"Waiting time included" is a phrase you see in a lot of booking terms, often with little explanation of what it covers. So here is a plain-English guide to what it means for an Apex booking. We also explain what happens if you genuinely need longer than the allowance gives you.
Why waiting time exists as a concept at all
A flight lands, but you don't walk straight into the car. First there's the walk from the gate, then possibly immigration, and then baggage reclaim. Each of these takes a variable amount of time, depending on the airport and how busy it is. For example, a large terminal such as Birmingham Airport will feel different at a quiet hour than at its busiest. Waiting time is the allowance built into your booking to cover that gap, so it doesn't count against you.
How much waiting time is included
Every airport pickup includes 60 minutes of free waiting. That covers a normal arrival, so you don't feel rushed to reach the car. The clock starts from the point your flight actually lands, not the scheduled landing time. As a result, a smooth, fast arrival doesn't waste any of your allowance either.
What happens if you need longer than the allowance
Sometimes baggage reclaim runs unusually slowly, or getting through the terminal takes longer than the normal range. In that case, get in touch with your driver directly. This is a different situation from a flight delay, which we track and adjust for automatically. Instead, the best approach is a quick message to your driver on the day.
Does waiting time apply to non-airport pickups too?
The 60-minute allowance is for airport arrivals. For other pickups, please be ready at the booked time. Also, if you know in advance that you might run a few minutes late, it helps to let your driver know ahead of time.
Why this is worth understanding before you travel
Knowing what's included means there's no awkward surprise at the kerb, either way. That beats discovering it for the first time when you land. Apex would rather explain this detail clearly upfront. After all, nobody reads the terms until there's a problem, so the detail shouldn't stay buried in them.
Questions about your specific booking
Does your booking have unusual timing needs? If so, call 0333 533 3530 and talk it through with us directly. That way, you don't have to assume the standard allowance will or won't cover it.
Frequently asked questions
Is waiting time tracked from the scheduled landing time or the actual landing time?
From the actual landing time. So a fast arrival through the terminal doesn't use up any of your allowance unnecessarily.
What happens if I need longer than the included waiting time?
Message your driver directly if you know you'll need extra time. We handle this differently from a tracked flight delay.
Does the same waiting time policy apply to non-airport pickups?
No. The free 60 minutes is for airport pickups. For other journeys, be ready at the booked time, and let your driver know in advance if you expect to need a few extra minutes.
