Complimentary taxi service
Jan 21, 2014, 4:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 783
Complimentary taxi service
I remember BA trailing a complimentary taxi service to Heathrow for passengers in CW/First. Why did they end this?
Cost I assume. But I find it odd they dont match competitors like VS.
Was the trial service free for all ticket types and redemptions?
Cost I assume. But I find it odd they dont match competitors like VS.
Was the trial service free for all ticket types and redemptions?
Jan 21, 2014, 4:04 pm
#2
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VS don't offer this service on all tickets only relatively high fare buckets. EK and VS also have Tristar as their supplier and Tristar is probably the only firm that would have the capacity to manage BA's volumes.
Jan 21, 2014, 4:24 pm
#4
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Jan 21, 2014, 4:26 pm
#5
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I don't think I used it when I could have chosen to. I hate long taxi journeys, London taxis are really uncomfortable compared to a nice car.
Jan 21, 2014, 4:27 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Yes - it was just paid F (F or A fares). Shame it didn't continue but I guess it wasn't seen as increasing sales or reducing losses to other carriers so wasn't cost effective.
Jan 21, 2014, 4:39 pm
#8
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F, A, J, and C fares for certain postal codes.
See:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...j-tickets.html
Here is another one for first passengers:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...first-pax.html
See:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...j-tickets.html
Here is another one for first passengers:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...first-pax.html
Last edited by jerry a. laska; Jan 21, 2014 at 6:19 pm Reason: add link
Jan 22, 2014, 2:37 am
#11
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Emirates' "chauffeur drive" is, for me, very attractive and is one reason why I choose EK over BA if possible. To be able to book a Mercedes S-class transfer at the beginning and, more importantly, at the end of my trips is invaluable. On arriving back in the UK I really appreciate not having to battle with getting into, across and out of London by rail or the alternative of tackling the M25 after a long journey (not to mention the cost of airport parking).
Jan 22, 2014, 3:50 am
#12
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I assume take up (and additional ticket sales) didn't justify continuing the experiment.
VS don't offer this service on all tickets only relatively high fare buckets. EK and VS also have Tristar as their supplier and Tristar is probably the only firm that would have the capacity to manage BA's volumes.
VS don't offer this service on all tickets only relatively high fare buckets. EK and VS also have Tristar as their supplier and Tristar is probably the only firm that would have the capacity to manage BA's volumes.
VS offer it on all UC fare buckets (J,C,D &I) except 'Z' discounted cash and 'G' reward flights.
But if you have a 'G' you can use 17.5k FC miles to 'buy' a VS CDC.
Jan 22, 2014, 4:16 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2011
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It's all a bit hypothetical unless you buy flex tickets (or someone else is paying your fare). I'm not in to spending £8k-£10k on long-haul J fares and if I were I doubt the cost of local ground transport would be high on my list of concerns. When the limo is bundled into a discounted fare then it can become a deal breaker. I remember MAN-SYD-MAN in J with EK for under £2k and with the limo thrown in it was too good to refuse. EK's chauffeur service also operates over a wide radius I seem to recall.
Jan 22, 2014, 4:38 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,753
Purely from a personal point of view, I appreciate the ease of being able to book transfers online with the likes of EK, EY et al.
However, if I'm travelling from my 'home' station, then I actually prefer to use my normal limo company, and I find downroute suppliers can be very variable.
Just recently, I've had a scruffy Lexus saloon provided for an F transfer, and also a fairly uncomfortable minivan.
Conversely, I've also had a very swish and beautifully looked-after S-Class Mercedes on a J transfer.
However, if I'm travelling from my 'home' station, then I actually prefer to use my normal limo company, and I find downroute suppliers can be very variable.
Just recently, I've had a scruffy Lexus saloon provided for an F transfer, and also a fairly uncomfortable minivan.
Conversely, I've also had a very swish and beautifully looked-after S-Class Mercedes on a J transfer.
Jan 22, 2014, 4:42 am
#15
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Emirates' "chauffeur drive" is, for me, very attractive and is one reason why I choose EK over BA if possible. To be able to book a Mercedes S-class transfer at the beginning and, more importantly, at the end of my trips is invaluable. On arriving back in the UK I really appreciate not having to battle with getting into, across and out of London by rail or the alternative of tackling the M25 after a long journey (not to mention the cost of airport parking).