Are You Making These Five Common Airport Transfer Mistakes?

Even seasoned travellers make mistakes. Find out how you can avoid these common blunders to ease your travel anxieties.

Mistake #1: Not Pre-Booking Your Airport Transfer

Perhaps you're thinking you'll just sort out your transfer once you get to the airport. But trust us when we say, that's not always the best idea.

There's nothing worse than arriving at the airport and realizing there's no transfer available. Or even worse, getting stuck with a dodgy transfer service that's gonna rip you off or take you the long way around. You don't want to be left stranded, especially if you've got a tight schedule or a bunch of luggage to cart around.

This is why booking your airport transfer ahead of time is crucial to your trip. It practically saves you time and money and spares you from all the hassles of dealing with dubious drivers and fake transfer services.

So, how do you go about pre-booking your airport transfer? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for reliable transfer services in advance:

1. 
   Do your research. Look online and read reviews from other travellers to get an idea of which transfer services are trustworthy and which ones to avoid. Make sure you're booking with a reputable company that has a good track record.
2. 
   Check out the different options available to you. There is a range of transfer services to choose from, including shuttle buses, private transfers, and even taxis. Consider what's important to you, whether it's cost, convenience, or privacy, and choose the option that suits you best.
3. 
   Make sure you book in advance. Don't leave it until the last minute, as you may not find any available transfer services, especially if you're travelling during the holidays. By booking in advance, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your transfer is sorted and you won't have to stress about it when you arrive at the airport.
   

Mistake #2: Not Allowing Enough Time for the Transfer

We know you're excited to get to your destination and start your much-awaited vacation, but rushing your transfer is not the way to go. This can leave you flustered and feeling frustrated because you have to rush yourself just to make it on time.

Relax and give your transfer service enough time. But how much time is enough?

Calculating the estimated time needed for your transfer is not rocket science, but it does require a bit of planning. Here's how:

1. 
   Consider the distance between the airport and your accommodation. This will give you a rough idea of how long the transfer will take. Keep in mind that traffic can be unpredictable, so it's always better to overestimate rather than underestimate the time needed.
2. 
   Factor in any stops or detours that may be necessary. If you're travelling with a group, you may need to make a stop at a store or restaurant along the way. Or if you're travelling during peak season, you may need to take a longer route to avoid traffic.
3. 
   Make sure you leave enough time for unforeseen circumstances. Delays can happen for a variety of reasons, so it's always better to have a bit of extra time up your sleeve.

Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Type of Transfer

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to airport transfers, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in your travel experience. You got public transportation, taxis, rideshare, and private airport transfer service from a car hire company.

Among all these options, only private airport transfer services can offer you convenience and comfort. You're sure that your luggage and your company (in case you're travelling with family or friends) will be accommodated and have enough space in the vehicle without having to lug around heavy baggage. 

Sure, you may want to factor in the cost if you're travelling on a budget and opt for other modes of transport option but ask yourself: is it worth it? A lot of taxis these days are overcharging and asking for payment upfront instead of using the meter and you just might end up paying more than expected. 

Rideshare apps can be unreliable at times as drivers can cancel your ride on a whim. Sure you can leave them a bad review but it doesn't change the fact that you are left stranded in the airport without a ride and wait for another half an hour or so before you can get one.

Booking for an airport transfer from a reputable car hire company is your best option. You are guaranteed to have a ride waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the airport and not waste time having to wait and look for one. Most importantly, you get to avoid falling victim to airport transfer scams which can practically ruin your entire trip.

Mistake #4: Not Checking for Hidden Fees

When it comes to airport transfers, what you see isn't always what you get. Unfortunately, there are airport transfer providers that charge hidden fees and if you're not aware of it, these fees can easily pile up and have you digging into your pocket unnecessarily. Here are some of the common hidden fees you should be on the lookout for:

Booking fees: Some transfer services charge a fee just for booking your ride, even if you're not making any changes to your reservation.

Credit card fees: Some transfer services charge a fee for using a credit card to pay for your ride. This can be a percentage of the total cost or a flat fee.

Extra passenger fees: If you're travelling with a large group, some transfer services may charge an extra fee for each additional passenger.

Baggage fees: If you have a lot of luggage, some transfer services may charge an extra fee for handling it.

Toll fees: If your transfer service needs to pay tolls on the way to your destination, you may be responsible for covering those costs.

Avoid these hidden fees by:

1. 
   Reading the fine print. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking your transfer. Look for any mention of additional fees or charges.
2. 
   Asking for a breakdown of costs. If you're unsure about any fees associated with your transfer, ask the service provider for a breakdown of costs. This will help you understand exactly what you're paying for.
3. 
   Using a reputable transfer service. By using a reputable transfer service, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to hidden fees. Look for services with good reviews and a transparent pricing policy.
4. 
   Booking in advance. By booking your transfer in advance, you will have more than enough time to review your reservation and double-check the details, including the breakdown of costs to see if you are being charged extra fees.
   

Mistake #5: Not Providing Accurate Flight Information

Your transfer service needs accurate flight information in order to plan your pickup and drop-off times. This includes your flight number, arrival time, and departure time. If any of this information is incorrect or incomplete, it can cause delays and other problems.

For example, if you provide the wrong arrival time, your transfer service may arrive at the airport too early or too late, which can be frustrating and stressful. If you provide the wrong flight number, your transfer service may not be able to track your flight, which can lead to missed pickups and other issues.

Providing accurate flight information is easy if you follow these simple steps:

1. 
   Double-check your own flight details: Make sure to double-check your flight details before providing them to your transfer service. This includes your flight number, arrival time, and departure time.
2. 
   Update your transfer service provider If there are any changes to your flight schedule, make sure to update your transfer service as soon as possible. This will ensure that they have the most up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.
3. 
   Communicate with your transfer service: This is especially important when there are delays in your flight. If you have any concerns or questions about your airport transfer, don't hesitate to communicate with your transfer service. They are there to help and want to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for you.

There you have it, mates! Avoid these five common airport transfer mistakes so you can have peace of mind and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Are you planning your next trip to the Sunshine Coast and need a reliable airport transfer service? Limo Hire Sunshine Coast gets you covered. From having a well-maintained fleet of cars and limousines to employing chauffeurs who value good old-fashioned work ethics, we get your ride covered. For more information, call us at 07 5451 8753 or fill out the contact form.