are shit drivers etc.

Jessie I had already googled and not found a "search engine" for taxis - I was asking if anyone knew a particular site as we havent ever needed to book a taxi before. No harm in asking for peoples advice.....

Nicki As Ive said, we've never had this issue before so Im at a loss of the best way forward. It would be a damn sight easier if DH would drive it but he has said he doesnt want to and I respect his decision Or am I going to be slated for that too?

OP posts:
RudeElf · 09/03/2016 15:28

Grin jessie

CrazyDuchess · 09/03/2016 15:28

can always be assured MN will cheer me up after a long arsed day!! thanks all :-)

As for OP Biscuit

NickiFury · 09/03/2016 15:29

Your husband is being ridiculous.

Original poster
cjt110 · 09/03/2016 15:30

Glad I could be of amusement CrazyDuchess. I genuinely was asking what people thought we should do as I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

So thanks for making me feel even more inadequate now.

OP posts:
JellyMouldJnr · 09/03/2016 15:30

um, why don't you just pay the £60 each way for the taxi? Have I missed something?

RudeElf · 09/03/2016 15:32

as I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place.

You really arent. There are several easy solutions. Pick one.

umizoomi · 09/03/2016 15:32

If you have an estate, I can't believe you won't get all your luggage in. We have been before and taken 2 suitcases, a soft hold-all and a buggy and got it in a Ford Fusion at the other end?!

Manchester to Huddersfield and DH might be too tired? Hmm it's a 40 minute journey and how will a taxi help you with luggage space? Would have to be 7 seater and they don't gave much luggage space as you will be taking up 6 seats?!

Suitcases arranged so that buggy will sit on top. Pack as much hand luggage around as will fit. Rest of it under feet/on knees. Car seat in front if this works better, as far back as possible. Definitely take your own car sear with you. With the exception of Ryanair everyone will take a car seat and pushchair free. We have always taken ours. Straps into lock, pulled tight and label around them.

Is it a normal car the other side, as presumably the luggage issue will be the same.

Or yes, meet at airport.

imonaplane · 09/03/2016 15:33

I haven't read anything this funny for ages. Two grown ups with one child and all this fuss? We used to take 3 children under 2 abroad and all managed to get in the car with our luggage and drive to and from the bloody airport! Grin