Car Hire at Heathrow alone with Toddler

[snowqueen]

Hi

I have been searching for 'reliable' car hire companies for the last two weeks and the more I look the more nervous I'm getting. I'm travelling alone with my 18 month old to Heathrow airport (which lands at 5am) and need to hire a car when I get there and will also need a child car seat.

The reviews on web sites for the major companies have been extremely poor what with cars not being available etc, despite customer's booking. Some companies have even said that they cannot guarantee availability of a car seat!

Can anyone recommend a car hire company that they have used where I would not be told there would be either a) no car or b) no car seat.

Thanks X

[cbavasi]

We've used the Hertz at Heathrow and have never had a problem with the car (and car seat) being available - but I didn't book it (my husband did) so they very well may have told him they couldn't guarantee the car seat and he just didn't say anything to me.

They offer the shuttle service and we have used that each time - but honestly if I were alone I would have taken a taxi to the rental office - simply for the fact it's been cold, you have to wait quite awhile for the shuttle to arrive at that time of the morning and you have to haul all your stuff on and off (tho the driver is usually helpful) and everyone on the shuttle is also renting cars so it's sort of a dash to get in line and with a young one in tow can be difficult.

It's been relatively straightforward pickup and I do have to say the drop off is really really speedy.

[durain]

i have used hertz and avis from heathrow and they are good. if you have booked a car, you will get a car. if you booked a compact car and they dont have any on that day, they will give you a bigger car for the pirce of the compact. let them know in advanced you need a babyseat.

most car rental company are outside the main airport and will need to take the free shuttle bus there.

as for getting a taxi as in black cab, i dont think the taxi driver will take you to the rental car pick up office because it is such a short journey as they have to queue up from the back again. i read about this a few years ago, so not sure if they are allow to do this anymore.

other car rental you could try are holidayautos, enterprise, budget, national, etc. you can get an quote online.

good luck.

[cbavasi]

as for getting a taxi as in black cab, i dont think the taxi driver will take you to the rental car pick up office because it is such a short journey as they have to queue up from the back again. i read about this a few years ago, so not sure if they are allow to do this anymore.

i just assumed my husband was being a cheapskate!
ugh, honestly waiting for that shuttle bus that early in the morning for me is the worst part of the journey... (with kids in tow)

[snowqueen]

Hi,

Thanks for your help. I guess all the car hire companies are pretty much the same and people only ever write reviews if there's something to moan about.

Getting the shuttle bus is the one thing I'm dreading the most as obviously with a baby, stroller and luggage I'm going to be last off the bus so at the back of the queue for the car hire desk.

I could plead 'damsel in distress' and a nice taxi man will feel sorry for me and won't mind taking me to the car hire place

[Mad Scientist]

Snowqueen

I have not been in your situation b4 BUT I would do this trick. Whatever airline you are flying with , request "Need Assistance" with the airline like a wheelchair or something. They will take care of you from the minute you check in thru custom and the whole works.
I did that for my son when he travel alone from SG to US when he was 15 then.No major drama at all.

[kimora]

From the airport, i'd take the Heathrow Express train to the city, will be so much cheaper, then get a city taxi or car hire at Paddington Station.