Terminals, Meet and Greet, and Flight Delays
Airport collection can feel confusing after a long flight. Heathrow has four passenger terminals, busy arrival halls and controlled vehicle access. A successful pickup depends on three things: accurate flight information, a clear meeting arrangement and reliable communication after landing.
This guide explains what to send when booking, what happens after your flight arrives and how a pre-booked Heathrow Airport pick-up taxi can reduce uncertainty for passengers travelling to Burnham, Slough and surrounding areas.
Before the flight: provide complete arrival details
The driver or booking team needs more than an estimated landing time. Supply the information shown on the airline booking so the collection can be linked to the correct arrival.
- Passenger name and mobile number
- Airline and flight number
- Arrival date
- Scheduled landing time
- Heathrow terminal
- Final destination address
- Number of passengers
- Luggage quantity and any oversized items
- Any mobility or accessibility requirements
The flight number is particularly useful because arrival times can change. Burnham Cars states that flight times are checked before dispatch for Heathrow collections. Passengers should still report major itinerary changes, cancellations or rebooked flights as soon as they know about them.
Heathrow Airport Collection at a Glance
| What to check |
What you should do |
| Heathrow terminal |
Confirm whether the passenger is arriving at Terminal 2, 3, 4 or 5 |
| Flight information |
Provide the airline, flight number, arrival date and scheduled landing time |
| Passenger contact |
Share the passenger's name and a working mobile number |
| Meeting arrangement |
Confirm the exact meeting point and how the driver will contact the passenger |
| Meet-and-greet service |
Check what is included and where the driver will wait |
| Flight delays |
Inform the booking team about cancellations, rebookings or major itinerary changes |
| Luggage collection |
Allow time for immigration, baggage reclaim and customs |
| Vehicle selection |
Provide passenger numbers, suitcase quantities and details of oversized items |
| Terminal pickup rules |
Do not assume the driver can collect passengers directly from the terminal forecourt |
Know which Heathrow terminal you are using
Heathrow currently operates Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5. Airlines may move operations, and codeshare bookings can sometimes make the terminal less obvious. Check the airline confirmation and Heathrow's live flight information rather than relying on an old trip or memory.
Terminals 2 and 3
These terminals are in the central terminal area, but they have separate arrivals routes and meeting arrangements. A driver waiting for a Terminal 2 passenger cannot assume the same instructions apply at Terminal 3.
Terminal 4
Terminal 4 is on the southern side of the airport. Parking and access arrangements can change during airport works, so the exact collection instructions should be confirmed close to the travel date.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 has a large arrivals area with designated meeting points. Passengers should read the driver's message carefully and confirm whether they are meeting inside Arrivals or proceeding to an agreed pickup area.
What does meet and greet mean for a taxi pickup?
In a private hire context, meet and greet generally means the driver meets the passenger at an agreed point in or near the arrivals area rather than asking them to find an unfamiliar street location. The exact service can differ between operators, so confirm what is included when you book.
A clear meet-and-greet arrangement should identify the terminal, meeting location, passenger name and method of contact. Heathrow publishes official meeting points inside its terminals, but drivers may use a specific location based on parking access and the booking instructions.
Why pickup cannot take place on the terminal forecourt
Heathrow states that passenger pickup is not permitted on terminal forecourts. Collections use authorised parking or other designated arrangements. This is one reason passengers should not leave the arrivals hall and assume the driver can stop immediately outside the terminal doors.
Follow the instructions supplied by the operator. Airport parking layouts and charges can change, so a blog or old message should never replace the current booking instructions.
What happens when a flight is delayed?
A delayed landing does not always mean the passenger needs to make a new booking. When the correct flight number is attached to a pre-booked collection, the operator can check the updated arrival information and plan dispatch accordingly.
However, flight monitoring has limits. Contact the company if you miss a connection, change to a different flight, arrive at another terminal or cancel the journey. The original flight number may no longer represent where or when you will arrive.
Landing time is not the same as pickup time
After the aircraft lands, several steps may remain:
- Taxiing to the stand and leaving the aircraft
- Walking from the gate
- Passport control where applicable
- Baggage reclaim
- Customs
- Walking to the agreed meeting point
The time required varies by flight, terminal, passenger and baggage situation. A traveller with hand luggage may reach Arrivals faster than a family waiting for pushchairs and checked suitcases. An international passenger may also need more time at border control.
What should you do after landing?
- Turn on your phone when permitted and check for messages.
- Follow signs for Arrivals after passport control and baggage reclaim.
- Read the meeting instructions before leaving the terminal.
- Tell the operator if baggage is delayed or you need extra assistance.
- Go to the agreed point and remain reachable until you meet the driver.
Avoid walking to a different terminal, car park or roadside area unless the driver or booking team directs you there. Moving away from the agreed location can make the collection slower and more difficult.
Choosing the right vehicle for an airport collection
Book for your luggage as well as your passenger count. Burnham Cars lists saloon, estate, executive, MPV and minibus options for Heathrow travel. The right choice depends on the actual vehicle, suitcase sizes and any pushchairs, wheelchairs or unusual items.
When in doubt, describe the luggage rather than writing only "four bags". Four cabin cases require less space than four large checked suitcases. Clear information lets the booking team advise on a suitable option.
Frequently asked questions
Where will my driver meet me at Heathrow?
The meeting point depends on the terminal and the booking arrangement. Use the instructions sent with your collection and keep your phone available after landing.
What if my flight arrives early?
A flight number allows the operator to see updated arrival information. Still, check your messages and contact the company if your itinerary changes significantly.
Can I be collected directly outside Arrivals?
Heathrow does not allow passenger pickup on terminal forecourts. Your collection will use an authorised meeting and vehicle pickup arrangement.
Should I book the return taxi before I travel?
Yes, when your return flight is confirmed. Advance booking records the terminal, flight number, passengers and vehicle needs before you leave.
Plan your Heathrow collection before take-off
A Heathrow pickup becomes much easier when everyone has the same information. Confirm the terminal, provide the flight number, agree on the meeting arrangement and stay reachable after landing. With the practical details settled in advance, you can focus on collecting your luggage and completing the final part of your journey.