Transport to and from Heathrow

Does anyone have any recommendations for getting to and from Heathrow (from the North London area)? 

National Express?
London Black Cab?

I'll be traveling by myself, with two suitcases... so would rather not deal with switching trains, etc.

In General terms, look for what piece(s) of transport run from your area to the airport / assume nothing's out.  I remember answering this for folks living in Bristol who were looking at train the the awkward railair bus from Reading ... and they live just up the road from the bus station at Bristol which has direct links.

Elizabeth - are you anywhere near the Piccadilly line tube ... passes through North London - Cockfosters via Southgate to King's Cross, direct to Heathrow ...

If you can afford it, get a minicab. It will probably cost you about £20-£25  which is a lot chreaper than a black cab and about the same as if you got the tube + Heathrow Express.  Just make sure you agree the price beforehand - most minicab firms have a set rate to Heathrow.  If you want a minicab to collect you when you come back, you can arrange that in advance too (since minicabs are not allowed to tout for fares at the airport) - you give them your flight details and they send a driver to meet you.  You could also get a cab or tube to Paddington and Heathrow Express from there, but like I said I don't think it will save you much money. I am not sure if you can still check in at Paddington with some airlines, that stopped for a while, your airline can advise you on that - it means you get to dtich your bags there and get spend time hanging out in Paddington (ooooh how exciting! NOT) or head straight for the excellent duty free shops at Heathrow. I LOVE the airside shops at Terminal 4!

I'd hire a car service to pick you up if you can't get the Tube down there.  I use Ray Skinner and he's fabulous.  london-transfers.com

Thanks - yes, I was starting to lean toward the option of a minicab; that way I get picked up at my door!

Graham - I live near the lovely and infamous Northern Line, which I would have to take and then switch to the Piccadilly Line; which is what I would prefer to avoid.  I am heading out just after rush hour, but by myself, would prefer not to have the hassle of lugging 2 suitcases up the street, down the stairs, onto the train... and then again at King's Cross...

Thanks for the recommendations, and I'll check out Ray Skinner.

Ray Skinner's service isn't cheap from Northern London but he will pick you up at your door and drop you at the terminal.  When I went home last month, I took the Tube to Heathrow and then had him pick me up on the way home.  My bags were heavier coming back here than going home and going down the stairs so much easier than going up!

My bags were heavier coming back here than going home...

As my mother has forewarned me; methinks my situation will be the same!  However, with the stress I go through to make sure I'm at the airport with plenty of time; I think I'll do it both ways...