AIRPORT ARRIVALS · CUSTOMER GUIDE
Airport pickups explained: waiting, parking & meeting your driver
Know when your free waiting starts, how additional waiting is charged and what to confirm before your airport collection.
Your flight has landed, and there are still bags to collect and a driver to meet. Sharing the right details before you travel helps us plan your airport collection. Here is how United Cars airport pickup waiting and parking charges work.
Send your flight and contact details
When you book, give us your arrival airport, terminal, flight number and arrival date. Check these details for your return journey even if we are also taking you to the airport. Include a mobile number you can use when you arrive.
Tell us the number of passengers and bags, as well as any extra stops. If your plans or contact details change, let our team know so we can review your collection arrangements.
Your free 60 minutes starts when the plane lands
The first 60 minutes of airport pickup waiting are free, starting from the plane’s actual landing time. Parking charges still apply during this period.
This gives you time to work through arrivals and collect your luggage. For example, if your plane lands at 10:00 am, the free waiting period ends at 11:00 am. The starting point is the landing time, rather than the time you reach the arrivals hall.
After 60 minutes: £7.50 per started 15 minutes
After the free airport pickup waiting period, waiting is charged at £7.50 for each started 15-minute interval. This is equivalent to £30 an hour, with time rounded up to the next 15-minute interval.
| Additional waiting | Waiting charge |
|---|---|
| 1–15 minutes | £7.50 |
| Over 15, up to 30 minutes | £15.00 |
| Over 30, up to 45 minutes | £22.50 |
| Over 45, up to 60 minutes | £30.00 |
For example, 16 minutes of waiting after the free period is charged as 30 minutes, making the waiting charge £15. Parking is charged separately.
Parking and airport charges are separate
Airport parking, airport drop-off fees and applicable road tolls are not included in our advertised fares. Parking applies to your collection even while the first 60 minutes of waiting are free. The applicable charge depends on the airport, collection arrangements and time parked.
Read our extra charges and airport fees page and confirm the charges for your booking with our team. Use the airport’s current information for changes to its parking or collection arrangements.
Follow your agreed collection instructions
Check your booking confirmation and the collection instructions provided for your airport. Meeting points can differ between airports and terminals. Keep your phone available, and contact our team if you need help locating your driver or if you are delayed in arrivals.
Before your return, it can help to keep your booking details and our contact number together. For more preparation tips, use the airport transfer checklist.
