Minicab to Gatwick with toddler and baby...

[flowerdad]

Any recommendations for minicabs people can share for a airport drop off / pick up? We need 3 adults, 1 baby, 1 toddler to fit, so a large MPV is likely needed and some confidence that the child seats will be installed and up to standard. I've seen some references to http://www.airportsdirectservices.co.uk/ ADS when I've searched around - any feedback on their service?

Thanks

[Polly D]

I know it's not what you're asking for but have you considered driving there in your own car (therefore confident re car seats) and paying for valet service? We did this in October at Gatwick and it only cost us ?40 for 5 nights. V easy, you get met right outside the terminal. I think company was Diamond cars if you want to google it.

[Link]

Hello flowerdad,

We have been using ADS now for about 3 years if not more. My partner travels on business a lot. We have been really happy with them. We have used ADS a few times when travelling via Heathrow airport, 2 kids and 2 adults and were happy with the service. The kids sat on the child seats, the type that came with the car, this is because they are old enough to sit comfortably and safe. Knowing Tony, I think you can talk to him with your needs and he will work with you, very professional. I love the cleanliness of their cars!

[chantelle]

another vote for valet - we did it last month, left our car for two weeks and it was still cheaper than cabs each way. (ca. ?60)

[kaio1]

I recently drove to and parked at Heathrow during the Christmas period. It cost ?48 for 4 days, which I think is a great price considering all minicabs were charging astronomical prices during the holiday season. Also, didn't have to worry about availability of child car seat for 3yo son.

[flowerdad]

Thanks all. We typically do the drive/valet thing but since the family grew this autumn plus we are taking another adult our estate car cannot cope for an airport run. Buying a new car might be the next piece of advice I'll be seeking!!

[SR]

It's not a legal requirement for little ones to be in a car seat in a taxi. Having called around recently I couldn't find a cab firm with baby carseat (we didn't want to take ours as going to Euston). If ADS supply, then they sound like a good bet.

[Helen GV]

we took our own car seats and paid the driver ?10 to drop them back to our neighbour, had phoned around a few companies and could not find one that supplied car seats for infants and despite them not being a legal requirement we decided it was too risky in the pre Christmas snow. We used forest hill cars, just because they are local and agreed to drop the seats back..