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Tyranasaurus · 02/10/2012 09:25

I try and avoid Heathrow as the drive is always stressful and I worry about getting stuck on the M25. I would always park onsite as you are not at the mercy of anyone else

PeskyPiskie · 02/10/2012 09:32

when we travel to the airport as a family we always drive because none of them are feasible by public transport. Also, as has been said above, the idea of using public transport with 2 children, 3 suitcases, car seats and hand luggage just isn't possible. Stansted is the nearest airport but is still over an hour away. We pre-book our parking as early as possible and look for "meet and greet". This service is, in my opinion, the least stressful way to sort out parking and going by air. We have not travelled from Heathrow as a family yet (we are due to do so in February) but will still look for meet and greet there, but due to the time of the flight we may have to stay in a local hotel for the night first. Heathrow is over 2 hours from our house.

popsypie · 02/10/2012 09:43

If we fly from heathrow we stay with friends, leave our car there and get a lift in. We have always flown long haul from heathrow so never fancy starting the long drive back to the north east as soon as we get off the flight so we tend to go back to friend's for a little rest/poss overnight stay then drive back. We might consider parking at heathrow in the future as now we have two children it becomes more of a hassle than just a couple staying at friends. So yes I would consider using the parking service.

If we travel from our most local airport - Newcastle then we always drive and pay to park our car there. We looked into also booking an overnight stay as we had a v early flight, but with a family of four it was three times as much as parking only. I found the parking system really straightforward at Newcastle. You could get a bus to the terminal but it was just as quick to walk and less chilly then standing around at 3:40am!! On the way back I did struggle to remember where I had left my parking ticket needed to exit, but I had stashed it in a safe place - it was just tricky to recall after a long flight! Maybe a code which is text would be easier cos I was told the small parking ticket is a total necessity to get car back and obviously such things do get lost when travelling. Maybe reg should be enough. I think it cost between £45 and £55 for eleven days.

finzean · 02/10/2012 10:44

on the few occasions my family have flown, we have used airport parking and an overnight stay.....why cant family rooms accomodate 3 kids...many families are like ours! would love another holiday to try out heathrow!

iwantavuvezela · 02/10/2012 10:52

If you have a car - do you tend to drive to the airport on a family holiday?

Usually when we fly from heathrow we are going on a long distance holiday and therefore take either public transport / taxi or heathrow express to heathrow. This is because i have assumed that parking for longer than a couple of days would just be too expensive. Heathrow is also almost the only airport where you can get public transport and not have to pay almost £20 per person in rail fares like Stanstead, luton etc. I have sometimes found taking a combination of taxi to rail station and then hoping on the heathrow express the quickest way. It doesnt work out any cheaper than a taxi (mini cab, not black cab) but is a fast and easy way to get there.

When do you start to think about how you and your family will get to the airport? Do you (or your DH/DP for that matter?) plan when booking your flights/holiday or is it an afterthought? How do you search for information on getting to the airport or on parking there? Do you find information is readily available or not? Is there anything else you'd like to know?

When we have taken cheap flights that fly either at 5.00 am or arrive back in the Uk after midnight, and we have gone for just a weekend break we would often drive to the airport and park there. This is because my daughter will often sleep on the way or on the way home. We have also used the conceirge/valet service when parking, where you drop off your car, and they park it. This really helps with flights that are very early or late and travelling with a child and has been worth the cost.

And lastly, if you live within an hours drive of Heathrow, do you know how the cost of parking at Heathrow compares with a return taxi journey from where you live? You can enter your postcode at www.taxiorpark.com and take a look. Please note this uses Hackney Carriage Tariffs.

As mentioned earlier one of the reasons for not driving to heathrow (although we would drive to pick someone up / or would park there if going away for a couple of days). However as we often find ourselves at Heathrow for long haul flights (South Africa) we do not park there as feel this cost would be crippling. If only one of us from the family (adult) was travelling we would use public transport (tube). Only when we go as a family with suitcases and a child do we then look more at what is the easiest. Driving is the easiest option but not always feasible as mentioned.

