Airport Taxis: 4 Simple Ways To Make Sure You Catch Your Flight On Time

You booked your vacation and packed your suitcases. Everybody is excited. All you need to do now is get to the airport and board your flight. Easy, right?

Unfortunately, many excited holidaymakers have to answer no to that question because they did not make the right decisions when they arranged their transport to the airport. If you want to make sure you can answer that question affirmatively, pay attention to the four following airport taxi booking tips when it comes to your next family vacation.

Select the right service provider

In many towns and cities, holidaymakers can choose from dozens of airport taxi services, but it pays to shop around. A high-quality, experienced taxi service could save your bacon if the unexpected happens.

For example, you should always check what sort of back-up service the company offers. If your car breaks down, does the taxi service have another vehicle to send and pick you up straight away? While you will always want to find a good price, you also need to think about reliability and experience.

Confirm your requirements ahead of time

When it comes to airport taxis, one size does not fit all. A car that suits a lone business traveler with a single briefcase is unlikely to meet the needs of a large family armed with a pile of suitcases. As such, you should never assume the taxi service will automatically send the car you need.

Confirm with the taxi service how many people need transport, along with an exact count of suitcases and hand luggage. Call out 'special' items. For example, the taxi company may need to make special arrangements to carry skis, surfboards and other unwieldy items. Get in touch with the taxi company as early as you can, or you may find it hard to get the car you need.

Confirm an itinerary

When it comes to airport taxis, you should never leave things to chance. Check what time you need to get to the airport to check in, and talk to the taxi company about the time it takes to get there from your house. In this situation, professional airport taxi services can add enormous value. An experienced provider can help you understand the average driving time and will also know about any delays that you may face in your area.

Confirm the details via email, wherever possible, so you have a record of what you have agreed. Call ahead the day before the booking to confirm, and make sure you have a name and contact number you can call on the day if you have any issues. Store these details in your mobile phone, or you'll end up running around at the last minute if there's an issue.

Get the family flight-ready

Unfortunately, air travel can often lead to unwanted health issues, so it's important to take precautions to avoid the medical problems flying can cause. For example, cabin humidity is generally lower than normal, at around 5 to 10 percent. This can dry out your eyes and skin and can also make some people feel unwell. You're also more likely to feel poorly if you skip breakfast or lunch and travel on an empty stomach.

Plan your journey so you have time do everything you need. It's better to get up an hour earlier than you would like to if it gives you time to get the kids (or the grandparents) ready for action. Make sure people take any regular medication on time, too, as this is another reason that people sometimes fall ill on flights. In a worst case scenario, your taxi driver may refuse to take passengers who are unwell, so you should minimize the risk as much as possible.

Thousands of Americans rely on airport taxis every month. While it's the driver's responsibility to get you to the airport safely, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you arrive on time, so make sure you plan carefully to avoid unwanted surprises. For more information, contact a local taxi service.