Why pre-booking your airport transfer makes sense

Plenty of people still leave the airport journey until the last minute. They plan to get a lift, or sort something out when they land. Sometimes that works. But after a long flight, with tired children and a pile of cases, it is the last thing you want to be thinking about. Here is why so many of our customers book their airport transfer before they go.

You know the price before you travel

When you book with FindCab, you see a fixed price for your journey before you confirm. That price covers the car, the driver, fuel and the route, and we'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply. It doesn't go up if there is traffic on the M60, and it is the same at 4am as at 4pm.

That makes it easy to budget. You can compare it properly with parking, fuel or train fares, and there is nothing to worry about at the end of the journey.

The driver knows when you land

When you add your flight number, we follow the flight. If it lands early, the driver is there early. If it is delayed, the driver adjusts. You don't need to ring us from the plane, and you don't pay extra for normal delays.

Late arrivals are common in summer, when holiday flights often land after midnight. Knowing a car is waiting at that time of night makes a real difference.

The car fits your luggage

When you book, you tell us how many people and suitcases there are. The booking form only shows vehicles that fit. That means no squeezing cases onto laps or leaving someone behind. If you have something unusual, like golf bags, skis or a wheelchair, you can tell us in advance so we send the right car.

Child seats are ready

If you have young children, you can add baby seats, child seats and booster seats when you book. They are free. The driver brings them and fits them before you get in. Trying to arrange that on the day is much harder.

No queues when you land

With a pre-booked car, you walk out of arrivals and go straight to your driver. With meet & greet (£5), the driver waits inside the arrivals hall with a name board and helps you with your bags. Without it, the driver tells you where the car is parked and you walk there.

Either way, there is no waiting in line and no wondering how you are going to get home.

Early starts are covered

Lots of flights from Manchester leave early in the morning, which means pickups at 3am or 4am. Public transport is limited at that hour, and asking a friend for a lift at that time is a big favour. A booked car turns up at the time you agreed, and the driver helps with the bags.

When you book, we suggest a pickup time based on your address and your flight, so you arrive with enough time for check-in and security.

Compared with airport parking

For a week or more away, a return transfer can compare well with parking at the airport, once you add fuel and the cost of the car park. It depends on how long you are away and which car park you would use, so it is worth checking both. The other advantage is that nobody has to drive home tired after a long flight.

Compared with a lift from friends or family

A lift is kind, but it can mean someone getting up at 3am, paying to drop you off at the terminal and then paying again to collect you. With a booked car, nobody has to do that, and you are not relying on someone else's plans.

Compared with the train

Manchester Airport has its own station, and for some trips the train is a good choice. For families, groups, anyone with heavy luggage, very early or late flights, or anywhere not on a direct line, door-to-door travel is usually easier.

Booking ahead is how private hire works

In England, private hire cars must be booked through a licensed operator. They can't be hailed in the street. Booking ahead isn't just convenient; it is how the system is meant to work, and it gives you a record of the booking and the driver.

How far ahead should you book?

Online bookings need at least eight hours' notice. In practice, we recommend booking as soon as you have your flights, especially for school holidays, early mornings and minibuses, when we are busiest.

Paying

We take card only. You pay online by card when you book. We don't take cash.

Book your transfer

Enter your address and flight details and you will see a fixed price straight away. Book your airport transfer online, or call us on 0161 660 4006.