Coach to the airport as opposed to car - how do I convince Dad?

curlywurlygirly

My Dad has just asked if we would 'still' be ok to take him to the airport when he goes in hols on the 11th (next tues)....

Now, I don't remember saying I would in the first place, but that aside, I think taking the coach would be a better option.

I have managed to find coach tickets that take him straight to the south term in Gatwick for £26.50 return. I know it would cost alot more in petrol, as we would have to go there and back twice. Plus incidendals (parking if the plane is late etc.)

I don't begrudge driving my Dad (despite the fact that I would have to arrange something with the kids, or DH would have to take a day off work), but it makes alot more financial sense to take the coach.

I Dad however seems to view this information as a personal attack (ie. we don't WANT to take him)....perhaps he wasn't planning on giving us any petrol money anyway...I'm not sure.

Can anyone see where I'm coming from?

dmg24

Do you live a long way from the airport?

Does the bus go direct, or stop en route?

curlywurlygirly

It stops for a bit en route.....

We live near Portsmouth - Airport is Gatwick

Vampgirl

I do sympathise as I know its very annoying when relatives make assumptions for things like this (we have to take my parents in law lots of places - luckily hubby has a very understanding boss).

But, I can kinda understand your dad's side here....in the car its only just over an hour from Portsmouth to Gatwick - its pretty good roads all the way, tho it will depend on the time of day and the traffic. But on the bus you're looking at a 4.5 to 5 hour journey, I certainly know which I'd prefer!!!

I suppose it depends how much value your dad places on his time...I know that I'd be willing to pay more for the convenience of having a MUCH shorter journey.

amyb_2

curlywurlygirly wrote: »

It stops for a bit en route.....

We live near Portsmouth - Airport is Gatwick

Portsmouth to Gatwick invloves a change with a 30 min minimum connex at Heathrow.

Journey does take a while.... Coach will go Portsmouth, CFT, Fareham, Soton RF, Soton, Soton Uni, Basingstoke then Heathrow. Then change and get another one to Gatwick.


That says it is easy easy and getting on in Pompey will mean the pick of seats.

If you're parents need it they can request assistance at LHR,

zfrl

It's not just going it's coming back - I know which I would prefer! When I get back from hols I want to see a friendly face & to relax. I don't want to get back on a coach again (being on a plane is the same as being on a coach - no leg room & you don't know who you will be next to & whose baby is that screaming? etc).

So brave face & see him off & of course welcome him back.

amyb_2

zfrl wrote: »

So brave face & see him off & of course welcome him back.

As the OP said its the inconveinice and cost not the lack of being brave!!

Gatwick is mega easy to find the coach... Just meet him back in Portsmouth.

whitewing

In view of the coaches overturning on bends twice this year, he may actually be quite worried about that, and feel safer in the car with you. Maybe see if that is what is bothering him.

We went from Somerset to London and back on the coach in July and it was great. Very cheap, no hassle and they really look after you.

curlywurlygirly

Thanks for suggestions....

How about train or airport taxi?

Have been trying to find threads on here for both, but no luck as yet.....

curlywurlygirly

Have worked out costs:

Coach
£26.50
4h 30m (including 45min stopover)

Train
£44 + tubefare
2h 30m + tube journey

Car
£42 petrol (calculated it) + congestion charge + incedentals (parking etc)
2h

Taxi
£117.50
2h

I know Dad is going to end up asking me to drive him, and I will probably end up doing it - but the idea scares me witless - I hate driving in London!

amyb_2

I take it your Dad isn't over 60??