AppleCrumbleAndFish · 02/10/2012 11:32

We used to live about 10 minutes from Heathrow. We would take a mini cab there and get a hackney cab from the rank home. The cab driver would then moan at us all the way home about how long he'd had to queue to get onto the rank and how dare we get a hackney cab for such a short journey .
We now live a couple of hours away and prefer to use a local airport when we can. We have done one family holiday which departed from Heathrow since we moved here. We drove up and parked at an off airport site with a coach transfer to the terminal.
DH is departing from there next week on a business trip. His company send a car for him.

elizaco · 02/10/2012 11:54

Have previously flown from Manchester and Leeds airports. We've always taken our own car, and found private parking with a "park and ride" service provided to take us to and from the airport. Next year we are travelling from Blackpool airport for the first time. It offers free parking, which is great, and would possibly influence us in the future when choosing which airport to fly from.

Primafacie · 02/10/2012 11:58

Minicab both ways. We don't drive so parking would not be an option anyway, and I can't face public transport with two toddlers, stroller, luggage, kitchen sink.

Belo · 02/10/2012 12:06

We always get a cab. Parking is marginally cheaper if we're on a 1 week holiday, but the convenience of having somebody waiting for you far outweighs that. The cheaper parkign normally involves waiting for a bus to take you to the car park. It can really add to the journey time. Normally by the time we get to the airport, we just want to get home ASAP.

EllenParsons · 02/10/2012 16:26

I used to go to heathrow quite often as I was living abroad but had a lot of commitments in London. I generally used to stay at my brother's house in Richmond and take the 490 bus to Heathrow. This was really really convenient as it was pretty much door to door. If staying elsewhere in London I have also gone on the Piccadilly line a few times. I have got a taxi once or twice to and from richmond but usually go for public transport. I think a taxi to somewhere more central would be too expensive, e.g. I now live in highbury in north London and I would assume a taxi would be extortionate!

I don't have a car so obviously can't drive, but I think I would expect the parking costs to be off puttingly high anyway.

jessiegee · 02/10/2012 17:53

I always fly from Leeds/Bradford airport. The cost of parking the car at the airport while we are away is too high for our budget, so we use a local taxi firm. We live about 20 mins from the airport and the fare is about £13. The airport have stopped their free drop-off for 10 mins and now charge a flat £2, even if you only need to stop for 30 seconds. So this is now added onto the taxi fare. We book the taxi the evening before we're due to travel. On the way home we book one once we have retrieved our luggage.

Springhasarrived · 02/10/2012 20:00

I live about an hour away by car if the there is no traffic hold ups. I use a valet parking service which works out only a few pounds more expensive than the long stay car parks and is so convenient and time saving. I also feel safer when travelling alone doing it that way. I search on line for the cheapest deal.

To travel by train is far too inconvenient and expensive. Coming home on Sunday night is actually impossible by public transport due to appalling train services ie engineering works and time tables. You just couldnt risk it with a flight getting in lte etc.

I have used a taxi service too. It is nowhere near as cheap as driving/parking myself though.

cherryjellow · 02/10/2012 22:33

Generally I drive to the airport. If I go to Birmingham, I park a couple of miles away and then get a lift with friends into the airport. If I'm going to Heathrow airport I usually drive close buy then stay in a hotel nearby, leave my car there wilst on holiday then catch a bus to the airport. I do this because it cheaper for my family than getting public transport. I have once parked in an airport car park a few times I think. Once i caught a train to Manchester airport... that was a good and cheap experience.

When we book our flights my husband looks at parking etc. We have always found it easy to find parking information. we usually google the information :)

Cambam2010 · 03/10/2012 10:32

We always drive to Heathrow and either park in the Long Stay on site parking or park outside of the airport with one of those companies that shuttle you in. We never use public transport as I think that it is too much to juggle cases and children especially if you are on a tight time schedule.

LettyAshton · 03/10/2012 12:29

This is pertinent as we are due to travel to Heathrow Airport soon.

We do have a car and on the last two occasions have driven to Heathrow as I found a mega-special offer for valet parking. That was sheer bliss! Self-parking is a long, long way away and if I am alone or it's just me and the children I don't fancy wandering round dimly-lit parking lots late at night. Furthermore I wish the queueing system for coaches/parking would be fairer. When the appropriate coach pulls in, there is a huge barging scramble. Plus unless you are a weightlifting gold medallist, it is a huge feat to lug your cases onto the coach and into the baggage hold.

Still haven't thought about the parking... very much an afterthought. Look at websites and try to find a compromise between expense and hassle. Would like a clear table of costs.

