· 1 min read
Your first time booking a chauffeur: what actually happens
From confirmation to drop-off, step by step — including the bits people are quietly unsure about, like tipping and where to sit.
If you have never booked a chauffeured car, the process is less formal than it sounds. Here is the whole thing, including the small questions people are too polite to ask.
Booking
Online or by phone. You give the date, time, pickup, destination, passenger and luggage count, and the flight number if an airport is involved. You get a price before you commit — no card needed to see it.
Before the trip
A confirmation with the chauffeur's name, the vehicle make and colour, and a contact number. For an airport meet, a message when the chauffeur is in position in the terminal.
On the day
The chauffeur arrives early. They will open the door and handle luggage — that is part of the job, not a performance, and you do not need to insist on doing it yourself. If you would rather load your own bags, just say so.
Where to sit
Wherever you like. Most single passengers sit in the back on the far side from the kerb. Sitting in the front is completely fine and some people prefer it. There is no etiquette failure available here.
Conversation
Entirely your call. A professional chauffeur takes the lead from you — if you open a laptop or take a call, the cabin stays quiet. If you want to chat, they will chat. Neither is the wrong answer.
Tipping
At your discretion and not expected in the quoted fare. Common practice in Ontario is broadly in line with other service tipping. We wrote about it properly in tipping your chauffeur.
Afterwards
You get a receipt. On a corporate account, nothing at all happens — it goes on the monthly invoice. See the FAQ for the rest.
