Airport transfers, AKA getting to the airport and back, are something we all have to do at one time or another. Some people do a lot of air travel for work, while others get away several times a year on holiday, and domestic flights re an increasingly popular option, given the cost of trains and the slowness of buses.
While getting to and from the airport may be a simple issue, like everything in life it is worth examining it to see if you could do it better. Getting a taxi may be the overwhelmingly popular option, but renting a van can be a great option for many reasons an here are five of them;
Punctuality
You know that nagging feeling of waiting for a taxi and not being 100% sure it’s going to turn up even though you have booked it? Particularly if you’re on a late night or early morning departure or arrival – and that’s often where the cheap tickets are – watching the time and twiddling your thumbs can be a stressful experience. When you’ve got a rented van, you’re not reliant on someone driver’s sense of urgency – or lack of it. Set your alarm if you need to, and make sure any fellow travellers do the same, and you’re in business. It’s in your hands.
Size
If there are several of you plus a fair bit of luggage, perhaps including awkward shapes and sizes such as surf boards, skis or guitars, you may have trouble getting it all in a taxi or a normal car. With a van that has seats in the back, that is not a problem. Bring the whole team and you know no one’s going to be turning up late. Looking for the best van rental Heathrow or your local airport has to offer is easy when you do some research online.
Parking
If you’re only going for a few days, you can leave the van in the airport car park. Pull up at the departures entrance and everyone bar the driver can pile out. Then the driver stashes it in the car park, making a good note of exactly where it is, and they join the rest of you. Alternatively, you may prevail on a friend who’s not making the trip to do the honours, taking you there and picking you up
Cost
Depending on where the airport is, a taxi can cost a shocking amount. And if there are a few of you plus that luggage, you could be looking at several taxis and several more shocking fares.
Availability
A van can be booked well in advance, and you may be able to choose the make and model you want. Get it from a local independent car hire firm and you’ve got the added advantage of not having far to go to pick it up and drop it off. They might even do that for you. Anyway, it’s yours, it’s booked for the dates you need and it’s no hassle at all.
So, if you can save yourself some money and gain some independence and peace of mind, why not do that. The simple process of hiring a van can get your trip off to a great start and make things easy when you get back.