Live an hour and a half away from Heathrow. Have taken a cab before as although this is expensive, frankly it's worth it when you have four people and to rid yourself of the stress of having to negotiate parking +coach.

Gethsemane · 03/10/2012 13:23

We always use the car. Getting kids and bags to the airport is just a nightmare without it.

Before kids we would typically use the tube - but lots of stations don't have elevators which makes it difficult now. Also when weighed down by bags it is not so easy to chase after your children when they inevitably run around to explore.

I would not use a bus - as it is much less convenient than a car. There is the problem of getting to the bus stop, the timings, and seating (making sure we get seats all together). Also when returning we are usually completely worn out and a convoluted bus journey home is not something to look forwards to.

We travel quite frequently, and find the airport parking (more typically a commercial car park outside of the airport with regular buses to and from the terminal) quite convenient. This is usually the cheapest option for parking - although we would prefer to park at one of the official airport car parks as this would be quicker.

Last time we flew we used the official airport short stay parking and we were really pleased to find family friendly spots right next to the bus stops (for the buses that take you to the terminal). This was a big help. As was the electronic screen telling you the time until the next bus - so you can tell the kids how long they have to be patient and wait for!

bubby64 · 03/10/2012 14:10

We drive to friends near Heathrow and then taxi the last part, as its easier and cheaper than the car parks. However, lately, we have used Stansted more as its closer, easier to get to and it has the pre-booked Valet Parking, which is a Godsend when you have luggage and young children in tow, especially on the way home, you ring them as soon as you pass through passport control, and every time (so far) the car has been warmed up and waiting just outside the entrance for us to get straight into- tired kids do not have much time to moan befor we are on our way!

QuintessentialShadows · 03/10/2012 16:23

We live an hours drive of Gatwick and 30-40 minutes away from Heathrow.

We often take a cab to Heathrow when we fly from there, as public transport from SW London is NOT great when your flight is at 7.20 (which it usually is for where we are going normally). It is too cumbersome. We have tried to use airport parking there, but again, it is not great. The cost is high, the bus service to and from the car-park is long and infrequent. It therefore ends up both cheaper and more convenient to take a taxi. £40 one way.

It is a different story altogether with Gatwick. When we fly out of Gatwick, public transport is even less convenient, with two kids and a lot of luggage. It will require walk, bus, tube AND train. Our usual flight is 9.15 (I bet some plane spotter will gush out: you must be flying to Oslo! - true that is the first leg of the journey)

The last couple of times we have used a fantastic service where we are met at departures where we drop off our car, a driver pick up our car, and drive it to the carpark, and we are met at arrivals by the driver, and find our car parked outside. Bliss. It is worth it, compared to both taxi, train fare and the cost of airport parking in general.

If, we fly from Gatwick using "A Low Cost Airline" to fly to some other european destination, where we dont bring much luggage, or we dont fly out before the crack of dawn, we have been known to use public transport.

Our next flight will be out of Heathrow. We have not decided how we get there this time.

Most of the time, when budgeting the cost of the flights, we do consider the cost of parking or cost of getting to the airport. This is usually the reason we normally end up at Gatwick, as the airline taking us to Oslo from Gatwick is usually A LOT cheaper than Scandinavian Airlines. Therefore, the combination of a very convenient parking service with cheap flights get my vote most of the time! Shopping is pretty Pants at Gatwick though, but not at all a deciding factor when booking and paying for flights!

StillSquiffy · 03/10/2012 16:29

If you have a car - do you tend to drive to the airport on a family holiday? If so, why? Yes, because it is a pain to use public transport with the children, and taxis are too expensive (see below). Also I often stay at the airport the night before and like to have somewhere to dump an extra overnight bag that I don't want to lug on holiday.

When do you start to think about how you and your family will get to the airport? Do you (or your DH/DP for that matter?) plan when booking your flights/holiday or is it an afterthought? I do it all at the same time I book the flights, usually at least 3 months in advance. But I have also done it last minute when we've decided to holiday last minute.

How do you search for information on getting to the airport or on parking there? Do you find information is readily available or not? Is there anything else you'd like to know? I normally link straight form the flight booking, using the BA/Easyjet links. Sometimes search via airport website.

And lastly, if you live within an hours drive of Heathrow, do you know how the cost of parking at Heathrow compares with a return taxi journey from where you live? You can enter your postcode at www.taxiorpark.com and take a look. Please note this uses Hackney Carriage Tariffs. Yes, I often use taxis when travelling by myself for business but only because (a) it's a tax deductible expense so I can justify higher payment and (b) I don't have the kids with me.

