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Heathrow Drop-Off/Pick-Up

PostPosted: 06 Jul 2008, 16:23
by baldbrit
I am flying to Heathrow next month with my family, probably with what will seem like 100+ suitcases. OK, slight exageration...

With all the security enhancements in place, is it still possible to get the rental car and then return to he terminal for my family? Same question for the return trip. Can I drop them off and then return the rental car?

PostPosted: 06 Jul 2008, 16:47
by ela123
You can still drive into the pick up point at the front of terminal 3. Can't wait any time though as there are lots of wardens moving you on!

PostPosted: 06 Jul 2008, 17:07
by baldbrit
Originally posted by ela123
You can still drive into the pick up point at the front of terminal 3. Can't wait any time though as there are lots of wardens moving you on!


That's good to know. The last time I flew back to the UK, Edinburgh airport was attacked. I wasn't sure if that resulted in any change.

The wardens may end up being a little upset with me though. It isn't going to be quick loading everyone and everything into the car.

PostPosted: 06 Jul 2008, 18:16
by Darren Wheeler
Originally posted by baldbrit
Originally posted by ela123
You can still drive into the pick up point at the front of terminal 3. Can't wait any time though as there are lots of wardens moving you on!


The wardens may end up being a little upset with me though. It isn't going to be quick loading everyone and everything into the car.


If you're there too long, you'll soon find a PC telling you to move. Also, what ever you do, make sure your family is waiting at the kerbside for you. Don't wander off to look for them even for 30 seconds, by the time you get back your car will be on it's way to the pound.

PostPosted: 06 Jul 2008, 18:26
by mitchja
Basically all that's changed now at all UK airports, is that the roads are now further away from the terminal entrances than they where before.

In some cases this means closing the roads that ran along side the terminal buildings (which it was they have done at MAN) or they have contructed new bigger pedestrian areas in front of terminals which is what they have done at LHR T3.

Regards

PostPosted: 08 Jul 2008, 12:41
by Boo Boo
Originally posted by baldbrit
That's good to know. The last time I flew back to the UK, Edinburgh airport was attacked. I wasn't sure if that resulted in any change.

The wardens may end up being a little upset with me though. It isn't going to be quick loading everyone and everything into the car.


They are REALLY strict now... they like the driver to stay in the drivers seat with the engine running... maybe get one of the other adults in the party to sit in the drivers seat whilst you unload?

Waiting around is not an option at all - they start writing up a ticket at the slightest hint of waiting or hanging around.

On the bright side, it does mean that there is a good turnover of spaces (i.e. getting a space to unload is not at all difficult...).

Boo

PostPosted: 09 Jul 2008, 04:10
by baldbrit

They are REALLY strict now... they like the driver to stay in the drivers seat with the engine running... maybe get one of the other adults in the party to sit in the drivers seat whilst you unload?




I'm planning on taking the two car seats and my 5 year old with me to the rental car, and then returning for my wife, 2 year old, and all the suitcases. If my wife straps my son in while I load the suitcases and kitchen sink, I think we should be good.

Thanks everyone.