Are you looking for a convenient, comfortable way to get from the JKF or EWR airport to your hotel or meeting while you’re on business in New York City or surrounding areas?
If only it were that easy…
But with more than 20 million residents, this is by far the largest metropolitan community in the country, and you need to plan ahead to address your transportation needs.
Corporate car services are some of the top options available to business travelers, but the unfortunate reality is that many business professionals just don’t know that much about them.
I was one of those people. 😊
It’s a shame because it’s preventing them from taking advantage of the benefits this type of service provides.
Today we’ll be taking a closer look at some of these misconceptions and other alternatives.
Who knows? After reading this you may be ready to book a limo service today.
3 Big Mistakes Business Travelers Make About The Corporate Car Industry
1. Limousine Services Are All the Same
You’ve experienced one, you’ve experienced them all. Right?
Of course not.
It’s true, some people have had bad experiences with a corporate car service in the past.
For example, they may have received poor service or ridden in a dirty vehicle. This could have caused a skewed view about the entire industry.
The reality is that limousine and corporate car services vary dramatically, and some offer truly exceptional service from well-trained chauffeurs. They may also offer a full fleet of vehicles that range from sedans and SUVs to limos and more.
2. Limo Companies Are Shady
Limo companies have developed a bad reputation over the years thanks to Hollywood movies and the Mafia era. Because of these factors, you may associate limo services with shady practices.
But hold on. The reality is that many limo companies are owned and operated by hard-working dedicated professionals who strive to provide clients with the best transportation experience possible.
Reviews are KEY! Most of the time…
Online reviews can go a long way in helping you decide whether the company is worth it or not.
Be smart when looking through reviews. Don’t look at reviews from just one source. Checkout if the company has multiple reviews throughout the internet not just on one site. They might have more reviews on Google than on Yelp or other sites.
Help a company out!
When you have a great experience. Share it with the world.
That’s when you can slap a giant “S” on your chest…
This will go a long way with helping not only the car service company but also fellow business travelers so they can make the right decision like you did.
3. Drivers Have Little Training
You may think that limo companies hire just anyone to serve as a chauffeur.
You put on a black suite and a hat. BOOM! You’re a chauffeur.
But here’s the kicker:
Chauffeurs actually MUST have a special license that they receive through advanced driver’s training and education. In addition, they are required to take continuing education classes to maintain their license over the years.
What does that mean for you?
With this in mind, you can expect to enjoy a safe, comfortable ride throughout New York City.
As you can see, many of your perceptions about limo companies may be flat out wrong. Booking a car service in New York City is a great solution to your transportation needs in the Big Apple.
Avoid Being Left at the Curb – Start Your Business Trip Off Right
When you hire a car service to provide chauffeured transportation from JFK or EWR airports, you understandably expect the driver to be waiting for you at the scheduled time.
Let’s lay it all out there…
Unfortunately, some limo companies have developed a bad reputation because they have failed to show up for their scheduled pickup.
This is the last thing you want when starting off a business trip in New York City. You can prevent this from happening by knowing what to look for in a quality executive car service provider.
A Service Guarantee
A reputable limo or corporate car service provider will offer a strong guarantee regarding the experience that you can expect from them.
Yes, that’s right…
A guarantee that you will enjoy your experience with the company. How cool is that?
Bottom Line: take your time to read through the guarantee of any limo company before you schedule a service.
Friendly, Live Customer Service
Many limo companies offer convenient online scheduling.
This is a benefit to you, but you should also be able to speak with a live representative as needed.
Before making your reservation, just take a moment and call the company’s number to find out if there is a live person to speak with you who can answer all of your questions knowledgeably.
Licensing and Insurance
Your limo company needs to be fully licensed and insured according to state law. There should NEVER be a lapse in coverage or licensing. The company should be able to provide you with proof of valid licensing and insurance upon request.
While this may seem like a lot of information to verify before you make a reservation, the best limo companies will have most of this information online for you to review easily.
By spending a few minutes checking each of these factors, you can make a better decision about which limo company to hire.
Rideshare VS A Corporate Car Service For Your Business Trip
Transportation is a top concern when planning a trip to New York City.
We’ve all seen the images of endless traffic and taxi cabs from the airports to downtown Manhattan.
What it comes down to is:
You need to have a reliable, convenient way to make your way around town. With Uber and Lyft becoming more and more popular you might be debating using a rideshare option while you’re in town.
With a closer look at three key features, you’ll see that in fact, using a corporate car service makes the most sense.
1. Reliability
Transportation is a top concern when planning a trip to New York City.
We’ve all seen the images of endless traffic and taxi cabs from the airports to downtown Manhattan.
What it comes down to is:
You need to have a reliable, convenient way to make your way around town. With Uber and Lyft becoming more and more popular you might be debating using a rideshare option while you’re in town.
With a closer look at three key features, you’ll see that in fact, using a corporate car service makes the most sense.
2. Top-Notch Training
There may be a few requirements that rideshare drivers must meet, but chauffeurs who work for a corporate car or limo service are normally very experienced and friendly professionals. They have special transportation licenses and are required to attend continuing education classes on a regular basis. This top-notch training provides you with a better overall experience that’s well fit for your professional needs.
