Meeting someone at Heathrow

Hello,

I did a quick search and couldn't find anything so please direct me to the link if this is already covered.

We have family coming in on a Friday night to Heathrow, Terminal 2 on Bulgaria Air. I have been to Heathrow once and am looking for tips on where we should meet them?

We will be taking the tube there and then bringing them back on the tube to Victoria station. They will have a child with them and a bit of luggage so we want to be able to meet them as far into the airport as possible to assist them with everything.

Anyone familiar enough to recommend a meeting spot or is it obvious? They won't have cell phones or PDA's or anything helpful like that so we're trying to get this figured out before.

On the other hand, anyone have a cheaper alternative than a cab for door to door service from the airport into Westminster?

Cheers!

You can meet them right by the barrier after they collect their baggage. There will probably be lots of people waiting there so it should be fairly obvious. As for cabs ... you could try getting a minicab to come and meet you there - cheaper than a black cab but prob still about 30 quid.

When they come through following baggage claim I think there will be a whole crowd of people waiting for their friends/relatives/etc.  You could just have a sign  (although there will be loads of people also with signs) and have them look for you.  Or a balloon or something visible.

If they have a child and lots of luggage, I wouldn't think the tube is the best.  Wouldn't it be better to spring for a car??

Yeah, I think a car is the best option too but they said springing for a cab is too expensive. I was quoted at least 50 GBP...is that pretty accurate from Heathrow to Victoria station area?

Hopefully they will change their mind but want to be prepared in case not.

Thanks for the responses so far.

That would be accurate for a black cab but not a minicab if you're going one way. My parents just paid £25 for a minicab one way to Heathrow from Maidenhead.

Also right outside opposite Terminal 2 is the entrance for the Picadilly undergound line.  Thats easy enough to find.  

Easy to find true, but I sure wouldn't do it with that many people, a child, and lots of luggage. It will be probably closer to £50 as you will need a people carrier for all of you plus luggage. But that's money well spent in my mind.Try Meadway cabs for an estimate.

I think it depends when you take the tube.  I was on the tube yesterday at rush hour and it was horrible and I only had one small-medium piece of luggage.

I couldn't imagine taking children with at that time.

I think it depends when you take the tube.  I was on the tube yesterday at rush hour and it was horrible and I only had one small-medium piece of luggage.

I couldn't imagine taking children with at that time.

Completely agree.  I was on at about noon today (shouldn't be rush hour!!) and it was awful.  The lines of people for the ticket machines and information were ridiculous.  I had a rolling bag and a laptop and I nearly died of heat/weariness.

Thanks for the good tips and cab recommendations. I am making an executive decision for them and we'll be ordering a cab for them and springing for the cost if they aren't willing. I think the door to door service is worth it, especially with the kiddo who will probably be either exhausted from traveling or wired from being cooped up in a plane for hours.

Thanks again!

We had relatives on the National Express coach from Heathrow - They run every hour..might be worth checking them out - possibly a little cheaper for you and they are easy peasy to negotiate.  I am sure they have a website..or alternatively..ask a friend to help you out and take two cars with you....Park up and meet them at arrivals.

Completely agree.  I was on at about noon today (shouldn't be rush hour!!) and it was awful.  The lines of people for the ticket machines and information were ridiculous.  I had a rolling bag and a laptop and I nearly died of heat/weariness.

Have to add that I always thought people were joking when they spoke about how busy the tube was.  I think busy is an understatement!

I'll never complain about Glasgow public transport again!