Hope y’all are doing okay.
I recently agreed to let a fellow blogger contribute, to my blog with an article so here it is the author is called Peter Kibe. Here we go.
As an airport driver/operator, I would like to share some information that novice travelers might find important about airport transportation on their next trip.
When you travel outside the country or to other towns locally, you will definitely require some transportation from the airport to your hotel, apartment, or Airbnb.
Different ways you can move from the airport.
Airline Transport
Some airlines will have this add on when you book their premium seats. For instance, you book a first-class seat, the add-on might be riven in a limo to your hotel. This is in addition to using their other privileges. Some airlines have also partnered with transportation providers to enable their customers to book this service as they book the flight ticket.
Airport Taxi
There are taxi/cabs that have been licensed to operate at the airport. Most are painted yellow to distinguish them from other non-licensed operators. You can also choose to travel using a travel agency and the agency will organize all aspects of your travel including the airport transfer. Be prepared to bargain with the taxi drivers as there are no specific charges.
Hotel Transfer
Most hotels have Airport Shuttle services. Some hotels offer this service as an ancillary service, however, it is important to ask the hotel if the service is free no not ahead of your travel. Some hotels charge while others do not. If you are using an Online Travel Agency to book, please indicate you want transportation in the booking process. Hotel booking engines on their websites also have this service as an add-on in the booking process.
Book a private taxi Online
The other way to get from the airport is to book your tickets online.
With technology, the same way you book flight tickets and hotel rooms even without calling their reservation desks is the same way you can book your airport transportation.
This is how you do it; you search in the portal by inputting your pick up and drop off destinations. Most portals use google APIs therefore price will be dependent on the distance. You will therefore choose the cheapest option or the most suitable option based on your needs. The price will defer based on the type of fleet to be used, economy, or first class.
The price can also differ based on the size of the transfer. If you are traveling as a group and you have lots of luggage, you might choose a bigger van as opposed to a 3-pax sedan. If you are attending a posh function and you want to impress, you can choose a Mercedes S-class. You will then fill your contact details and pay online.
Remember to put your real names as they will use these names to look for you at the airport. There are such operators worldwide e.g. www.mozio.com, www.talixo.de, etc. In East Africa, there is an upcoming aggregator kaributaxi.com. You can check them out though they still put prices in USD.
Use of Cab Hailing Apps.
Uber was the mother of taxi-hailing apps or at least the most known. However, there are numerous such apps and you can use them to get to and from the airport.
You can check which app is operating in the airport you are traveling to. You must also have the telephone number working that you will use to communicate with the driver.
Airport transportation Tips to travelers.
Once you have chosen your ideal way of transportation, below are some tips worth considering.
- Have some cash with you. It is always good to have some cash with you. You might miss your driver and need to take an alternative. Most Airport drivers do not have card readers. If you do not have cash, ask how else you can pay.
- Be brave when bargaining with the drivers, do not agree to pay more than expected. Do desktop research to know the approximate price and tripadvisor.com will be of help.
- Do not shy to ask the driver for a mall stop over to buy some drinks, exchange currency, or any other reason, most of them will comply.
- Tip the driver. It is a common courtesy.
- Ensure you have noted the registration number of the car. This is in case you forgot your cameras or hat in the car.
- Ensure you get value for your money.
- Try to engage a company as opposed to stand-alone drivers for obvious reasons. They have standard operating procedures and tracing them in case of any eventuality.
- Ensure you consider your unique needs. Maybe you have extra-large cargo, traveling for an exhibition or you have surfing equipment. Ensure you advise your driver beforehand so that he anticipates the kind of vehicle to use.
- Use the Airport provided free wife to advise your driver you are now ready. Or you are held at the baggage area, or custom clearance issues. He will be waiting for you in case there are complications at the arrivals hall.
- Make use of add-ons or ancillaries e.g. child seats, Wi-Fi, sweets, hand sanitizers, water, free stopover, etc.
- Ask the driver about local attractions or events happening in the city and you can visit after your key business. You will find most of them very knowledgeable.
Peter Kibe is an airport driver, turned blogger. You can follow some of his blogs on www.kaributaxi.com/blog
Signing Out
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