You have probably seen them: drivers holding name boards at the arrivals gate. That is Meet and Greet, and on a ZeroLanes airport pickup it is an extra you can add when you book.
Arriving at a busy airport can be overwhelming. After a long flight, you have to find your way through passport control, collect your bags and pass through customs, and then work out where to go next. For many people, the sight of a friendly face holding a sign with their name on it is the most welcome thing in the world.
This guide explains what Meet and Greet is, how it works with ZeroLanes, when it is worth adding and when you can do without it. It also covers what to do if things do not go to plan, such as a delayed flight or a long wait for your bags.
How it works
Instead of waiting with the car outside, your driver comes into the arrivals hall and waits for you with your name. They help with the bags and walk you to the car.
Your flight number goes to your driver when you book, so they know which arrival they are meeting.
When you come through the doors into the arrivals hall, look for your name. Your driver will be waiting among the others holding name boards, usually close to where passengers come out. Then they take you and your luggage out to the car.
Without Meet and Greet, your driver waits with the car at the airport’s pickup point, and you make your own way there. Your journey page shows your driver’s name, the car’s make, colour and registration, and where to meet. It works well if you know the airport.
Why arrivals halls are confusing
Big airports can be hard to find your way around, especially if you have never been there before. Signs point in many directions, and the pickup points for private hire cars are often some distance from the terminal, in a car park or a set area. After a long flight, it can be hard to take it all in.
Many travellers arrive tired, jet lagged or stressed. Some do not speak English as their first language. Some have mobility problems, or are travelling with small children.
At the same time, the arrivals hall is full of people, all trying to find their way. Phones may not work straight away after landing, especially for visitors from abroad. Meet and Greet takes the guesswork out of the arrival.
When it is worth it
For first-time visitors who do not know the airport. For elderly relatives, or anyone who would rather not navigate a busy terminal alone. For business guests you want to look after. And for families with lots of bags and small children.
If you are booking a car for someone else, such as a relative visiting from abroad or a guest of your company, Meet and Greet means they are met the moment they arrive. They do not have to find their own way to a car park or work out where to go. You know they are in good hands.
For business guests, a driver waiting with their name makes a good first impression. It shows that they are expected and looked after. It is a small touch that says a lot about your company.
For older travellers, having someone to help with the bags and walk with them to the car can make a big difference. Airports can be long walks, and cases are heavy. It takes the strain out of the end of the journey.
For families, Meet and Greet means an extra pair of hands just when you need them most. Tired children, pushchairs, car seats and suitcases are a lot to manage. A driver who helps is a real relief.
When you can skip it
If you know the airport and travel light, meeting your driver at the pickup point is quicker and saves the extra. Every extra is shown in the total before you confirm.
Frequent travellers who fly from the same airport often know exactly where the pickup point is, and prefer to walk straight there. Your journey page tells you where to meet, and you can follow the car once it sets off. For them, Meet and Greet is not needed.
It is your choice, and you can decide for each journey. You might add it when collecting a visitor and skip it when you fly yourself. There is no right answer.
Delays and waiting
Flights are often early or late, and passport control and baggage reclaim can take a long time at busy times. Because your flight number goes to your driver, they know which arrival to meet. Give your driver the right flight number when you book, and update it if your flight changes.
After landing, it can take anything from a few minutes to an hour or more to come through into arrivals. Long queues at passport control and waiting for bags are the usual causes. Keep your phone on once you land, in case your driver needs to reach you.
Waiting time beyond the free period can be charged in addition, and we will tell you before we do. The details are in our terms. If your flight is badly delayed or cancelled, get in touch with us as soon as you can, and read the cancellation policy for what happens next.
Booking Meet and Greet
Meet and Greet is an extra you add when you book an airport pickup with ZeroLanes. Add your flight number, and the rest is arranged. Its price is shown in the total before you confirm.
You can combine it with other extras, such as child seats. Your driver’s name and the car’s details appear on your journey page before pickup. See our guides to Manchester Airport and Heathrow’s terminals.
Ride with ZeroLanes. A car booked ahead, at a price fixed before you confirm, with the driver and the car on your journey page before pickup. Book an airport transfer.