Riding in a limousine is a special, luxurious experience that all members of your party should enjoy to the fullest. But with that privilege comes certain etiquette expectations. So whether you’re attending a wedding, prom, or another special occasion, it’s important to remember a few etiquette tips for riding in a limo to ensure everyone has the best possible experience.
Etiquette Tips for Riding in a Limo
Sterling Limousine and Transportation Services provides transportation for weddings in Bucks County, PA, and the surrounding areas. We have compiled this list of 10 etiquette tips for riding in a limousine that will help make your ride comfortable and enjoyable. From being mindful of the driver to respecting the vehicle, these guidelines will ensure everyone involved in the limo ride is having a good time.
Arrive on Time
One of the most important etiquette tips for riding in a limo is to ensure that you are punctual and arrive at the designated pick-up location on time. Limo rental services often have a strict schedule, so it’s considerate to be ready when the limo arrives.
Greet the Chauffeur
When the chauffeur opens the door for you, it’s polite to greet them with a smile and a friendly hello. They are there to provide a service, so acknowledging them is a nice gesture.
Enter and Exit Gracefully
When using a limousine rental service, etiquette rules also apply to getting in and out of the limo. Be mindful of how you do it to maintain elegance and grace. Enter and exit the vehicle without rushing or disturbing the other passengers.
There is also a proper way to enter a limousine. Ladies should sit on the seat of the open door. Once seated, they should gracefully swing their legs inside, ensuring they keep their knees together. Sometimes, it may be courteous for men to allow women to enter the limousine first. However, this depends on the situation. If she needs help getting into the limousine from the inside, a gentleman should enter first. Additionally, men may want to enter a limousine before ladies wearing large dresses to ensure they don’t sit on or wrinkle their dresses.
Seating Etiquette
It’s proper limousine etiquette to allow the person paying for the limousine or the guest of honor to choose their seat. The best seat in a limousine is often considered the seat on the passenger side where guests enter the limousine. If there are designated seating arrangements, follow them accordingly.
Communication With the Driver
If you have specific instructions or requests when renting a limo, they should be communicated to the limousine service in advance . You should avoid changing the size of your party or adding stops along the way to your destination. If any changes to the plan come up during the ride, you should communicate them politely and clearly to the chauffeur. They are there to assist you and will appreciate your clarity.
Use of Any Beverages in the Limousine
If any drinks are available inside your limousine, don’t immediately help yourself to them. It’s proper limousine etiquette to wait until the person paying for the limousine offers you a drink. You don’t want to assume that any beverages provided are complimentary. It’s also impolite to take a bottle with you when you leave unless it is offered by the person paying for the car.
In instances where alcoholic beverages are provided, make sure that you don’t overindulge. Car rental services are hired to ensure you get to your destination safely. Drunken or other illegal behavior puts you, the other passengers, and the driver at risk.
Be Considerate of Other Passengers
When using a limousine rental service, consider how your actions and behavior impact other passengers and the driver. Avoid smoking, especially with other passengers who may be irritated by the smoke. Be mindful of the noise level inside the limo. While having conversations and enjoying your time is perfectly acceptable, remember that excessive noise or loud music can disturb other passengers or the chauffeur. Also, never hang out of the sunroof or windows in a limousine. Staying inside the vehicle at all times contributes to the comfort and safety of everyone’s limousine experience.
Respect the Vehicle
Treat the limo with respect and care. Avoid any actions that may cause damage or create a mess. Be cautious with food and drinks, and use any provided amenities appropriately. Be sure to clean up after yourself and take trash with you when leaving. Remember that any messes left in the limousine may cause the car service to apply a cleaning fee to your bill. This etiquette tip for riding in a limo can help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
Tipping the Chauffeur
Tipping your driver for their service is customary. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total cost of the limo service. All of Sterling Limousine’s rates include gratuity for your convenience. If the chauffeur exceeds your expectations and you would like to provide an additional tip, it is up to your discretion to do so.
Exiting the Limo
When you reach your destination, wait for the driver to open the door before exiting the vehicle. Opening the door for you is part of their customer service experience. It’s courteous to allow them to do their job. Thank them for their service and exit the limo gracefully.
Following these etiquette tips for riding in a limo will ensure you and everyone in your party have a fun, pleasant, memorable experience.
Call Us for Limousine Service Today
When you need to hire a limo for a wedding, prom, or special event, let Sterling Limousine and Transportation Services provide the car for you. With our superior customer service and extensive fleet that includes limousines of all sizes, we’ll ensure you arrive at your destination in style. We also provide airport limo service in Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding areas. Book your car or request a quote today — we guarantee your satisfaction with our limousine rental service.