I meet the Etihad from Abu Dhabi most mornings, here's what I'd tell you
You'll most likely be on Etihad into Heathrow Terminal 4, a little over seven hours from AUH. I'll be past customs at the rail, board up, and I'll have followed the flight since it left the Gulf. If it lands late, I'm late with it. You don't pay for that.
The flights, plainly
Small things worth knowing
- London is three hours behind Abu Dhabi in summer, so the overnight flight lands you here in time for breakfast.
- Fares are fixed and I'll quote them in dirhams or pounds. No cash needed, ever.
- UAE passport? You'll need a UK ETA now, £20 on the official app, usually approved in a day. Do it before the airport.
How you'll find me
Etihad comes into Heathrow Terminal 4, and that's where I'll be, at the barrier the moment you clear the green channel, your name on a board, and I take the cases from there. On British Airways you'll come into Terminal 5 instead, and I'll be in that hall the same way. I'll have your flight on my phone from the time it leaves Abu Dhabi.
How the fare works
The fare is fixed before you fly and it stays fixed: not for a late flight, not for the drive into town, not for the time I spend waiting airside. I'll quote it in dirhams or pounds once you tell me the flight and where you're staying. Card or account, no cash, nothing to sort out in the car.
What Abu Dhabi clients actually book me for
Often the summer, when families come over to leave the Gulf heat behind and want the same car and driver for weeks at a time. Beyond that: Harley Street appointments kept quiet, the Knightsbridge and Bond Street runs with the boot filling up (it always does), government and embassy work that stays discreet, and in September the drive to school or to Oxford with the trunks. Tell me which and I'll shape it around you.
Before you book
Can I keep the same driver for the whole stay?
Yes, and Abu Dhabi families often do, especially over the summer. One driver who learns the school run, the clinic times and the way you like the day to go, for a week or for the season. Say so when you book and I'll hold it.
Which terminal will I come into?
Etihad lands at Heathrow Terminal 4, British Airways at Terminal 5. Tell me the flight and I'll be at the right barrier, name board up, before you reach the doors.
What if the flight lands early or late?
I watch it from the time it leaves the Gulf. Early or late, I'm at the rail when you clear customs, and the fixed fare covers any wait, so the timing costs you nothing.
What car will I get, and how much luggage fits?
A Mercedes S-Class carries three and their cases; the V-Class takes up to seven with the luggage to match. For a family over for the summer that's usually the V-Class or a pair of cars. Tell me the numbers and I'll get it right.