The three things that actually matter when booking a family transfer
Airport days with children are stressful enough without worrying whether your taxi will actually have room for the pram, the car seats, and everyone’s luggage. Here’s what to check and plan for before you book a Heathrow transfer with kids in tow.
1. Child seats and booster seats
UK law requires an appropriate child car seat or booster for children under 12 or under 135cm tall in most circumstances, and this applies to private hire vehicles just as it does to your own car. When booking, add the number and approximate ages of children travelling so the right seats can be arranged in advance — this isn’t something to sort out at the kerb.
If you’re travelling with more than one small child, confirm this at the time of booking rather than assuming it’ll be handled automatically; specify exactly how many seats and what type (infant, toddler, booster) you need.
2. Luggage: prams, cases, and everything else
Family luggage rarely fits the “one case per person” assumption. Between a pram or buggy, car seats travelling as checked baggage, and extra bags for children’s things, it adds up fast. Think in terms of total items, not just suitcases, when choosing a vehicle class:
- Saloon — fine for 2-3 passengers with 2 large cases; tight for most families with a pram.
- Estate — extra boot space, good for a family of 3-4 with a pram and standard luggage.
- People Carrier — 5-6 passengers with 5 large cases; the usual choice for larger families or two families travelling together.
- 8-Seater Minivan — for bigger groups, extended family trips, or when luggage volume is unusually high.
3. Timing around young children
Long-haul arrivals with jet-lagged toddlers are a different experience to a quick domestic hop. If you’re arriving after an overnight flight, allow extra time for passport control and baggage with children, and make sure your flight number is on the booking so pickup timing reflects your actual arrival rather than the original schedule.
Booking with Onward Travel Solutions
Onward Travel Solutions offers six vehicle classes so you can match the car to your family and luggage rather than squeezing everyone in. Child seats and booster seats are available — just specify how many and what type when you book, along with your flight number so the dispatch team has your real arrival details.
Get a fixed price for your family transfer and choose your vehicle class before you travel.