Choosing an airport transfer vehicle: seats are only half the story
It is easy to count the people and forget what everyone is bringing. Before you choose a car for an airport journey, put the passenger total and the luggage total side by side.
Make a list before choosing a fare
Count every adult and child travelling. Then count large suitcases, cabin bags and anything that does not fit neatly into those categories: a pushchair, sports bag or mobility equipment, for example.
Be realistic about what you will have on the day. If one person is taking an extra case, include it now. It is much easier to check the right vehicle while booking than to discover a space problem at pickup.
Check the capacity shown for the vehicle
Terminal Link’s categories include Saloon, Estate, Executive, MPV, 8 Seater and Executive Minibus. The booking form shows the available options for the journey you enter.
An estate may be useful when you need more luggage room without more seats. An MPV or minibus may be a better fit for a family or group. Check the actual capacity shown rather than assuming that every vehicle in a category can carry any combination of people and bags.
Know the difference between the minibus categories
Our 8 Seater category carries up to eight passengers. The Executive Minibus category is a Mercedes V-Class for up to seven passengers, subject to luggage and availability. Those are different options, not two names for the same seating capacity.
The vehicle pictures are examples of a category. A particular make, model or registration is only guaranteed when we have agreed it separately. If a specific vehicle matters to your plans, contact us before booking.
Tell us about items that need checking
A wheelchair, large pushchair or bulky sports equipment may need a conversation before you travel. Include the requirement in the booking and contact us if you are unsure whether the selected vehicle is suitable.
If you need a child seat, make the request in advance and check that the arrangement has been confirmed. Choosing a larger car on its own does not confirm a particular child-seat type or an accessibility arrangement.
Remember that airline luggage rules are separate
Room in the transfer vehicle does not tell you what your airline will allow. Check your airline’s baggage dimensions, weight limits and rules for larger items before packing. Manchester Airport’s passenger guidance also points travellers back to their airline for the limits that apply to their booking.
Once you know what you are taking, use those same luggage details for the outward and return transfer. If the amount changes, get in touch before travel so the vehicle requirement can be checked.