Maximising LHR CH on the VS045 to JFK

With the flight booked I now need to finely hone the departure details and would appreciate some input as have never done DTCI.

Driving up from Cornwall early :0 to catch the VS045 LHR to JFK. Leaving car with Crowne Plaza LHR as staying the night when we return a week later on the day flight, so doing a reverse park and stay.

Have never done DTCI and want to know if its worth booking a car from CP to DTCI. If so there are a couple of queries.....

What time to book car?
Which company would you use to get required info in enough time?
Will the driver know where to go?
What happens when we arrive at DTCI?
What time will I get my first glass of bubbles?
Should I forget DTCI and just trundle through the airport?

Thanks all.

Personally, I think the price of a car won't be worth DTCI, unless that was how you were planning on using to get to T3 anyway!

DTCI is nice, but so is getting the lift and opening the magic door!
Look at the price difference between how you would get to T3 to check in normally, and getting a taxi/car to DTCI.

Many drivers won't know where it is, hopefully not ending up at a check-point! (Many stories of lost UC pax...). But you can go round once to locate it, then use it once done a lap. It is a very sharp turn currently (due to T2 works). To be sure they know the way, Virgin use Tristar, their drivers would know all about DTCI.
There have been many success stories with all sorts of taxi firms, inc black cabs.

DTCI like Hamster said isn't worth the extra if you weren't planning on getting to T3 by car. It's really nice as well after check in to pop into the lift. So much nicer than using the escalators.

If you do choose DTCI it's a seamless experience is you've checked in online. you've got ground staff waiting for you with your boarding pass and to help you with your bags. After that it's down the corridor and to the CH in 15 minutes or less.

It's more or less never too early to get your first glass of bubbly. So you can get one almost immediately.

Thanks both, seems like it may just be easier to bag drop and lift.

What time would you recommend getting there.....

[honey lamb]

I'm flying in UC on Thursday after overnighting in the Premier Inn on the Bath Road. I have no intention of using the DTCI for the simple reason that it is so convoluted to organise at the last minute given that I am only about ten minutes away. I've used the DTCI and apart from the WOW factor when you drive into the area, I have to say I have had as good, if not better, experiences in the main check-in area.

OK, so call me cheap, but I shall be taking the Heathrow Central bus to the airport and availing of the purple-lit check-in area in Zone A :w

Thanks both, seems like it may just be easier to bag drop and lift.

What time would you recommend getting there.....

As early as you want really. Most I've done is 3 hrs but I'm sure that you can stay a longer if you want.

We have our first UC flight for 10 years coming up to IAD and have read, with interest, the value of DTCI...we are planning on using Purple Parking to drop us off there but will reconsider after the comments . Only problem with IAD flight is it leaves at 11.15, only allowing a maximum of 3.5 hours in the CH...how will I get through the food and cocktail menu in this time :0 :0