Mayisout · 03/10/2012 16:43

I have flown to and from George Bush Int Aport in Houston and the long stay car parks have loads of small buses ferrying everyone to the airport AND the driver (male or female) lifts your luggage on (with a smile and chat). This seems beyond us in the uk which is ridiculous, surely it should be part of the job. Wheeling your suitcase along is one thing, lifting it swiftly up two high steps is another.

glitch · 03/10/2012 16:47

I used to travel from Heathrow on business and found the parking there fine, the shuttle buses a doddle and not even too expesive.
I think the difference when with family and going on a longer holiday is that you have more to cart about, ie, kids, luggage, hand luggage, and I find that a bit easier when you are dropped at the door rather than getting the bus from the car park.

GreenShadow · 03/10/2012 16:51

If you have a car - do you tend to drive to the airport on a family holiday? If so, why? If you have a car but use other means - how do you travel to the airport? What would help to persuade you to use your own car?

Yes, we always drive to the airport because:

for 5 of us it is far cheaper than public transport or taxi (too many people for a standard taxi)
It is far more convenient than public transport - only one direct journey rather than trying to get a station/bus station etc. and therefore quicker.

When do you start to think about how you and your family will get to the airport? Do you (or your DH/DP for that matter?) plan when booking your flights/holiday or is it an afterthought?

We don't think about what method to use - just always assume car. We book airport parking well in advance, although probably not at teh same time as we book the holiday.

How do you search for information on getting to the airport or on parking there? Do you find information is readily available or not? Is there anything else you'd like to know?

We book car parking online having searched for cheapest/most convenient options online first. This information is readily available.

And lastly, if you live within an hours drive of Heathrow, do you know how the cost of parking at Heathrow compares with a return taxi journey from where you live?

We live 2 hours away.

abadoo · 03/10/2012 17:06

If you have a car - do you tend to drive to the airport on a family holiday? If so, why? No, never really considered as assume it's very expensive to park (and requires zero drinking on the plane, although now with a DS, this is less a consideration!)

If you have a car but use other means - how do you travel to the airport? What would help to persuade you to use your own car? We live near Arsenal tube, so the piccadilly line is brilliant, except it's not open early enough for morning flights half the time and, with DS, would be hell in rush hour with a pram and bags etc.

When do you start to think about how you and your family will get to the airport? After have booked flights

Do you (or your DH/DP for that matter?) plan when booking your flights/holiday or is it an afterthought? Planned generally based on time of flight and thus ease of tube access

How do you search for information on getting to the airport or on parking there? Google

Do you find information is readily available or not? Yes

Do you know how the cost of parking at Heathrow compares with a return taxi journey from where you live? You can enter your postcode at www.taxiorpark.com and take a look. I do now. It's about the same.

LazySleepy · 03/10/2012 17:24

To and from heathrow airport, I have always used heathrow express.
The other airport I use is a £25 taxi ride one way and I always take a taxi , Have never thought of driving and parking at the airport.

PostBellumBugsy · 03/10/2012 17:35

They'd like to know whether or not you choose to drive your own car to the airport or use a taxi or public transport and the reasons why you choose this method of transport.
I always get a taxi to Heathrow, as I live about 15 miles away.

If you have a car - do you tend to drive to the airport on a family holiday? If so, why? If you have a car but use other means - how do you travel to the airport? What would help to persuade you to use your own car?
Only very cheap parking would persuade me to drive to LHR, as a taxi always costs less if you are away from more than a day.

When do you start to think about how you and your family will get to the airport? Do you (or your DH/DP for that matter?) plan when booking your flights/holiday or is it an afterthought? How do you search for information on getting to the airport or on parking there? Do you find information is readily available or not? Is there anything else you'd like to know?
I will only consider airports to the South & West of London, as otherwise the journey to & from the airport is either hideous or very expensive.

And lastly, if you live within an hours drive of Heathrow, do you know how the cost of parking at Heathrow compares with a return taxi journey from where you live? You can enter your postcode at www.taxiorpark.com and take a look. Please note this uses Hackney Carriage Tariffs.
Yes, I know how much a taxi costs to LHR & how much parking costs at LRH. The parking vs local cab service comparrison rarely works in the favour of parking!