LAN XL - Transport & Flight Thread

Chaosphere · September 21, 2022, 01:11:31 PM

I agree we may be able to do some things to better organise pick up for internationals going forwards. I do appreciate the cost and effort you guys and girls put in to getting over here at all.

This hasn't been as much of an issue before, but with LAN numbers dwindling we are low on people who can help without driving hundreds of miles out of their way. For example were Manchester airport an option for anyone in the future I could plan to help out. 'Arrival windows' might help too, I certainly don't think they would hurt.

At the moment I am planning to bring Jasmine and Lily down with me and drop them off with my parents (who live en route to March), giving them some time with the girls. This leaves me with a full car both to and from the LAN, making pickups difficult. Furthermore, I live just north of Manchester, so London is quite literally the other end of the country for me!

That said if we can't find someone else who is better placed to help, I'll try to look into if I can adjust my plans.

albert · September 21, 2022, 01:51:52 PM

I totally appreciate the reply Chaos, thanks. You should always put family first when an opportunity comes along like this. After all we had enough months with no chance to meet up, catchup is badly needed.

I notice that nearly all attendees are arriving on Wednesday this time around. That was something I didn't consider doing, then we also had an airport change which made the chance to hitch with the Southern living folks a no go.

I think a little more pre-planning next time will help a lot. We'll get ther if we have to crawl the final miles or use the swamps and waterways.

Chaosphere · September 21, 2022, 02:02:20 PM

I've messaged a few people to ask if they can help.

If they can't and alternate means are just proving too difficult or too expensive then I will sort it, we won't leave you stranded and I absolutely don't want anyone cancelling their trip.

I'll update when I've had responses!

sulky_uk · September 21, 2022, 03:44:55 PM

While i appreciate that people are traveling from abroad to attend the Lan, this unfortunately isn't the first time this has happened. I have done runs to and from Airports int the past, sometime 2 hours each way in the wrong direction. This year unfortunately i cant pick up anyone. I am though picking up Jamm from Peterborough train station at 1730.

Albert and Duvel If you can get on any of these trains ill wait, but if this ain't possible then sorry. I also cant return you all have a full car with the Wife and Jamm

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sulky_uk · September 21, 2022, 05:01:23 PM

Quote from: sulky_uk;448827While i appreciate that people are traveling from abroad to attend the Lan, this unfortunately isn't the first time this has happened. I have done runs to and from Airports int the past, sometime 2 hours each way in the wrong direction. This year unfortunately i cant pick up anyone. I am though picking up Jamm from Peterborough train station at 1730.

Albert and Duvel If you can get on any of these trains ill wait, but if this ain't possible then sorry. I also cant return you all have a full car with the Wife and Jamm

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Touched bases with Albert. Back up plans made so it it all goes pete tong, they are aware of me being in Peterborough at 1730

Gortex · September 21, 2022, 06:10:02 PM

Ok important thing to be aware of with all this planning and sorting. At the moment on the 5th October (yes the Wednesday) there is a train and drivers strike planned so you need to check if your taking a train that there are actually trains running and at the moment don't just assume it.

Also don't panic yet for lifts and pick ups we are looking at options and how best to help out.

sulky_uk · September 21, 2022, 06:31:19 PM

both Jamms pickup and plan B for albert and Duvel is the 6th

albert · September 22, 2022, 09:36:52 AM

Quote from: Gortex;448829Ok important thing to be aware of with all this planning and sorting. At the moment on the 5th October (yes the Wednesday) there is a train and drivers strike planned so you need to check if your taking a train that there are actually trains running and at the moment don't just assume it.

Also don't panic yet for lifts and pick ups we are looking at options and how best to help out.

Also just because it's on the 5th, it doesn't mean the isssue won't spill over to the 6th. At this point Duv and I arrive at 14:05 at East Midlands Airport, there's a train leaving at 14:45 and if the planets align we'll be in March by 17:00. Unless trains are displaced and the strike spills into the 6th.

It's a **** show, I know. Thanks to all willing to make this work us.

Chaosphere · September 22, 2022, 01:24:51 PM

Just to update...

Miriana has rented a car for the weekend, so that's his group sorted. It cost less than Â£100, which is actually quite good and likely cheaper than the trains with their current rip off prices!

I found this out just as I went to offer a collection and drop off. Honestly they are probably better off without my driving and soundtrack. :flirty:

Gorion and the Mrs we are still sorting, but will get there.

I have also messaged to ask a couple of people if they are able to grab Albert and Duvel to save FatBob the trip - just waiting on replies.

Penfold · September 22, 2022, 02:58:34 PM

Well done Mirianna. I think that's the easiest and cheapest solution. Car hire in the UK cheap and way cheaper than the trains - even if there were some. :thumbsup2:

Gorion · September 22, 2022, 05:06:52 PM

GhostMjr has kindly offered to give us a lift

Thanks to everyone who helped out!, appreciate it.

And I'm sorry if the tone/choice of words offended anyone, the situation was depressing and emotions got the better of me..

albert · September 22, 2022, 05:49:39 PM

Quote from: Chaosphere;448842Just to update...

Miriana has rented a car for the weekend, so that's his group sorted. It cost less than Â£100, which is actually quite good and likely cheaper than the trains with their current rip off prices!

Good man, the left side is the right side!! Last time I got a deal like that it was a Fiat Panda Hybrid and too small to fit 2.5 people. Here's hoping they are not going to give you a small, small, small car.

Chaosphere · September 22, 2022, 07:12:20 PM

So that should be everyone sorted.

Still waiting to hear about a pickup for Albert and duvel but at least we have a kind plan B there from fatbob for if that doesn't pan out!

suicidal_monkey · September 22, 2022, 09:05:17 PM

Quote from: Gorion;448848GhostMjr has kindly offered to give us a lift

Nice one Mr Ghosty :cheers:

Quote from: Chaosphere;448842Miriana has rented a car for the weekend ... cost less than Â£100

Where, what, who, how?! I've not seen rental prices that low since early 2020 ... and I (thought I had) searched quite thoroughly

smilodon · September 22, 2022, 10:46:28 PM

Car hire is always cheaper when it's an Airport pickup and drop off. There's huge competition for business at the airports. It's almost always cheaper to get the train to Heathrow and pick up there, rather than collecting local.

I had a quick squint at Travel Supermarket dot com and for the Wednesday to Sunday from Heathrow either a five door fiesta or a Mini is a shade over Â£100.
The same website gives prices of Â£160 for a Central London pick up drip off for the same car !!!