Most people reserve a vehicle for special occasions such as birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, family reunions, weddings, and so on. Because it is uncommon for some people to call for a limo or car service, or because they’re new to or haven’t used one in a while, it’s easy to forget or be uninformed of car service etiquette. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you hire a limo or a car service in Los Angeles. A limousine ride is a luxurious and spectacular experience. If you understand and observe the etiquette guidelines given below, you’ll have a much better time in the limousine.
Reserve your ride well in advance
Reserve your chauffeured car well in advance of the event date if you’re reserving a limousine for a prom or other special event. You won’t be the only one looking for a limousine on that date, so book early to ensure you receive the model you want for your big occasion.
Be on time for pick up and drop off
It’s critical to arrive on time for your limousine ride. When the driver arrives at your pickup location, be ready to depart. Make the driver wait as little as possible, especially if the limousine is parked in a short-term spot. Make sure that everyone who will be picked up is also ready to go.
Parents who take their children to proms in limousines should be early to pick them up at the specified departure location. Because the driver has a schedule, he may not be able to stay with the students.
Don’t open or close the doors
Wait for the driver to open the limo doors for you instead of opening them yourself. Hold on for the driver to come around to the door and open it for you when it’s time to exit the vehicle.
The chauffeur’s job is to do just that, and drivers take their responsibilities very seriously. It is considered poor form and disrespectful to the driver to enter and exit the vehicle on your own.
Make like a Mermaid when you get in or out
Don’t just barge in and duck your head down with your back end poking out the door opening if you want to enter the limo with class and grace. It’s uncomfortable to do and watch.
Instead, turn away from the door and sit on the nearest curbside seat with your back to it. Put your legs together and rotate inside the limo like a mermaid. Do the reverse when exiting. Allow your legs to exit the vehicle first, and then stand up to exit the vehicle.
Know where the best and worst seats are located
Choose a seat that isn’t a VIP seat if you aren’t paying for the trip. These are the curbside and far right-side seats in the limo’s main passenger compartment that face forward.
The backward-facing jump seats, and the middle seat between these seats, are considered some of the worst positions. Do not force the honored visitor to sit on these seats.
Take everyone’s safety seriously
It is permissible to drink and smoke in some limos. Allow no one to become so drunk that they hang out the limo door windows or poke their heads out of the roof safety hatch.
It is dangerous for both the passengers and the driver to do either of these things. Don’t ask the driver whether you can sit in the front seat or if the limousine can exceed the speed limit. Everyone on tour should be kept safe.
Be smart and sophisticated with alcohol
It is your prerogative to serve refreshments to your passengers if you rented the limousine. If you didn’t rent the limo, don’t go into the bar supplies unless you’ve been invited. Wait for the consent of the host or hostess.
Tip the chauffeur directly
It is common to leave a 20% tip. For the sake of convenience, you can arrange for the gratuity to be included in the limousine rental charge. If you want to give the driver a tip in person, put it in a small envelope and hand it to him as you exit the limousine at your final destination.
International Livery Services has a fleet of cars ready to transport you in style to any special event or occasion in Los Angeles. To hire a limousine for your wedding, corporate function, or any other occasion, contact us.