Author : Patrick Omari
Deciding whether to get a taxi and what firm to choose is not always easy You could call a dozen or more taxi firms and petrol companies, but who has the time and patience to do that? Fortunately, there are now automated and innovative ways of getting this information This article introduces a clever online calculator that will save you pounds
Maybe you can’t drive to the airport or get public transport, maybe you don’t want to or maybe, if you’re a woman, you’ve packed too many clothes and can’t lift your own suitcase Whatever the reason, there are times when you will need to take a taxi If it is a long journey, not all firms will be willing to make the trip, so it is wise to book
Taxi fares are calculated by a meter, usually starting with an initial charge plus a set amount per mile after that Airport taxis and shuttles generally charge a set fare one way It is usually a good idea to tip the taxi or shuttle driver – there is no fixed rate for tips, but 10 to 15 per cent of the fare is reasonable If the distance is long, see if you can share a taxi with a friend and split the fare
The number of people going on holiday each year means there is plenty of demand for taxi firms specialising in journeys to and from the airport There are now plenty to choose from and the services on offer vary between companies
Before I tell you what this little tool can do, let us examine the options you would probably consider when deciding how to get to the airport
Some airport taxi firms offer high class transport to the airports, aimed at a niche market like businesspeople and professionals They will offer luxury, top of the range vehicles, along with a personal chauffeur who will take care of all your luggage for you until you get to the airport Some firms will even escort you with your luggage to check-in
There are the ones you would call regular taxis offering standard service Then there are the firms that are aimed more at families – for example they will use a minibus and have plenty of space for luggage, prams, wheelchairs, skis, snowboards etc Some taxi firms are now adding a personal touch by having a meet and greet service On your outbound journey you have the option of booking your return transport also There are meet and greet points in various places throughout the different airports, and you arrange before you leave which one you will meet at Your taxi driver will help you with your luggage and take you home Booking both journeys with the same firm will probably also save you money
The benefits of taxi transport
You do not have to look for a parking space at the airport
You will be dropped off at the departure hall and picked up at the arrivals hall
You will be picked up at home and dropped off at your doorstep
You do not need to carry suitcases in and out of buses and trains
You are no longer dependent on public transport
You do not have to worry about theft of or damage to the car you have parked at the airport
You do not run the risk of your car battery going flat when your car is parked at the airport for a long period
The benefits of driving to the airport
Friends and relatives do not have to drive you to and from the airport at inconvenient times or miss work or other commitments
You have complete freedom over where you go and how long you stay
You are in control of your own transport and don’t have to rely on someone else to get you there on time
Often, taking your car works out less expensive than booking a taxi or coach travel
You’re helping the environment by saving the extra journeys involved if someone drops you off and comes back for you
The parking lots are affordable, especially if you book in advance online or over the phone Then you can relax knowing that your car will be well looked after and you will make your flight
You can agree on a fixed rate in advance but if there are traffic jams or other unforeseen incidents the taxi may spring an unpleasant surprise – waiting charges
You save yourself the trouble of making endless phonecalls to tell your family and friends that you have arrived and they can come and pick you up
Using this calculator, UK-based travellers can tell which option works out cheaper for you – a handy tool and a novel way to save money
Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Gatwick parking Gatwick parking, Gatwick parking and cheaper to park.
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