Booking a minicab or taxi for an airport transfer might seem like the most straightforward thing to do in the world. However, as with so many seemingly simple tasks, there are still several things that can go wrong if you fail to plan, get the details muddled up and book the wrong thing. Airport transfer mistakes can prove costly and highly irritating if they lead to your missing a flight or spending more money that you originally intended to, in order to put right something that was not organised correctly at the beginning.
Read on for more booking minicab tips that will hopefully help you avoid common airport transfer mistakes and enjoy a smooth booking process and easy, trouble-free travel to and from the airport next time you travel abroad for business or pleasure.
Plan well in advance – don’t leave it too late
It is excellent practice to pick up the phone or go online to book your airport transfer minicab as soon as you know which flight you are going to be taking. Minicabs can get booked up in advance, especially around more popular times of year for travelling, such as Christmas, summer holidays or for larger sports or cultural events. It can be very frustrating to have to keep phoning round companies to find a minicab that is free to take you where you need to go. Leaving it too late can often result in having to pay more as a short-notice booking, which prior planning can help you avoid very easily.
Make sure you’ve got the details right before you book
This is probably one of the most important airport minicab tips to follow. If you have a larger party travelling with you, nor need to take bulky equipment with you, such as a wheelchair, pram or large suitcase, you will need a bigger vehicle. It’s no good asking for a standard sized minicab, only to find you cannot fit everyone, or everything you need to take with you inside it when it arrives at your door.
Likewise, check, double check and then check again the details of your flight – date, time, airport and terminal. You will need these when you book – and a mistake can cost you time, money and the goodwill of those travelling with you. It is such a quick an easy job to check details before you book that this is one of those minicab tips that shouldn’t need emphasising. Don’t ruin your journey by falling foul of this one!
Stay in touch with your driver
When you book your minicab, you will normally either receive the contact details of your driver to stay in touch directly with them, or be granted access to an app or website to keep the company in touch. This is vital if your flight is going to be delayed, you need to change your booking details or your plans change altogether and you no longer need the minicab at the time you booked it for.
If you have the contact details, or a means of updating your driver, you can also let them know about flight number changes if you miss a connecting flight, as well as alert them to bring a bigger car if you have got more luggage than originally planned.
Know how much the ride will cost in advance
Most minicab companies that carry out airport transfers will have a fixed rate for taking people to catch their flights,. This may vary. Depending on time of day, number of people in the group etc., but it should be made clear to you on booking how much the minicab ride will be. This will help you plan your finances and ensure you have enough funds to cover the costs. Choose a reputable minicab company to avoid this most frustrating of airport transfer mistakes.
Ask for details of any additional charges that you may incur upfront, such as flights delays leading to the driver having to wait longer than expected for airport pick-ups or bringing a large amount of luggage with you. In the same vein, check how you are allowed to pay and make sur you have the right method of payment ready to go.
