Luxury Transportation Etiquette: Door, Safety, Tipping

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked at some of the basic forms of etiquette that are present within the world of luxury transportation. These are simple themes that it's good to be aware of, both in terms of being respectful to others and in terms of how you'll be perceived by another entity you're interacting with. 

At Black Car IQ, we're happy to offer the very best luxury transportation services around, from chauffeur and car services for executives to celebrity transportation and more. What are some other top areas of etiquette to keep in mind if you're purchasing such services? Here's a general primer.

Who Opens the Door?

This is one area that can vary across the board, but in general, it's good manners for the person being picked up to wait until the driver or chauffeur has opened the door for them. If you're not sure what the protocol is, ask in advance or simply wait and see what the other person does.

In some cases, the driver may open the door as soon as they pull up, while in others they may wait until the passenger has exited the building or come down the stairs. It's also common for drivers to open and close the door once the passenger is seated.

If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and wait for the driver to open the door, rather than trying to do so yourself.

Be Serious About Safety

Just because you're not the one driving doesn't mean you shouldn't be focused on safety. Make sure you have your seatbelt fastened as soon as you get in the car, and keep it fastened until you exit.

If you're traveling with others, make sure they're buckled in as well. It's also a good idea to keep your belongings close by so you don't have to search for them while the car is in motion.

This area includes following any safety requirements or recommendations offered by your driver, such as not opening the door until the car has come to a complete stop.

Tipping

Tipping is another area where protocol can vary, so it's always best to ask in advance or go with the norms of your particular service. In general, it's a good idea to have cash on hand to tip your driver, as they may not be able to accept electronic tips.

As a general guideline, 15-20% is a standard tip for good service, but you may want to give more or less depending on the level of service you received.

For more on how to observe proper etiquette during any kind of luxury transportation service you've ordered, or to learn about any of our luxury chauffeur or transportation solutions, contact our team at Black Car IQ today.