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Quick answer
Ask whether the transfer is shared or private, how long you may wait at the airport and the hotel, who to call if your flight is delayed, and whether luggage and child seats are covered. Get the pickup time in writing for arrival and departure. A private pre-booked transfer is the most predictable option.
Package holidays often include an airport transfer, but "included" can mean very different things: a shared coach with several hotel stops, a minibus pickup window or a private car. The questions below help you find out what you are actually getting before you pay.
What are the key questions to ask?
- Is the transfer shared or private, and how many other passengers or stops are there?
- What is the pickup window on arrival, and how long might I wait after landing?
- What time is the pickup for my departure, and how early does the hotel pickup start?
- What happens if my flight is delayed or lands early?
- Who do I call if the driver is not at the airport?
- Is luggage limited, and what if I have extra bags or sports equipment?
- Can a baby capsule, child seat or booster be fitted?
- Is the transfer door to door, or do I meet at a point?
- Is the fare fixed, and are tolls, parking and waiting time included?
- What is the cancellation and change policy?
Shared transfer or private chauffeur?
A shared transfer is cheaper but runs to a schedule that includes other travellers, so it can add waiting time and multiple hotel drops. A private chauffeur transfer is pre-booked for your party only, follows your flight and goes directly to your address. Many travellers keep the package for flights and hotels, and book their own private transfer for the ground leg.
How do pickup times work?
For departures, a driver typically collects you a set time before your flight, which depends on the airport, whether it is domestic or international, and the distance. Ask for the pickup time in writing, and ask how it will be adjusted if your flight changes. For arrivals, ask whether the driver tracks the flight and how long they will wait.
What about families and children?
Ask whether child seats are supplied and fitted, because rules differ between states and between shared vehicles, taxis and chauffeur cars. Our guide to child seat rules explains the rules for chauffeur cars, taxis and Uber in Australia.
How does a private chauffeur transfer compare?
A private transfer from Australian Chauffeurs Group is pre-booked, fixed per vehicle and includes tolls, parking and GST. Flights are tracked, baby capsules and child seats are fitted on request, and bookings are taken 24/7. A booking is confirmed once payment is made in full.