G fare and limo - opinions sought

I am fortunate enough to have a G fare from LHR in the next couple of months.

Obviously, if I want a limo pickup, I need to use 17.5k miles to do this.

I'd like opinions/experiences from you good folks as to pros/cons of taking up the limo option set against getting my local taxi mate to drop us off.

Cost aside, are there any benefits to taking the limo option over a regular taxi drop off?

I guess less importantly, the same question arises over arrival back at LHR and even to/from LAX...although it might be the same answer.

Any insights gratefully received.

It's a lot of miles for what is basically a high-end taxi.

[Neil]

I guess the main difference is with a CDC you get to use the DTCI area, but if you use your own booked car/taxi you will get dropped off outside T3 and then use the UC check in desks (unless you get an invite to use it). Ultimately the actual benefit/difference isn't that huge as either way you end up at the private security channel, but it is very nice to use the DTCI area, and might save you 5 minutes.

I guess another factor is how much you value your miles. 17.5k miles would cost you £285 to buy from the VS site, or however long through CC purchases/flights etc. For me personally, I find there are a lot better uses for my miles, like UC rewards etc, where the savings are huge. If however you have an account bursting with miles you want to spend, then I guess that isn't an issue.

Thanks,
Neil

Once upon a time the miles for "Limos" were good value in some circumstances. IIRC, in 2006 they were 10,000 miles and there was a pretty big radius around LHR. In the US, there was no limit - so you could fly into Miami e.g. and get a CDC up to Orlando. Now, at 17,500 miles I don't think personally that they are VFM. Put it this way. 4 x 17,500 miles (in and out of LHR and the same at LAX) would be 70K - almost enough for a G to DXB (80k) or JFK (90k).

Regards
R3dV

Excellent input as always - thanks all.

So, the main difference appears to be:

DTCI;
Familiarity of airport by limo driver (assumed!).

I was questioning the value, and you guys have helped crystalise my thinking.

And, if only my account were bursting with miles!!!!!!

Seriously, thanks a lot for the wise words.

My local taxi firm it is.

[buns]

I know this is a bit late in the day, but I would always be willing to use up 17,500 miles to be picked up at home and taken through DTCI. Having done it in the past, Mrs Buns is certainly converted and it is one of those things that you have to try it at least once.

IMHO it works out fairly good value as when Tristar have done it for me in exchange for Dosh, it has come out at around £90 and I live about 40 - 45 miles away :0

The Tristar drivers are always on time, well presnted and I have no fear that they are going to turrn back after dropping me off and turn over my place. My local cab firms can often put up some scary drivers

buns

RIP I agree that the payment option is better than spending the miles, however for something to try once surely that should be the limobike!