How can one get the best value with the least amount of stress while Airport Minibus Hire from an airport? See our guide to learn more.
Everybody wants a nice bargain at a reasonable cost. With hundreds of hiring firms vying for your business, there is an abundance of options in the minibus hire market.
Since travelling may be stressful, we are anxious to finish the last leg of our trip as soon as our plane lands so that we can start unwinding.
So, how do you decide which company to work with? And should you make plans in advance or hold off till you get there? Let’s investigate.
1. Make a plan
You might want to take a chance and try to gain a discount when you show up at the desk without a reservation if you enjoy living on the edge. Employees are free to give discounts on the day, but be ready to risk that there won’t be a minibus available.
It’s unlikely that you’ll discover a good deal this way if you’re travelling during a busy period. If you decide to go with this option, call in advance to confirm availability, particularly on weekends or bank holidays.
However, there are a number of benefits to planning ahead.
In addition to reading reviews and comparing costs, you can be sure that you will have a hire minibus when you get to your destination.
2. Do some shopping
Before making a reservation, look around and compare costs to get the greatest bargain.
Remember to read reviews as well. The best offer isn’t usually the one that’s the lowest.
Sites that compare minibus hire might be a helpful tool for comparing multiple companies at once. However, keep in mind that comparison websites don’t always provide the greatest offers, and some providers—particularly smaller ones—won’t be featured. Be ready to dig a little bit yourself.
3. Consider potential delays
Long lines could be a drawback of hiring from the airport.
You may have to wait a long time to pick up your minibus if several planes arrive at roughly the same time.
If you intend to reach your next destination at a specific time, account for this potential delay.
4. Use an offsite company
Do you want to avoid the lines and possibly save some cash? An off-site minibus hire company can be a better option for you than one headquartered at the airport.
Yes, it is convenient to hire from the airport. However, the cost of the privilege will probably be higher, and you might also be required to pay airport tax.
Even with the price of a taxi, it can be less expensive to use an off-site hire provider.
As an example, Airport Transfers 247 is happy to provide some of the cheapest hire rates in the northeast and is conveniently located within a short drive from International Airport.
Additionally, we might be able to set up pickup and drop-off with advance notice, so you wouldn’t miss out on any of the benefits of an airport hire.
To find out if this is feasible, give us a call.
5. Save on extras
A variety of optional addons are available from minibus hire companies. Due to availability, you will often pay for items when you pick them up.
Do you want the benefit but not the cost? Bringing your own kid seats or GPS, for instance, can save you money.
But a word of caution. Since kid seats can be considered luggage, make sure to check with your airline before you travel if you want to carry your own.
6. Make sure you bring the right documents
You need to bring more than just your passport. Typically, you’ll additionally require:
- Your driver’s licence
- A second form of photo
- A credit card
- Your booking confirmation. – this acts as proof of payment and contains the needed reference numbers
7. Call ahead if your flight is delayed
Although airline schedules might change at any time, most hiring companies will make accommodations if your trip is delayed.
Hiring companies typically offer a 24-hour guarantee. Your reserved minibus can be released and hired to another client after this period.
Check the company’s late-arrival policy when making a reservation, and notify the staff of any delays as soon as you can.
8. Know your collection point
Directions to the collecting location will be provided at the time of booking. This is typically printed on the confirmation paper.
This could be at the airport terminal or on the airport property, depending on the airport. You might instead be given the address of a shuttle bus that will transport you to the front desk if it’s outside the airport.
A representative from certain firms will meet you at the airport and direct you to the hire desk as part of their meet-and-greet service.
9. Check your hire minibus carefully
Before leaving, it is always a good idea to inspect the minibus.
Make sure the documentation describing any damage corresponds with the photos you took. Take a seat in the driver’s seat and get acquainted with the layout. If you have any questions, ask the agent for clarification.
10. Perfect the drop-off procedure
While some businesses require returns to be dropped off at the same location where you picked them up, others provide a special space for returns.
By checking in advance, you can avoid misunderstandings that might result in late return fines.
Before you leave, check the car for personal items. In the minibus park, you don’t want to have to open your suitcase again.
The minibus you pick up will have a full tank of petrol, and you are expected to return it with a full tank as most hire firms have a full-to-full policy. You simply pay for the fuel you use, and there is no longer any uncertainty about how much petrol to add.
Plan your route carefully and give yourself plenty of time to stop at the petrol station closest to the hire company. But a word of caution.
Consider going a bit farther to find a more affordable pricing because the petrol stations around the airport are typically more costly.
As an alternative, you could fill up your tank nearly full at reasonable costs and then top it off near the airport.
Give Airport Transfers 247 a call if you’re looking to hire a minibus in Essex and want a reasonable pricing and amiable service. Durham, Sunderland, and Newcastle upon Tyne are all easily accessible from us, and Gatwick Airport is only fifteen minutes away.
