Heathrow transport

You might actually be quite surprised at what the airlines can do. My husband and I have done countless flights where we have had to actually run across the airport and they always manage to ge the luggage to the final destination with us.  There was only once it didn't happen but that was when my DH flew by himself and they ended up  sending it by courier it to him the same day.

what exactly is the difference between a minicab and a black cab... mini you arrange in advance and black you pick up in a queue and pay through the nose? I paid £10 to go a mile and a half in the middle of the day. 

Could you do the train from Victoria to Croydon then?

I don't know how to explain it exactly, as I've just a conceptual understanding - mini cabs are owned and operated by just about anyone with any kind of car, hence the warnings of ALWAYS checking their credentials... most times you're going to get a better deal with a (legit) mini cab company.  Black cabs are = London Black Cabs - dunno, just the reputable, black cabs we've all come to know and love.  They can also be booked in advance as well as just hailing one, but yes, usually it will cost more... simply because it's Black Cab.  I'm sure someone's got a better explanation than that!
I just checked the cost for my friend going from the Finchley Central area to Paddington (Heathrow Express) when she leaves on Monday morning, and it's £26, which doesn't seem too bad.

ah right! that's why the adverts for making sure you use a reputable mini cab! I remember I did have a chat with the driver that picked me up... he had a Hackney Carriage License and he explained the standard behind it. They are one only ones you can legally hail if I remember correctly.

http://www.ukstudentlife.com/Travel/Transport/Taxi.htm

Basically a Black Taxi is licensed to pick up passengers from ranks or can be hailed.  A mini cab must be booked in advance and cannot be hailed.  It is illegal for mini-cab drivers to 'tout' or to approach someone offering a lift.  Do not use any cab(even if it's a black cab) without checking the license.

thats a great site thanks!