Towncar rookie with questions!

[travelbug]

I'll be booking a towncar for the first time for my trip in Dec. Here are my questions:

1. When do you pay the driver? When he first meets you? When you arrive at the hotel? Does the driver ask for the fee when he wants it, or do you just handle payment at a certain time?

2. Is it customary to pay the entire round trip amount on the first leg of the round trip? Or do you pay some at first and then some on the return trip?

3. I'm figuring on tipping the driver each way. I'll be requesting a grocery stop in advance, so I'm thinking I'll tip the first driver a little more than the second driver because of the extra stop. Does that sound right?

4. I'm assuming that only cash is accepted. No credit cards, right?

If anyone can describe the chain of events a little bit, I'd be very grateful. By the way, does any of this vary from company to company? I'm leaning toward Tiffany at this point, but haven't ruled out FL Tours yet.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

 

[ducklite]

1 & 2. Generally when they drop you at the hotel you pay the entire fare.

3. I tip each way. I tip $15 when I have a grocery stop, $10 back to teh airport. I add extra if I have more than one suitcase per person.

4. Some take credit cards. Ask when booking to be sure.

Anne

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, ducklite, I appreciate your help!

 

[beccasmom]

We've used Tiffany Towncar and they do accept credit cards.

 

[hucifer]

I was wondering...when should I book my towncar? A month or more in advance? What is suggested?

The reason I ask...we booked our flight a month ago, but just last week NWA changed the flight so that we arrive 20 minutes later. Made me wonder...if I had already booked the towncar, would this have been a problem?

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, beccasmom! That's very good to know.

Hi, hucifer, from a fellow Michigander. Good question about when to book. When are you traveling? I'm not going until December, but I think I'll go ahead and book before the end of July just to be sure I'm all set well in advance. Good luck!

 

[hucifer]

Hello travelbug!
I'm leaving Sept 12. Just wondering how far in advance is good to book. I guess now couldn't hurt.

I wasn't sure if I was going with Tiffany or FL Tours. I have read nothing but good on FL Tours, but more people seem to recommend Tiffany. So confused!

 

[zillow]

We just booked Tiffany last night for our Sept 21st trip. I wouldn't wait to book - there really isn't a disadvantage and waiting runs the risk of losing the availability. We used Tiffany on our last trip and were very happy. I believe that Darcy was our driver - very professional, helped with all of our bags, etc. and we couldn't believe that he was waiting for us at the airport when our flight was early. I've heard good things about FL Tours as well but decided we would go with Tiffany again since we had such a nice experience last time. Good luck!

 

[hucifer]

Thanks zillow.

 

[Jen D]

Most take credit cards but do tell in advance when you reserve that you will be using one.

I pay for the ride on credit card but tip in cash (separately for each trip.)

And MAKE SURE you tell them you want a grocery stop WHEN you reserve.

Also, as a courtesy to the driver, make your grocery purchases as quick as possible. Time is money to these guys. Anyway, it will get you to WDW faster!

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

I use Happy Limo and they include the tip in the price(they charge my card $100 and if I use a coupon then it's less!) and I dont have to worry about a tip at the end of the ride.

 

[ksmom]

We're going next June and I had never thought about using this. How much does it cost for the car if we're staying at the BC?

 

[soccer mom]

I book when I make my airline reservations. Last year NWA changed/cancelled our flight three times! Yourride always said, "No problem" and there wasn't. They were there on the right day at the right time. Also, I always confirm with an e-mail a day or two before we leave.

 

[lovespugs]

Originally posted by hucifer
I was wondering...when should I book my towncar? A month or more in advance? What is suggested?

The reason I ask...we booked our flight a month ago, but just last week NWA changed the flight so that we arrive 20 minutes later. Made me wonder...if I had already booked the towncar, would this have been a problem?

I know for sure you need to wait until you have your flight info to be able to book. However, you usually give them your flight number in addition to your arrival time. They will use that to track your flight the day of your arrival so that they know if you're going to be late (or early...occasionally). I would assume in this instance they would notice the 20 minute change. If it were more than that, I would probably shoot them a quick e-mail to notify them of the change. I don't think it would have been a major problem at all!

 

[hucifer]

Thanks soccor mom and lovespugs.

ksmom, for rates you need to visit each of the towncar's websites. I think the average price for a roundtrip car to BC is around $90...depends which towncar you choose.