Not everyone is an expert on travel do’s and don’ts. There are many factors you may overlook when booking a ride or researching a transfer company. Many travelers overlook small details that lead to stress, extra costs, or missed rides.
As a result, many people make common mistakes that lead to overpaying drivers, uncomfortable journeys, or even safety concerns. To avoid all that, we have listed the top 7 mistakes that travellers make when booking airport transfers. Let’s get started.
Why Choosing the Right Airport Transfer Matters
Punctuality
You won’t have to stress about missing flights or waiting endlessly for a ride. The company tracks your flight and monitors delays, so they can adjust the pickup time or send messages if there is a delay.
Cost Control
Pre-booked transfers give you transparent, fixed pricing without hidden charges. Pre-booking an airport transfer often saves money compared to last-minute options or surge pricing.
Comfort and Safety
Reliable vehicles, professional drivers, and secure routes make your journey hassle-free. After a long flight, having a reliable transfer means less stress compared to figuring out public transport or haggling with taxis.
Convenience
Door-to-door service means you don’t drag luggage through public transport or wait in long taxi queues. The right service ensures you reach the airport or your destination on time, avoiding missed flights or long waits.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your ride is arranged saves you from last-minute uncertainty, especially in a new city or late at night. Trusted providers offer professional drivers and well-maintained vehicles, giving peace of mind, especially in unfamiliar cities.
Mistake #1: Not Booking in Advance
Booking an airport transfer on the spot is not always easy because it depends on the type of airport vehicles available at that time.
Waiting until arrival often means higher fares or no availability during peak hours. Booking at the last minute often results in higher prices, especially when it’s already the holiday season like New Year.
Limited vehicle options can make it difficult to find the right ride. If you are with family or with a group, you might need to split into different taxis, just because a spacious vehicle like a minivan wasn’t available at that time.
You can avoid this mistake by opting for pre-booking the airport transfer service as soon as you book your flight. That way you can also select the vehicle type.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Reviews and Ratings
Reviews and ratings exist for a reason. Still, many travelers overlook the importance of existing reviews on an airport transfer company’s website or app. Therefore, they book the ride without knowing about their terms and conditions, the behavior of drivers and other such important factors.
Reviews and ratings provide real insights into a number of factors. This is especially important for solo travelers or those traveling during late or early hours. Carefully read the reviews to gain real insights.
Poor reviews often highlight issues like late arrivals, rude drivers, hidden charges, or unsafe vehicles. Ignoring them means you risk facing the same problems. Ignoring reviews is a big no-no when you want to understand the transparency of an airport transfer service.
Companies with consistently bad reviews usually fail to prioritize customer satisfaction. Hence, without checking the reviews and ratings, you might end up stuck with poor service.
Likewise, the rating of the airport transfer company tells you about its reputation. Companies with a 4+ star rating are less likely to cause you trouble on the way. Check reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, or Trustpilot!
Mistake #3: Overlooking Hidden Fees
As mentioned earlier, reviews and ratings matter. You should not overlook the hidden fees. This mistake can lead to a serious argument later on.
Always check for hidden fees, and confirm with the driver if any extra charges are not clearly listed. Many airport transfer services charge extra for waiting time, parking, or child seats. You can easily avoid this mistake by talking to the driver before you confirm the ride.
Mistake #4: Choosing Based on Price Alone
Sometimes the price doesn’t match the value. While choosing the airport transfer, many people choose based on the price alone.
When you are choosing the cheaper airport transfer, it’s important to not overlook the factors such as cleanliness, driver behavior, proper licensing, etc.
For traveling to and from the airport, set your goals and requirements clearly and prioritize reliability, reputation, and safety over simply choosing the lowest-priced vehicle. If you are running low on budget, pre-booked transfers give you transparent, fixed pricing without hidden charges.
Mistake #5: Not Confirming Pickup Details
It’s surprising how many people don’t confirm their pick-up details when booking an airport transfer. While this sounds obvious, you cannot take it for granted. When you are booking an airport transfer, always confirm the pick-up details. When you enter details, double-check them before confirming.
Mistake #6: Forgetting Luggage and Vehicle Requirements
Always inform the driver how much luggage you have. Likewise, it’s very important to choose a vehicle that suits both your luggage and the number of people traveling with you. If you are travelling in a group, choose a minivan or 8-seater so that everybody can get in easily.
Surprisingly, many people overlook vehicle requirements when booking a transfer, which often results in discomfort during the journey.
And when you select the transfer that suits you in every way, inform your service provider about your luggage requirements and request a suitable vehicle.
Mistake #7: Ignoring Cancellation and Refund Policies
When you are traveling, don’t ignore the cancellation and refund policies. Many travelers book airport transfers without checking the cancellation or refund terms, assuming their plans won’t change. But travel is unpredictable, flights get delayed, rescheduled, or even canceled.
Ignoring these policies can result in hidden fees, last-minute stress, lost money, and no flexibility.
Although some of the best airport transfer services in the UK, such as Elite Airport Transfer, offer a 100% money-back guarantee, you need to research well before you book the ride.
How to Avoid These Mistakes and Book Smartly
Booking an airport transfer doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few smart steps, you can save time, money, and avoid hassle:
A cheap fare may look attractive, but reviews might reveal it comes with delays or bad service, costing you time and peace of mind.
Lock in better rates and guarantee availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
Double-check that pick-up times, flight numbers, and luggage details are correct.
Choose trusted providers with proven reliability instead of focusing only on the cheapest option.
Know exactly where the driver will meet you (inside the terminal, arrivals hall, or taxi rank).
Book the right car type for your group size and luggage capacity.
Opt for flexible booking options to avoid last-minute travel changes.
