ON-TIME SERVICE
There’s no better method of transportation when departing from or arriving at the airport than by limo. Larger parties and business executives alike will enjoy the convenience of on-time pick-up and drop-off and hassle-free transport. Be advised, some airport car services will offer shared rides. Upon making reservations, confirm if your limo will be shared or if it will be private.
Searching for a reputable airport car service can be a daunting task. With so many competing companies advertised on the web and in phone books, be sure to compare rates and vehicles before committing to a reservation. When a timely arrival is critical, inquire about guaranteed reservations to ensure you won’t miss your flight or meeting. It’s important to note; majority of busy airports do not allow limos to sit and wait outside the terminal due to traffic congestion and increased security regulations. So, if you are planning travel to a major airport, don’t expect to flag down or catch a ride without reservations. If you choose not to make advance arrangements prior to your arrival, look for car service directories inside the airport terminal for assistance with a ride. The courtesy phones provided will allow you to call a local car service and wait for the next available ride. Estimated waiting times can rage from 10 minutes to over an hour during heavy travel times. If you are arriving to a city during peak travel season or during a major event or convention, waiting times can be up to several hours.
Depending on the location of the airport you plan to arrive at, some car services will negotiate rates on the spot. It is recommended that all airport car service rates be predetermined prior to pick-up – especially if you are not familiar with your destination city. Another important question to ask the car service phone operator is if the quoted rate includes the driver’s gratuity. Protect yourself from double tipping the driver by not relying on him or her telling you gratuity is extra. If the chauffeur’s tip is not included, 15-20% is typically expected. Do tip your driver based on their professionalism, courteous attention and quality of driving. Often times a driver will offer his or her local knowledge of current events and places of interest during your stay. Feel free to ask further questions and again, tip your driver accordingly for the useful information.
Typically, where access is allowed, airport car service drivers will await your arrival inside the terminal near the baggage claim area. Upon confirming your reservations, the car service will indicate where the driver will meet you. Be sure to request assistance with your luggage if no meeting location is given. Assistance with your bags from inside the terminal is just another perk of hiring a car service versus taking a taxi to and from the airport. Keep added services like this in mind when considering the extra cost involved with limo service. And again, tip accordingly.
Whether you were pleased with your car service or not, ask the driver for a business card. If you are considering using the same service again, often times a discounted rate will be offered. If you were dissatisfied with the service, still take a business card to let a representative know, or more importantly, should you leave something behind in the car, you’ll have the driver’s contact information to easily retrieve your lost article.
