Luggage on the Tube

Luggage on the Piccadilly Line is standard all the time. The time you're arriving is popular for flights from North America. The train will be crowded and people are used to having luggage on that line. Your party will not be the only ones with luggage.

Instead of Uber, you might be better off arranging for a car service ahead of time. They meet you as you exit customs and drive you directly to your hotel. You will know the price ahead of time. Make sure you let them know how many people and the amount of luggage.

Two services popular on this forum are Blackberry Cars and Just Airports.

As for price, it depends on where you are going in Kensington--it covers a big area--and the size of vehicle. But probably somewhere between 60 and 100 GBP.

With Uber, you won't know the price until you order it. It will vary depending on weather, demand, traffic, etc. With a car service you know the price ahead of time.

Can you clarify where in Kensington you are travelling to? It's a big area with a number of possible tube stops.
My first response as someone who commuted on that line is 'Oh God! 6 people and cases!' :-) but seriously you should be fine.
It will be busy, it is peak rush hour but you will be getting on the tube at the start of the line so you will get a seat.
There are no luggage spaces on the tube so you will need to keep your cases with you whilst not blocking the walk ways.
For the carry ons you can keep them by your feet where you sit down.
For a large case, there are standing areas near the door. Position your case against the side of the standing area and sit in the seat right next to it. But be prepared to move it as people get on. Commuters are used to cases on this line so it is not a big issue just be flexible.
Be prepared when it is time to get off at your stop, there will be people wanting to get on and it will be a bit of a scrum. Don't loiter. When you get off immediately head away from the tube. stand by the wall or at the centre of the platform. Nothing annoys commuters more than people who get off the tube and just stop!

As I said you should be fine. If you let us know where you are specifically aiming for we can give more specific advice.

Thank you both! And Emma I appreciate the tips! I was wondering/hoping that the airport was the start of the line. Our stop is Earl's Court.

I'm considering putting my daughters in a car service with their larger bags but the rest of us taking the tube. Avoids us paying for a larger van. But maybe we can make the tube work.

You can find the information about Earls Court Station here
https://tfl.gov.uk/tube/stop/940GZZLUECT/earls-court-underground-station

Sorry if this is stating the obvious, but in case you aren't use to public transport, make sure you all have the address of your hotel and have a plan in place for if you get separated on the tube, for example someone getting stuck on the tube when the doors close.

Piccadilly Line trains do have a bit more luggage space than other lines but it is just by the doors, there aren't racks of any kind etc.

Earls Court means no changes & step free access so it will be on the easier end of being able to cope with luggage but be all ready before you arrive at the station.

As Earls Court was my "home" station up until recently, I can help with it.

First, it's not in Kensington. It's in Earls Court. That's the neighborhood.

Secondly, there are two exits to the Earls Court Station. Which one to use depends on the location of your hotel. (If you tell us which hotel, I can tell you which exit.)

When you arrive at the station, you will take the elevator (lift) to street level. There are two banks of elevators. Each one goes to a different exit.

But since you are going to Earls Court, there is another transportation option.

National Express runs a coach service from Heathrow to Central London. It stops near Earls Court Road on Cromwell Road. Your luggage goes underneath the bus so it can handle any size.

National Express

By the way, in which terminal do you arrive at Heathrow?