3. Set Prices
One of the most unfortunate aspects of using rideshare services is that you never know how much you will pay for the service. These services use surge pricing, and if you schedule a ride during a surge price time, you may pay an astronomical fee that you have no control over.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THAT!!!!
With a corporate car service, you will enjoy highly competitive rates as well as set prices. You will never be surprised by the amount owed when you use a corporate car service.
But are there benefits to using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft?
The answer is yes.
One of these benefits is using a convenient app for your phone that you can quickly and easily book a ride.
But you know what?
Some professional car companies have scheduling apps themselves that you can use on your iPhone or Android device just as easily, if not more, than Uber, Lyft or other companies.
While rideshare services may seem more convenient initially, the reality is that corporate car services are a more professional and reliable option. You can easily book an appointment for your car service needs online.
Don’t Be Fooled by the Airport Shuttle
When preparing to travel into one of the airports in the New York City metro area, you must plan ahead about how you will get from the airport to your hotel. Some people may plan to simply use the airport shuttle service in order to save cost. However, the cost savings could come at the cost of your meetings.
The Nature of The Shuttle Service
It is important to think through the airport shuttle experience before you decide how you will travel to your hotel. You may need to wait many long minutes for a shuttle to arrive.
As you and I know, “Time is Money”.
Then, you may be transported to several other hotels to let other passengers off before you reach your destination. The shuttle vehicle itself may be dirty and crowded.
Altogether, this is an uncomfortable and unreliable way for a professional to travel.
Car Service Offers Superior Time Management
Many people who travel to New York City on business are busy individuals, and they simply do not have time to wait for a shuttle or to be transported to several other locations before they reach their own hotel.
That’s a pretty big deal.
Your car service will be at the curb waiting for your arrival, and you will quickly be whisked away and taken directly to your hotel.
Shuttle Service Does Not Equal Luxury
The shuttle service is the budget-minded way to travel.
I know I like to save money whenever I can.
However, there is a drawback. It’s usually crowded, dirty and cramped. The service you receive may be poor, and the vehicle is generally not comfortable in any way.
After a long flight and a busy schedule ahead. Do I really want to deal with that?
Probably not.
With a corporate car or limo, you’ll be the only passenger in the car. The vehicle will be clean, well-maintained and quiet.
Airport Taxi Hassles: Know When You’re Getting Ripped Off
Taking a taxi from a New York City airport to a local hotel is a common step that business professionals take.
However, many travelers have unpleasant experiences with airport tax rides. There are a few common scams that taxi drivers try to pull, and being aware of these can keep you safe from higher than necessary charges.
Broken Machines
Before you drive off in an airport taxi cab, make sure that the meter is working properly.
Some taxi drivers say that their machines are broken in an effort to get a higher than normal cash payment from you. Others may state that there is a flat fee for airport service regardless of how near or far away your hotel is.
A smart idea is to verify that the meter is working before you get in the cab and to ensure that it starts and stops on time.
Scenic Route
Some taxi drivers will take a scenic route in an effort to rack up more charges from you.
Yep, this happened to me. ☹
They may say that they are taking a route that bypasses traffic or that lets you see some sights while you are in town all while the meter continues to tally charges.
One of the best pieces of advice!
Turn on the GPS map on your phone, and follow the route on your own. Instruct the driver where to turn to ensure that he or she does not take a costly scenic route.
Baggage Claim Solicitations
If a taxi driver approaches you in the airport baggage claim area and offers to take your bags to the car for you, be wary of the situation. Taxi drivers are NOT permitted to leave their vehicles unattended at the curb, so there may be something shady going on. Always go to the curb or the proper taxi station to hail a taxi cab at the airport.
Taxi cabs seem convenient when you are traveling in and out of the New York City area. After all, there are always taxis waiting on the curb for you.
Let’s be real. They’re EVERWHERE!
However, a safer and more comfortable experience for business travelers may be to use a corporate car service. You can easily make a reservation today to get the car that you need.
Have A More Appealing Business Trip in New York
If you have plans to travel into the New York City area on business, you may be thinking about pampering yourself.
I know I do. 😊
How you travel around the city can impact the image that you present. Exuding a professional image that tells the world that you are successful.
Your business colleagues and clients will take note of your transportation method, and this could play a role in their perception of you and your business.
You can get your trip started on the right foot by booking a corporate car service. With a closer look at what you can experience compared to other transportation options you can see why it’s preferred over.
A Comfortable Working Environment
Is it a busy executives dream?
Yes, it is and this is why: When you travel in the back of a limo or a town car, you can sit back and relax.
This is your dedicated, PRIVATE space!
You can work on your computer while you travel to your destination. You can check emails or respond to texts on your cell phone with discretion.
There won’t be other passengers peering over your shoulder or conversations that could disrupt your workflow.
AMAZING!
Making your reservation for a limo or corporate car service is easy to do. Simply use the website to book your reservation, or download the app so that you can make a reservation through your phone.
