We took the first Hoppa bus at 4.45am, no problems at all. The Jury's Inn is close to T4, not sure how it is placed vis-a-vis T1. Staying at Windsor would be a great idea, much more to see and do than at Heathrow and you can easily take a cab to the airport the next morning.

How much time would you estimate should be allowed for a cab ride from Winsdor to reach LHR on a Saturday morning for a 730AM flight ?

Half an hour.

Or even less. Depends on the terminal. A 5:00AM there will be some traffic right around the terminals but it could be a 10-12 minute or half an hour worst case drive.

< Another option - you could stay IN Windsor. Take the cruise line shuttle to LHR and then a cab to Windsor. It is only 7 miles from LHR. >

We tried this and the cab drivers at LHR (Terminal 5) quoted us something like £50 for the trip to Windsor. So we took the bus, but that was a slowish slog through Slough in the rush hour.

We did take a taxi back for much less than £50. I think if your hotel in Windsor orders the taxi to pick you up at the airport, then the cheaper amount is charged. Or, with three of you, check into the cost of shuttles from LHR to Windsor.

>>We tried this and the cab drivers at LHR (Terminal 5) quoted us something like £50 for the trip to Windsor. So we took the bus, but that was a slowish slog through Slough in the rush hour. <<

Sounds like a rip-off to me. Are you talking about licenced black cabs? If so you should have threatened to report them to the authorities, as as journey's are supposed to be on the meter at rates set by TFL, and must take you to where you want to go (except under a few circumstances).

<i>We tried this and the cab drivers at LHR (Terminal 5) quoted us something like £50 for the trip to Windsor. </i>

Which is why it's always recommended to pre-book with a local taxi company - for Windsor something like 5*

<i>as journey's are supposed to be on the meter at rates set by TFL, and must take you to where you want to go (except under a few circumstances).</i>

One of the circumstances is travelling outside the TfL area - like to Windsor

I am curious has anyone ever stayed in an accommodation United Airlines arranged as part of a forced layover at LHR ? Is it true the only way to get the voucher is in person at the counter the day of even though we know now we will be laying over on July 5 ?
Feeling frustrated that airlines can behave this way when we are purchasing costly tickets.