Guidelines for Booking an Airport Taxi Ride
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, one important consideration for any trip is transportation to and from the airport. While there are many options for airport transportation, one of the more popular choices is to take a taxi. While taxi transportation is very convenient and often the most cost-effective option, it can also turn into your worst nightmare with the wrong company or insufficient planning (you’ve likely heard a story about someone getting “taken for a ride” or missing their flight due to a missed taxi pick-up). By following a few guidelines, however, you can ensure successful taxicab travels and a happy begging and ending to any trip.
Your first consideration in your travel is determining which taxicab company to use. For airport transportation it is always best to use an airport taxi service. This is a company that specializes in airport transportation and understands the processes that are involved in picking-up and dropping-off passengers at the airport. Airport taxi companies typically have words “airport taxi” in the company name. If you are traveling in an unfamiliar city or do not often take taxis, it is always best to do a little research or ask for advice on which taxicab company to use. Some simple research can be done in just a couple of minutes by doing a quick Google search and then reading a few reviews of a potential taxicab company. If you know someone who travels often, give them a quick call to see what taxicab service they use. If you are staying at a hotel, ask the front desk clerk. It is recommended that you always use a company that provides you with a flat rate for your airport transportation. A flat rate ensures that you will pay the same price regardless of traffic conditions and which route the driver takes.
The next consideration is the pick-up time. It is recommended that you book your taxi at least 12 hours in advance to ensure availability. When going to the airport always be sure to consider travel time, including consideration for traffic and weather, and airport check-in time. When getting picked-up at the airport, schedule the pick-up 10-20 minutes after the expected arrival time depending on whether you have checked bags. It is recommended that you call the company right when you land and before you collect your baggage. Calling when you land not only allows you to confirm that your ride is scheduled but also informs the driver of your expected arrival time at the pick-up area. Many drivers will not arrive at the pick-up area until they have heard from the customer, as many airports limit the amount of time that a driver can wait in the pick-up area. In the case of a flight delay, call the company to inform them of the delay and the new expected arrival time to ensure availability at this new time.
Taxi transportation can make or break your satisfaction with any trip. By following these simple guidelines you can improve your chances of receiving reliable, high quality, cost-effective airport taxi transportation and ensure a happy beginning and ending to your trip.