Qantas Chauffeur service - General Questions/Advice

[Danger]

Does anyone have experience with booking the chauffeur service to pick you up from your intermediate domestic port and take you to the international terminal?

I have a booking from Perth to Sydney on the midnight flight then onwards to LAX on QF11, in F on the one PNR.

The booking engine allows me to select transfers "to the airport" (to PER and to SYD) and also "from the airport (from PER and from SYD).

Is it possible to book the chauffeur to collect me at SYD T3 and take me to SYD T2?

 

[flychrisfly]

Does anyone have experience with booking the chauffeur service to pick you up from your intermediate domestic port and take you to the international terminal?

I have a booking from Perth to Sydney on the midnight flight then onwards to LAX on QF11, in F on the one PNR.

The booking engine allows me to select transfers "to the airport" (to PER and to SYD) and also "from the airport (from PER and from SYD).

Is it possible to book the chauffeur to collect me at SYD T3 and take me to SYD T2?

I didn't think it was but it seems to be a feature now as seen here:

Connect from domestic and trans-Tasman flights
First or Business customers connecting between a domestic or trans-Tasman flight from Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to an eligible Qantas international flight will also be eligible for complimentary Chauffeur Drive transfers.

 

[serfty]

I didn't think it was but it seems to be a feature now as seen here:

I read that as relating to the end-point.

e.g. by that LAX-xBNE-AKL allows for transfers to LAX before flying and from AKL at the end - none in BNE. (Note the QF web site may indiace different in yourbooking ...)

 

[MrJetset]

Does anyone have experience with booking the chauffeur service to pick you up from your intermediate domestic port and take you to the international terminal?

I have a booking from Perth to Sydney on the midnight flight then onwards to LAX on QF11, in F on the one PNR.

The booking engine allows me to select transfers "to the airport" (to PER and to SYD) and also "from the airport (from PER and from SYD).

Is it possible to book the chauffeur to collect me at SYD T3 and take me to SYD T2?

No. None of the airlines at SYD offer inter terminal transfers.

 

[flychrisfly]

I read that as relating to the end-point.

e.g. by that LAX-xBNE-AKL allows for transfers to LAX before flying and from AKL at the end - none in BNE. (Note the QF web site may indiace different in yourbooking ...)

Hmmm, I think you're right. Kinda makes sense if they have the whole Domestic/International transfer set up at airports that need them (eg SYD).

 

[Aus ATC]

My own experiences with chauffer drive have been good. Booked a transfer from LHR to LGW after arrival on QF9. Desk was easy to find, in the arrivals hall just past customs, and the chap there was expecting me. Unfortunately my luggage was not on QF9 (but on a different flight - a story in itself!), and when I explained that, he simply said come back when you are ready for the car. Eventually luggage and I were reunited - but by this time I fancied a shower and some breakfast in the AArrivals Lounge. No problem for the limo - I just nominated when I wanted to leave, and the driver came to the lounge to collect me. An uneventful transfer to LGW followed.

Next booking was a pickup in London (Crowne Plaza Kensington) for the return to LHR and QF10. I received a call a couple of days before from the car company (Carey cars?) - which I missed, but rang the missed call number back the next day. The operator promptly retrieved the booking and confirmed everything - I was travelling with Mrs Aus ATC now so there were 2 of us and 3 suitcases - In discussion with the operator we decided an "estate car" (station wagon) would be a good precaution.

The car and driver arrived about 10 minutes before the nominated time and I received a text message that he was waiting around the corner and would come to the hotel on my reply. We decided just to wander out ourselves - to discover not a wagon, but a sedan (Merc E Class). Luggage fitted OK, with 1 carry-on bag on the front seat. About 40 minutes later we were at T3 - not bad for 6pm in London.

Final chauffer drive was on arrival in BNE. The driver met us at the entry to the baggage hall with the customary sign and an uneventful trip home followed.

It certainly topped off the Business Class experience nicely (LHR- MEL on QF10 was our first trip together in long-haul J).

 

[kody]

Does anyone have any experience with Chauffeur Drive on the domestic leg only of QF8 looking to try my luck at calling up and getting a MASA Brisbane to gold coast via Sydney with the flight on QF8. Wasn't sure if this would still qualify for the transfer or not? I hope it does as that would be a big help.

 

[legroom]

It would have to be on one PNR to qualify (see clause 5)

Does anyone have any experience with Chauffeur Drive on the domestic leg only of QF8 looking to try my luck at calling up and getting a MASA Brisbane to gold coast via Sydney with the flight on QF8. Wasn't sure if this would still qualify for the transfer or not? I hope it does as that would be a big help.

 

[amaroo]

Does anyone have any experience with Chauffeur Drive on the domestic leg only of QF8 looking to try my luck at calling up and getting a MASA Brisbane to gold coast via Sydney with the flight on QF8. Wasn't sure if this would still qualify for the transfer or not? I hope it does as that would be a big help.

Pity they're not transferable. I've got two (QF11/8 BNE) chauffeur services I'm not using in three weeks.

 

[Creston]

I hope this question isn't too silly, but I am using the service for the first time (yay!!) and just wondering...
Do we tip the drivers? I don't want to embaress the driver nor myself so any feedback would be appreciated.
Using the service from Syd to airport and Heathrow to Hotel.

Thanks.

 

[legroom]

I did tips - both here and Europe - to/from airports.

Everyone seems genuinely appreciative of that gesture.

How much?

That's your call.

My most recent pick up from SYD: the tip was $20 for a 35-40 min trip (BMW series 7)

I hope this question isn't too silly, but I am using the service for the first time (yay!!) and just wondering...
Do we tip the drivers? I don't want to embaress the driver nor myself so any feedback would be appreciated.
Using the service from Syd to airport and Heathrow to Hotel.

