Family tube use

You can only use one method of payment per person. What you can do is purchase an Oyster Card for 5 GBP for each family member and load some money on it. When you return to the airport, you can get your purchase price plus whatever money is on the card returned.

Children don't automatically travel for free. Under 5 is not a problem. For over but under 18, they need a photocard except on buses, trams or is you are buying paper tickets. But paper tickets cost more than a card.

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/5-10-zip-oyster-photocard?intcmp=55572

Well, I appreciate the link. I had hoped to avoid having to pay the extra 5 for each person to have their own card when we will use the tube so sparingly. It seems as though there's such limited alternatives, though.

do each of the three adults have their own contactless card? if so, problem solved. Only one person per card, either contactless or Apple Pay or Oyster, each.

To get the free kids through use the wide gate, usually at the left or right side of the gate line, and either staffed or a staff member is nearby. They are designed for disabled access and are wider and slower than the rest of the gates.

No, they're in the over 5 under 18 category, which is why I'd still be paying for them.

It just strikes me as a bit odd - each person having to have their own method of payment. I thought surely there was a loophole I've missed in the fine print. It seems like that's not the case. We may very well, since it's only 2 days, just forego the tube, although I didn't want to miss the experience.

since it's only 2 days, just forego the tube, although I didn't want to miss the experience.

same rule on the buses too

Each rider has to have a separate method of payment, else how could they all be read in and out off the same card? Remember, the fare is not calculated on the tube until you exit and it knows how many zones. If you tie Oysters to a credit card (not recommended as it seriously complicates refunds) then they can all be tied to the same credit card, as each is used individually.

Good to note about using Oysters tied to the same credit card. I'd only planned on using one card primarily (no intl fees), and had already figured I would use my card on separate Oysters so I can have the tweens/teens covered, at least.

Why is that more of a hassle for refunds? How much hassle? More than withdrawing cash for a fee from my ATM to convert to pounds, then figuring out what to do with that refund (presuming I'd need to exchange it back before France)?

I believe the issue has to do with mixing with cash and credit card payments to put money on the card, it complicates the refund process. Hopefully Nigel or another of our UK friends can give the up-to-date answer. We've had our cards since 2013, used on 6 trips of ours plus one by our son, and have o only funded them with cash. We could switch to credit cards, but why bother? Easier to not pull our wallets out since the Oyster card comes (or did then) in its own plastic sleeve.

Children between 5-10 years old only need a photo Zip Oyster card for free travel on trains or Underground if unaccompanied by adults. They can still travel on their own without one by bus and tram. So you only need a young visitor Oyster card for 11-15 for half price.

Each rider has to have a separate method of payment, else how could they all be red in and out off the same card?

Its not a technological limitation, its a choice by TFL. In NYC's OMNY system, which is provided by the same company that made Oyster, one card can pay for up to four riders travelling together. https://omny.info/faq/how-omny-works

Why is that more of a hassle for refunds? How much hassle? More than withdrawing cash for a fee from my ATM to convert to pounds, then figuring out what to do with that refund (presuming I'd need to exchange it back before France)?

Is this your only time in your life that you will ever be in London? We have had the same oyster cards for over 10 years. Unless you are certain that you will never be back, just keep the cards.

Oh, I'm quite sure this will be the only time in my life I'll be able to visit (for a whole slew of reasons).

"I had hoped to avoid having to pay the extra 5 for each person to have their own card when we will use the tube so sparingly. It seems as though there's such limited alternatives, though."

You get the 5 for each person back when you turn in the cards for a refund at Heathrow as you're leaving, as well as any money remaining on each card.
There is a refund window at Heathrow, or there was pre-covid.

There are many alternatives for moving around London.
Tube--takes the Oyster card; tap in as you get on; tap out when you exit.
City buses--take the Oyster card. Tap in when you get on; do not tap out as you get off.
Walking--many of the tourist attractions are quite close to one another, or within walking distance.
River boat--takes the Oyster card; tap in as you get on; tap out when you exit.
Taxi--which can be economical if several family members (or friends) are traveling together. Not very economical for one person traveling alone. (But great for anyone with mobility issues.)

So, can one use apple pay on the tube as a contactless form of payment?

yes apple pay is accepted