Onward Travel

This is customer service at its finest. If you have any worries about managing to secure your luggage (b/​c you packed everything including the kitchen sink), then these guys are glad to help. Located at the arrivals gate, just a mere few meters from the escalators, Onward Travel has its own door and fleet of taxis (think silver cars, wagons, mpv’s, etc…). You can book in advance (online or over the phone) and should you have any questions, the guys here are fantastic. Think response turnaround time of a few minutes.
For a mere 5 pounds, they will even meet you at the greetings area (perfect if you’re wanting them to guide you through the airport, collect your luggage so you do not have to lift, etc…) Did I mention that the guys are super personable and friendly? Their cars are impeccably clean and well-​maintained (unlike those that you might find in New York City, LA, DC, Chicago, etc…) As for a first impression, they make a smashing one and will be the only airport transfer service that I will have all of my family and friends use.
My driver was so kind to give a tour of the city as we drove into the City Centre — are you kidding, 80% of the drivers in Chicago are too busy talking on their cell phones or finding ways to rack up the meter. Not Onward Travel — you know exactly how much it’ll cost (on avg. a metered cab will run about 20 pounds or more and they’ll only fit a certain amount of luggage as UK cars are generally smaller than in the US). I much prefer having the service that I received and pay a tad more (i.e. 30 pounds).
Will definitely use again — keep up the good work, gentlemen!

Indeed, the Airlink city to airport buses are far cheaper than the taxi alternative, however, occasionally your flight may be really early in the morning and in this case the bus times can be less frequent. Allow me to flesh out my case: I need to be at the airport for 6am, I live in Bruntsfield (a fair distance away from the nearest Airlink bus stop), no conveniently timed buses run at such an early time in the morning in order for me to get to the Airlink bus stops.
Solution: book a taxi with Onward travel the night before your journey. They will always call when approximately 1 – 2 mins away and, from my experience, always pick you up exactly on time.
If your circumstances meet the above, than paying £15−20 is not such a bad idea for the punctual traveller.