While BA passengers may travel to the airport by public transport, bags can go on ahead – by van
Heathrow has a problem with the number of car journeys associated with the airport, the emissions of NO2 etc from these trips, and the added road congestion. It is keen to state how there will be no more vehicles on the roads with a 3rd runway than with two, though this appears implausible – the numbers just do not stack up. British Airways has a service that they call AirPortr, by which passengers can check in their luggage from their home, and then have it delivered by a van (diesel?) to the airport for them to collect at their convenience. It is all very handy for the passenger, but it is absolutely not helping Heathrow to cut the number of vehicle journeys, even if one vehicle carries a good number of cases. AirPortr sells it scheme saying, having had your bags checked and sealed for security etc: “You’re now free to make the most of your time before you fly, either head to work without the evil glares on the tube or enjoy the day sight seeing without dragging your bags around historic monuments. Or simply avoid the balancing act of managing multiple bags and small children en route.” The government and Heathrow hope that even with a new runway and 50% more passengers, there would be no more road vehicles than now – and by around 2031 about 55% of passengers would use public transport. In 2012 only about 41% of Heathrow passengers travelled to or from the airport on public transport.
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Airport Approved Luggage Transfers for British Airways at Heathrow, Gatwick or London City airports
Their website says:
“We’ll deliver your bags to and from any London address and London City, Heathrow and Gatwick airports when you need them. Allowing you to squeeze in an extra meeting, meet friends or just head to the airport on the train without dragging heavy bags.
“Flying with British Airways? Check in your bags for your flight from your London home, office or hotel.”
AirPortr + Bag Check-In – How it works
From the AirPortr website
Minus all the images etc – for the whole thing, see https://airportr.com/?partner=ba
It states:
“We’re bringing the airport bag drop to your doorstep exclusively with British Airways. What does that mean I hear you say?
Well, not only will we deliver your bags to the airport but we’ll also check them in for you. Sounds cool huh? Yes – but how would that even work? We’re here to tell you…
Step 1
Book online
Book at airportr.com, let us know whether we’re picking up from your house, office or if you’re staying in a hotel. Choose a 1 hour slot (this needs to be a minimum of 7 hours before your flight leaves – we’ll tell you why later).
Step 2
We’ll arrive to pick up your bags
One of our (security cleared) drivers will arrive within your booked pick up slot. Just like at the airport, they’ll need to confirm that everyone checking in bags is there.
Step 3
We’ll check your passport…
Your driver will check & scan your passport(s) to make sure it matches the details on your British Airways booking and it’s definitely you who is travelling.
We’ll check your passport…
Step 4
…and then your boarding pass
We’ll also scan your boarding pass and take a note of how much luggage you’ve booked with British Airways. Make sure you don’t exceed your weight or number allowance!
Step 5
We seal your bags
Your suitcases will be tamper aware sealed to make sure no one interferes with them. We’ll send you an email to confirm we’ve picked up your bags – you’ll also be able to track them throughout their journey to the airport.
Step 6
You enjoy your day
You’re now free to make the most of your time before you fly, either head to work without the evil glares on the tube or enjoy the day sight seeing without dragging your bags around historic monuments. Or simply avoid the balancing act of managing multiple bags and small children en route.
Step 7
Security screening
We screen your suitcases at our warehouse to make sure you haven’t packed any prohibited items (that’s why we give ourselves plenty of time between collection and delivery). Your bags still go through all the same security processes once they get to the airport so AirPortr is an extra level of safety.
Step 8
We deliver your bags to British Airways
Once your bags have passed screening, we deliver them to the airport and hand them over to British Airways for your flight. You’ll then be sent your IATA bag tag receipt via email. (This is the number on the label the airline usually sticks to your passport).
Et voila…
Your bags are safely in the hands of British Airways. Collect your bags from the baggage reclaim when you land.
https://airportr.com/?partner=ba
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See earlier:
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