Thanks.

 

[OATEK]

... Do we tip the drivers? I don't want to embaress the driver nor myself so any feedback would be appreciated.

I tipped at both ends. Felt a fiver was enough here, but gave a bit more in London. There the driver got out, went and located a trolley for the luggage and roused on the hotel staff until they came and helped us, so felt he was worth a tenner.

 

[Creston]

Thanks Guys.

 

[Quickstatus]

My exp with QF Cdrive: booked as usual via QF manage your booking website. Brunel rang about T-24. They noted 4 pax. Asked me how much luggage -said 8 chkd 4 carryon 2 skibag. They said Ok Viano + trailer. Also 60 km = 20 km more just pay extra for the 20km. (Not 20km from 40km border and back to 40 km border). Driver asked me how many bags on return. I said extra 2. "No worried. Will send Viano+trailer and waiting inside terminal with name on card". Turned up 10 min early on Dep day. Easy no worries.

 

[Timtammi]

My experience with QF Chauffeur drive. 2 of us travelling on QF 93 to LAX, booked 2 cars online for the 2 different pickup locations. They rang about 2 days before to confirm number of pax, pickup times and number of bags. Asked them about staggering times so that we would both arrive at approx the same time as my daughter lives closer to the airport than I do. We went with their suggestion of picking her up 15 mins later than me and we literally pulled up at the QF check-in at the same time! Drivers were both very nice, punctual, helpful, chatty without being too chatty - no complaints - exemplary service.

For the return trip there were 3 of us supposed to be coming back on QF 12 connecting through to a QF dom SYD-MEL as these were classic awards and the only way we could get 3 together was to book it this way. Again I had organised 2 cars with the pickup this time at the QF DOM terminal in MEL. The day before our flight back (which was Thursday 12 December, so just last week) I received a call from QF asking if we would change to QF94 instead. As this was what we originally wanted anyway I jumped at it. We lost our great seats in emerald city but I thought that getting the direct flight was worth it. I asked about the Chauffeur booking and was told "no worries we will rebook it for you". As I was in MSP at the time and travelling and as it was too late to change online anyway there was no way I could do anything about it myself and I told the CS agent that but was told not to worry about it. On arrival at check-in at LAX I asked again about the the Chauffeur as I had checked my new flight booking online and could not see any chauffeur booking at all. The check-in girl looked in the computer, wrote down all the details I gave her and promised to escalate it to a supervisor to make sure it was sorted out. I did have the presence of mind to ask for a contact number for the company providing the service should there be any issues at MEL. My worst fears were confirmed on arrival, no drivers for us. I called the number QF gave me (a Sydney number) and they confirmed that QF had cancelled the 2 original bookings and not rebooked them. The service recovery was excellent however, she referred me to the concierge on the ground who was talking to her on the phone when I found him a few minutes later. They bought us coffees, sat us down and had 2 cars and drivers within about 15 minutes.

If QF are going to offer this service, they need to be able to handle what happens with regards to changing bookings when they change customers flights at the last minute. I haven't done it yet but I'm planning on lodging some feedback on this with QF.

 

[bosox76]

Would love some advice. Sorry if it's been answered in the previous 40 pages but couldn't find it.
SWMBO and I are travelling on Emirates as. QF code share to KUL next month. In the QF manage my booking area it says that we don't qualify for Chauffeur Drive however according to the Emirates website as I read it we should does anyone have any previous experience or suggestions? Should I call QF? or Emirates? Also some websites say the KL has chauffeur drive and others not. Again any first hand experience?

thanks

 

[docjames]

My worst fears were confirmed on arrival, no drivers for us. I called the number QF gave me (a Sydney number) and they confirmed that QF had cancelled the 2 original bookings and not rebooked them. The service recovery was excellent however, she referred me to the concierge on the ground who was talking to her on the phone when I found him a few minutes later. They bought us coffees, sat us down and had 2 cars and drivers within about 15 minutes.

Whilst disappointing they didn't re-book as they had indicated, that sounds like decent "service recovery" in MEL. But agree - they should be able to have a process for last minute flight changes.

 

[flychrisfly]

Would love some advice. Sorry if it's been answered in the previous 40 pages but couldn't find it.
SWMBO and I are travelling on Emirates as. QF code share to KUL next month. In the QF manage my booking area it says that we don't qualify for Chauffeur Drive however according to the Emirates website as I read it we should does anyone have any previous experience or suggestions? Should I call QF? or Emirates? Also some websites say the KL has chauffeur drive and others not. Again any first hand experience?

thanks

I take it you're traveling in J or F? Assuming this is the case then where on the Emirates website did you see that Chauffer Drive was offered? My research here indicates there is no Chauffeur Drive in KL (expand the Asia option and KL is not on the list). Looks like you miss out

 

[bosox76]

I take it you're traveling in J or F? Assuming this is the case then where on the Emirates website did you see that Chauffer Drive was offered? My research here indicates there is no Chauffeur Drive in KL (expand the Asia option and KL is not on the list). Looks like you miss out

Yes we're flying J and it appears that you're correct about the KL end but that still doesn't answer why we aren't eligible for Chauffeur Drive in Melbourne, which is definitely on this list of available cities. Might need to call QF to clarify.

 

[flychrisfly]

Yes we're flying J and it appears that you're correct about the KL end but that still doesn't answer why we aren't eligible for Chauffeur Drive in Melbourne, which is definitely on this list of available cities. Might need to call QF to clarify.

Calling might work.

Please post all the flight numbers and dates - there might be some relevant factors hidden...