I meet the morning Emirates flight most days, here's what I'd tell you
You'll probably land at Heathrow Terminal 3, that's where EK001, 003 and 005 come in, about 7 hours 40 from DXB. I'll be past customs at the rail, board up, and I'll have watched your flight since it left the Gulf. If it's late, I'm late with it. You don't pay for that.
The flights, plainly
Small things worth knowing
- London is three hours behind Dubai in summer, so the morning flight lands before lunch.
- Fares are fixed and I'll quote them in dirhams or pounds. No cash needed, ever.
- UAE passport? You 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
At Heathrow I'm at the barrier the moment you clear the green channel in Terminal 3, your name on a board, and I take the cases from there. If Emirates puts you into Gatwick or Stansted instead, that's mine to know, not yours, and I'll be in that arrivals hall the same way. I'll have your flight on my phone from the time it leaves the Gulf.
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 Dubai clients actually book me for
Mostly the same four things: meetings in the City with the car kept on for the day; Harley Street appointments where you'd rather not talk about it; a standby car for Knightsbridge (the boot fills up fast); and every September, the run to Oxford or Cambridge with a term's worth of luggage. If your trip looks like one of those, say so and we'll shape the booking around it.
Before you book
What if the flight lands early or late?
I watch it from wheels-up in Dubai. Early or late, I'm at the rail when you clear customs, and the fixed fare covers any wait, so the clock changing over the Gulf costs you nothing.
Where do we meet at Heathrow Terminal 3?
At the arrivals barrier as you come out of baggage reclaim, with your name on a board. If you're travelling with family or would rather a quieter spot, tell me and I'll arrange where to meet before you land.
How far ahead should I book?
A day or two suits a single car. For September's university runs, a group, or several days with the same driver, give as much notice as you can. Short notice is always worth an ask, I'll tell you straight whether it's possible.
What car will I get, and how much luggage fits?
A Mercedes S-Class carries three and their cases comfortably. The V-Class takes up to seven with room for the bags. Tell me the numbers, passengers and cases both, and I'll send the car that actually fits, not just the one that's closest.