What does meet & greet mean at the airport?

When you book an airport pickup with us, one of the extras you can add is meet & greet. It costs £5. People often ask exactly what it involves, and whether it is worth it. Here is a plain explanation.

What meet & greet means

With meet & greet, your driver comes into the arrivals hall at the airport and waits for you there with a name board. When you come through, you look for your name. The driver introduces themselves, helps with your luggage and walks with you to the car.

That's it. It is simple, but it takes away the part of arriving that people find most stressful: working out where to go and finding the car.

What happens without it?

Without meet & greet, you have a standard pick-up. The driver waits in a car park or a set collection area near the terminal. When you have your bags, you call or message the driver. They tell you where they are and you walk to the car.

This works well for many people. If you know the airport, your phone is working and you are happy to find your own way, it is a perfectly good option.

Why drivers can't just wait outside

At most UK airports, including Manchester, cars can't stop and wait at the kerb outside arrivals. The roads outside the terminals are kept clear for buses and drop-offs. So a driver either waits in a car park and you walk to them, or they park and come into the terminal to meet you. Meet & greet is the second of these.

When meet & greet is worth it

We suggest it in these situations:

• First-time visitors. If you have never been to the airport, the walk to the car park can be confusing.
• Families with young children. Having someone to help with the cases and the buggy makes a real difference.
• Older passengers. A friendly face and help with bags is reassuring.
• Late-night arrivals. When you are tired, you don't want to be finding your way across a car park.
• Guests and clients. If you are booking for someone else, it looks after them properly.
• Phone problems. If your phone doesn't work abroad, or the battery is low, meet & greet means you don't need to call anyone.
• Big airports. At Heathrow and Gatwick, arrivals halls are large and busy.
• Lots of luggage. Help with the trolley and loading is useful.

How it works with flight tracking

Meet & greet works alongside flight tracking. When you add your flight number to the booking, we follow the flight. The driver plans to be in arrivals in good time for when you come through, allowing for passport control and baggage. If the flight is early or late, they adjust.

If you are held up, for example at a long passport queue or a missing bag, send the driver a message if you can. They will wait.

What the name board says

Usually the board shows the lead passenger's name. If you prefer something else, such as a company name or a different family member, put it in the booking notes. For business guests, a company name often looks more professional.

Where to look

When you walk out into the arrivals hall, look at the people waiting at the front with boards. Drivers usually stand where the arrivals doors open into the hall. If you can't see your name straight away, stand still for a moment, or step to one side and look along the line. If you still can't see the driver, call the number in your booking confirmation.

Is meet & greet available everywhere?

We offer meet & greet at all the airports we cover, including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, Birmingham and the London airports. It is also possible at many stations and cruise terminals, depending on the rules at each place. If you are not sure, ask us.

Does it cost more for longer waits?

Meet & greet is a fixed £5 extra. The fare itself is fixed when you book. Because we follow your flight, normal delays don't change the price. If something unusual happens, like a very long delay on the ground after landing, just keep us informed.

Meet & greet on departures?

On the way out, there is no need for meet & greet. The driver collects you from your address and drops you at the terminal drop-off area, and helps you unload your bags. If you need help inside the terminal, book special assistance with your airline.

Common questions

What if I come out of a different door?

Some terminals have more than one route into arrivals. If you can't see your driver, call the number in your booking. They will come and find you.

Can I add meet & greet after I have booked?

Yes. Contact us with your booking reference before you fly and we will add it.

Is it worth it for a short trip home?

That is up to you. Even if you only live ten minutes away, the walk from the terminal to the car park with cases and children can be the hardest part of the journey. For £5, many of our customers think it is worth it.

Will the driver help with a trolley?

Yes. The driver will help you with your bags from the arrivals hall to the car and load them into the boot.

Meet & greet for someone else

If you are booking for a parent, a friend or a business guest, meet & greet means you don't have to worry about whether they will find the car. Put their name and mobile number in the booking, and add anything the driver should know, such as whether they speak English or need help walking. The driver will look after them from the arrivals hall to the door.

Adding it to your booking

In the booking form, choose your pickup at the airport, add your flight number, and tick meet & greet in the extras step. It costs £5, added to your fixed price. Payment is by card, online or to the driver. Book your airport pickup with meet & greet.