Pickup · FAQ
What is the Uber 2 minute rule?
It's an Uber policy where, if a driver waits more than around 2 minutes at pickup without the passenger appearing, a cancellation or waiting charge can start to apply. Kings' pre-booked model doesn't use an app timer like this, the driver is already positioned in Terminal Parking and waits for your call once you've landed.
Key points
- Uber may begin applying a waiting or cancellation charge after around two minutes.
- Kings Heathrow Taxi does not use an app-based two-minute pickup timer.
- Arriving passengers receive 60 minutes of free waiting from actual landing.
Heathrow pickup timing under the Uber 2 minute rule
The Uber 2 minute rule refers to an app-based pickup window. If the driver has waited for around two minutes and the passenger has not appeared, a waiting or cancellation charge can begin to apply. This matters at Heathrow because passengers must collect luggage, clear customs and travel to the relevant pickup area. Kings Heathrow Taxi uses a different arrangement. The transfer is pre-booked, and the passenger contacts the driver after completing the arrivals process.
The Uber 2 minute rule compared with Kings waiting time
Kings Heathrow Taxi does not use an app timer for arriving passengers. Arriving flights are tracked, and the waiting period is based on the actual landing time rather than the scheduled arrival. The first 60 minutes are free. After that, waiting costs £15 per additional hour only if the passenger asks the driver to stay. An airline delay does not move the start of the free waiting period back to the original scheduled landing time.
Terminal collection without the Uber 2 minute rule
The Kings Heathrow Taxi driver does not wait inside the terminal with a name board. The booking confirmation contains the driver's mobile number. After collecting luggage and passing through customs, the passenger calls or messages. Terminals 2, 3 and 5 use Terminal Parking, which is about a 6 to 8 minute walk with luggage. At Terminal 4, the passenger goes to the designated pick-up zone and messages its number to the driver.
Does a similar rule apply to a pre-booked Heathrow taxi?
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Does a similar rule apply to a pre-booked Heathrow taxi?
+No. Kings doesn't run app-based timers. The driver waits in Terminal Parking from the start of your booking window and picks up once you call after clearing customs.
Is there a free waiting time with Kings instead?
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Is there a free waiting time with Kings instead?
+Yes. 60 minutes free from wheels-down, tracked against your actual flight landing time, per the flight delay policy.
Why does Uber use a strict timer like this?
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Why does Uber use a strict timer like this?
+App-based platforms match drivers to passengers on demand, so short wait windows keep drivers available for the next fare, a different model from a pre-booked private hire service.
What happens if I'm delayed getting through customs with Kings?
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What happens if I'm delayed getting through customs with Kings?
+The flight is tracked automatically and the pickup time adjusts, see the full flight delay policy.
How do I tell the Kings driver that I am ready?
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How do I tell the Kings driver that I am ready?
+Use the mobile number in the booking confirmation to call or message after collecting your luggage and clearing customs. The driver then comes round to Terminal Parking at Terminals 2, 3 or 5. At Terminal 4, message the designated pick-up zone number.
What happens when an arrival takes more than 60 minutes?
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What happens when an arrival takes more than 60 minutes?
+The first 60 minutes from actual landing are free. Beyond that point, an additional wait costs £15 per hour only when the passenger asks the driver to stay. Arriving flights are tracked, so an airline delay changes the actual landing time used for the calculation.
Related questions
Book a fixed-price transfer
No app timer. 60 minutes of free waiting.
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