Airport shuttles are a great way to get to and from an airport quickly and efficiently. However, you need to follow some important etiquette rules to ensure that you don't anger anyone while on the trip. The following tips are among the most important to follow.
Pre-Booking Is Usually Required
Airport shuttles are not something to call or plan at the last minute. While you could technically get one with little notice, most companies will be angry or refuse to serve you. Pre-booking is absolutely required for many airport shuttles, especially if you want to get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight, which is suggested by most airlines.
Pre-booking also helps make it easier for airports to schedule pickup with other people near you who may also need a shuttle. Call at least a few days in advance to ensure you get a shuttle that will arrive on time. This also gives them time to adjust departure time for weather and traffic conditions.
Animals Should Be In A Carrier Or Kennel
If you plan on bringing a dog with you on the airport shuttle, you need to bring a carrier or kennel that is appropriate for their size. Typically, you're going to want one that can fit on your lap, though you can rent an extra seat for a larger carrier. Using a kennel helps keep the dog in control during the trip and avoids any dangerous situations with an anxious animal wandering around the shuttle.
This helps keep your driver more focused on the ride and avoids any bad feelings with passengers on the airport shuttle. It also helps make the animal more comfortable during the trip which can calm their nerves for when they get checked onto the plane.
Tipping Guidelines
After your ride is over, you might wonder how much you should tip your shuttle driver. This will vary depending on the quality of your ride and whether you think the driver did a good job. A good driver should get you to the airport on time, listen to your suggestions, and interact with you in a pleasant and friendly way.
A good guideline is to tip at least 10 to 15 percent of the total fare. You can raise this amount if you think they did a particularly good job. If they handle your bags, a good tip is usually about one dollar per bag. Shuttle drivers often survive on their tips, so make sure to pay them appropriately.
By following these shuttle etiquette tips, you can make the ride your enjoyable for your driver and for yourself.