Landed in London: from the plane to the car

The flight lands, the seatbelt sign goes off and everyone stands up at once. It can still be a while before you are on the road. Knowing what is between you and the car makes that wait easier, and helps you tell us when you will be ready.

Before you land

When you book a pick-up, give us your flight number and the time it is due to land, and a mobile number you will have switched on when you arrive. Keep our confirmation somewhere you can find it without searching through emails at the baggage belt.

Off the plane and through the border

At the bigger London airports, the walk from the gate to passport control can be long. How long the queue takes depends on the time of day, how many flights have landed together and which passport you hold. Many travellers can use the automatic eGates, which are usually quicker. Have your passport out and ready before you reach the front.

The baggage hall

If you only have hand luggage, this part is quick. If you have checked bags, the screens in the baggage hall show which belt your flight is on. Bags can take a while to come through, and it is the part of the journey that varies most. This is a good moment to message us to say you are waiting for bags.

Into arrivals

Once you walk through customs, you are in the arrivals hall. Where you meet your car depends on the airport and the terminal, and we will tell you exactly where when we confirm your booking. If you cannot see what you are looking for, stay where you are and call or message us rather than wandering off to look.

A few things that help

• switch your phone off flight mode as soon as you are allowed
• let us know if you are held up in passport control or at the belt
• keep everyone in your party together in the arrivals hall

On the road

Then it is just the drive home, or to your hotel if you are visiting. Sit back, check your messages and watch London arrive. If you are not sure which airport you are landing at, or want to book the journey back out at the same time, see our airports page or tick the return box on the form.