Following you will find some tips to take in consideration when renting a limo:

Consider the type of event. Typically limousine companies charge based on the type of event. Events are typically as follows: Airport Transfers, Weddings, Nights Out, Birthday Parties, City or Wine Tours, Day Trips, Concerts, A to B Transfers, Proms, Client Meetings and Special Events. Most limousine companies have special airport transfer rates and special A to B Rates. All limousine companies have hourly minimums on Friday and Saturday nights.

Prepare the details of what you are looking for. Most companies charge by the hour, so it is important to decide how many hours you will need.

Determine how many people will be participating before you call. This can affect what type of vehicle you can ride in. You want to make sure that you rent a limousine that’s large enough to cater to all of your guests so they don’t end up looking like they’ve been stacked inside a sushi roll.

Decide on vehicle types. Here are all the types of vehicles available:

• Sedans (mostly Town cars but sometimes Mercedes or Specialty Sedans)

• 6 Passenger Limousine (Seats 4 comfortably)

• 8 Passenger Limousine (Seats 6 comfortably)

• 10 Passenger Limousine (Seats 8 comfortably)

• 12 Passenger Limousine (Seats 10 comfortably)

• 14-22 SUV Limousine (Typically a Navigator, Escalade, or Excursion)

• 18-20 Passenger Hummer

• Small Shuttle Bus (22-35 Passengers)

• Coach Bus (45-55 Passengers)

• Small Limo Bus (14-22 Passengers)

• Coach Limo Bus (28-35 Passengers)

• Classic Cars (Rolls Royce, etc).

Focus on value: the best service at the best price: Not all limousine services are equal. Price should not be the only factor in your search. Much like renting a hotel, different price points often mean different service levels. It’s good to have a budget determined ahead of time, but also know what type of experience you want.

Get the right ride: Often times, the right vehicle can make all the difference – a stretch Hummer for your next bachelor party or a classic antique for riding off in style from the wedding. Ensure the vehicle you’re getting has the space, features and look for your next event. Try to book a vehicle that has room for at least one to two more people than are in your party. Some companies provide music (radio or satellite radio), so ask in advance or be prepared to take your iPod or a mix CD with enough music to last the whole ride. Also ask about features like the seating arrangement and luggage capacity for large group vehicles. Not sure which is the best ride for you? Check out our Limo Pricing Guide for vehicle details.

Safety first: The most important thing to consider when booking a limo is safety for yourself and your party. Legitimate limo companies need to be registered with their state (US only), have the proper levels of insurance and be properly licensed. Never book a limo with a company that can’t promptly show you their licensing and insurance credentials – don’t take chances.

Plan ahead: Think about all the details of your ride experience. Do you need ice or drinks? Do you have a preferred route for your ride? What stops would you like to make? Providing these details to your chosen limo service provider will help them meet your needs – for the right price.

Get the whole price: Always make sure you are checking prices apples-to-apples between services. Each limousine company will generally have their own unique pricing policies. Most companies offer services priced by the hour – but may also offer flat/guaranteed rates for airport rides or sometimes all-inclusive packages. Pay attention to “add on’s” like fuel surcharges or other services fees not included in the base price. FYI, it is customary to tip drivers 18-20% of the base price. Most companies automatically charge a driver tip, while some leave it to the customer to decide. Be sure you get the full price up front when weighing your options.

Packages: A package is often the best choice for special occasions like weddings, concerts, prom, sporting events or other ride types with a predictable start and end time. Packages will generally provide a set number of hours in a vehicle that fits your party size and event for a fixed, all-inclusive price. Some companies offer packages for every type of service and most give substantial “bulk rate” price breaks.

Reserve early – especially for big events: Start searching well before you need your limo. For wedding limos, some people book 12-18 months in advance. Other events, like proms, are best to book a limo a few months in advance. In general, it is best to start looking 3-4 weeks before your event. After you’ve selected the right limo service provider, get confirmation in writing. For special occasions, it’s generally a good idea to contact your limo service provider a week before the event, just to ensure everything is confirmed. It is best to call 2-4 weeks in advance of the reservation.

Call 2-4 days before your event to confirm your reservation and request the driver’s cell phone number. Be sure to verify that the routing is correct and that there is a driver scheduled. Be sure to ask if they are going to farm out your run.(A “Farm-out” means that they are selling your reservation to another company at a profit). If they tell you of their intention to farm out, either tell them not to do so, or ask for details of the other company so that you can satisfy yourself of their reliability.

Call 3 hours prior to the event, just to check in and make sure everything is fine.

-For information on which side your airline is located, please refer to signage over the escalators or elevators. You cannot proceed directly from the RED to the BLUE side on this level. To cross from the RED to BLUE, proceed up the elevator or escalator to Level 2, cross the lobby and take the elevator or stairs down to Level 1.

To locate the correct baggage claim belt for your arriving flight, please refer to electronic signs over the escalators down to the Baggage Claim Level, or over baggage belts.

-A chauffer will be waiting at the bottom of the escalator holding a sign with your name on it. The chauffer will accompany you to the baggage claim carousel. 

-The chauffer will leave you at a designated location, The Stagecoach Transportation luxury sedan or SUV will be brought to you waiting on level one. 

Note: curbside pick-ups are permitted at this airport but need to be pre-arrange at the time you make your reservation. 

The chauffer will assist you and your party and take you to your final destination.

- The airline concourses are connected to the main terminal via an elevated tram. Once you arrive at the main terminal, pass the security area, continue to follow signs to baggage claim, and then take the escalator down to baggage claim on level two.

-A chauffer will be waiting at the bottom of the escalator holding a sign with your name on it. The chauffer will accompany you to the baggage claim carousel.

-Once you have gathered all your luggage, the chauffer will escort you down the escalator or elevator to level 1. The Stagecoach Transportation luxury sedan or SUV will be waiting on level one. The chauffer will assist you and your party and take you to your final destination. 

Note: In the unlikely event you do not see your driver; please call our office at 352-854-6642 and we will quickly locate your chauffer, or turn your cell phone on, we might be trying to reach you. To insure the best service we check the status of your flight. Please allow 15 minutes from landing time to meet you at the baggage claim floor. (You have to take the tram and change terminals).

2. Choose from the days and times of lower demand.

3. Do not be afraid to use secondary airports, from where they operate most of the low cost airlines. Secondary airports with lower operating costs are transferred to the ticket.

4. Plan ahead and buy time before the flight date. The ticket prices rise as we approach the date of travel.

5. Compare prices between different companies low cost.