What Happens If My Flight Is Delayed? How Airport Pickups Handle Delays
Delayed or early flight? Here is what's included with a pre-booked airport pickup, what waiting time is covered, and what to do if you are diverted.
A delayed flight is stressful enough without worrying whether your car will still be there. Here is how a pre-booked pickup handles it.
Add your flight number when you book
Your flight number is attached to the booking so your driver has it on file — it's what lets us plan a sensible pickup time and covers you with the included waiting allowance below. For a delay that moves your landing time significantly, the most reliable thing is a quick call or WhatsApp message to us with your booking reference so we can confirm your pickup — normal, everyday delays are already covered by the waiting allowance.
Included waiting time
After the flight lands, there is a free waiting allowance to cover the walk to immigration, passport control, baggage reclaim and getting to the meeting point. For most airports and most travellers that is comfortably enough.
If you are held up well beyond that — a very long immigration queue, delayed baggage, lost luggage paperwork — extra waiting is charged by the minute, not in large half-hour blocks. A quick text to the driver keeps everyone informed.
What if the flight is diverted or cancelled?
- Diverted to another airport: contact us as soon as you can. Depending on distance and timing we can often send a car to the new airport or re-plan the journey.
- Cancelled: let us know. If it is well before pickup, we simply move or cancel the booking under the normal policy. If a driver has already been dispatched, standard dispatch terms apply — but we would always rather re-book you than charge you.
What you should still do
- Enter the correct flight number at booking so it is on file for your driver.
- If your plans change (you rebook onto a different flight, or the delay is significant), update the booking or call/WhatsApp us with your reference.
- Keep the driver's number handy once it is sent to you, in case you want to send a quick "just landed, 20 minutes at baggage" message.
Book an airport transfer with your flight number, and message us if plans change.
Book with XlineCars. Fixed prices, vetted drivers and your flight details on file for every UK airport, seaport and long-distance journey. Get a quote or see the fleet.