Recommendation for taxi firm to do a bit extra Post Reply

[Gillak]

I am flying from Gatwick just before Christmas on my own with my 2 children aged 18 months and 3 years. I will also be 30 weeks pregnant so am looking for a taxi company that would also be prepared to take my bags into the airport and help me check in. Can anyone recommend anyone? Our local taxi company is a bit sporadic in terms of helpfulness of their drivers so I really need someone I can rely on. I live in Earls field. Thanks!

[Eire~mama]

Have you never used Southwest cars in Earlsfield ?? We have used them for the last 15 years for all our airport drop offs and pick ups with 2 children , and they they have always been amazingly helpful and accommodating , they have brought me and my bags + kids in to check in , they charged me for short stay parking for 1 hour but you just have to explain your needs . Good luck

[Annabel (admin)]

Please do check the taxi driver has the correct ID.

I'll never forget being pulled over by the police when in a cab (the taxi driver jumped a red light).

The police made a few calls and not only was he uninsured but he had no driving licence (not minicab licence, DRIVING licence) and the car was stolen!

He was led away in handcuffs leaving me by the side of the road with a very upset eight year old.

Daughter: "why is the nice man being locked in a car jail?"

Me: "I'm not sure he is very nice..." and then I try to explain about insurance and what happened if we'd had had an accident.

This was as he was locked into one of those cage things in the back of a police van.

[Eire~mama]

Well Mrs Admin that will fill the heart of any 30 week pregnant , x2 kids in tow with terror...but good point !

[Annabel (admin)]

Oh Gosh, that probably wasn't helpful was it

so sorry, just trying to emphasize to please get someone who is trustworthy.

Off to go and get my foot extracted from my mouth!

A

[Eire~mama]

The cab company I recommended claim that all their drivers are registered with the carriage office, but as you good to check !

[Gillak]

Thanks Annabel! Funnily enough that was exactly why I was asking. Without wanting to name and shame a local taxi firm, we recently had a taxi driver that was so bad that we doubted he could ever have passed a driving test. His driving was so dangerous that we actually reported him to the police and haven't used the taxi firm since. On another occasion our taxi driver literally dozed off at the wheel. Which is why I am trying to find a good recommendation!

[Annabel (admin)]

Sorry to hear that.

Can you mail me the company you were unhappy with?

I'll mail you back mine!

I'm on nappyvalleynet@btinternet.com

Perhaps we should have a list of "firms not complained about"!

A

[Annabel (admin)]

We are using 9000 very happily at the moment and Keen have always been good to us too. Lots of mums I know use 5000 and there's always Addison Lee too - bit more corporate.

I've always found drivers very happy to do that extra bit with or without being asked (I don't drive) carry stuff, wait whilst I get trolleys, collect children etc

I was just a touch unnerved by our dodgy experience last summer.

Maybe I should have started with this and followed with my 'take care' post

Hope that you find someone you are happy with...do share!

Annabel x

[HannaMatNurse]

Hi Gillek,

I recommend Addison Lee, just tell them when booking what you need + car seats!

Also just want to say, don't worry about the flight, it's usually less painful than expected, and airhostesses are many times keen to help out that little bit extra when they see you traveling alone.

Just want to say what I'm thinking about, and hope it's of more help than annoying. Please remember to bring a drs note to the airport, and that it covers your return trip aswell, stating a healthy pregnancy and expected due date. Flying at 30 weeks pregnant you must have this.

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/927.aspx?Ca ... =173#close

Just making sure they let you back home

Hope flight goes well and enjoy your trip!