Booking a limo for the first time brings a lot of questions to mind like how does the booking process work? Why do you need to pay a deposit? How are hours counted? Should I tip the chauffeur? What is included in the price?
Limousine service booking is very easy to understand. If you have never booked a limo before these questions are obvious. This guide explains how limousine services work and answers many questions that first time customers usually ask.
How Booking a Limo Actually Works
Booking a limo is not like calling for a regular taxi. You first contact your desired limo company by phone or through an online booking form. You provide the date at which you need service, the number of passengers, the type of occasion and pickup and drop-off locations. The company then recommends a vehicle that fits your group size and gives you a quote.
If you agree with the given price and vehicle type the company sends you a written confirmation. This should include the vehicle type, the pickup time and address, the total hours booked, the rate and any additional fees.
After you review and accept this confirmation you pay a deposit to officially secure your booking. The remaining amount of the booking is usually given closer to the event date or on the day of the ride. It depends on the company’s policy.
Why Limo Companies Require a Deposit
For the limo company a deposit confirms that you are serious about the booking and secures a specific vehicle for your date and time. Without a deposit a vehicle may be booked twice and the company will give it to someone who booked last at a higher price.
For you, the deposit locks in your vehicle, your price and your date. Once you have paid it, that vehicle is reserved for your event. This amount is typically 25 to 50 percent of the total booking cost.
| Booking Type | Typical Deposit |
| Airport transfer | Full payment or 50% |
| Corporate event | 25 to 50% |
| Wedding | 25 to 50% |
| Prom | 50% |
| Special occasion | 25 to 50% |
How Limo Hours Actually Work
Limo companies mostly charge by the hour with a minimum number of hours that are required to book for event bookings. You cannot book a stretch limo for one hour. Minimum hours usually range from two to five hours. It also depends on the vehicle type and the day you are booking for.
| Vehicle Type | Typical Minimum Hours |
| Executive Sedan | 2 hours |
| Lincoln Stretch Limo | 3 to 4 hours |
| SUV Limo | 4 hours |
| Party Bus | 4 to 5 hours |
When Does the Clock Start?
Most of the companies use garage to garage billing. This means the time starts when the vehicle leaves the company’s garage, not when it arrives at your pickup address. If the company’s garage is 20 minutes from your home, those 20 minutes are often included in your billed time. Always ask your provider directly when the clock starts and stops.
What Happens If You Go Over Your Booked Hours?
If you need a limo longer than planned, you will be charged an overtime rate. This rate is usually the same as your hourly rate or sometimes it is slightly higher. Confirm this rate at the time of booking so you know exactly what extra time will cost if your day runs long.
What Shows Up on Your Final Bill
The hourly rate is not the total price of booking; there are some additional charges that are commonly charged by limo service providers.
| Fee Type | Typical Amount |
| Gratuity | 15 to 20% of total |
| Fuel surcharge | $20 to $75 |
| Peak date surcharge | 10 to 25% |
| Cleaning fee (if needed) | $100 to $300 |
| Decoration setup | $50 to $150 |
Should You Tip the Chauffeur?
Gratuity is sometimes included in your quote, sometimes expected to be given separately. Always confirm chauffeur gratuity before your booking. If it is not included the standard tip is 15 to 20 percent of your total bill. For exceptional service many clients tip 20 to 25 percent.
| Service Level | Suggested Tip |
| Standard service | 15 to 18% |
| Above average service | 18 to 20% |
| Exceptional service | 20 to 25% |
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
The answer depends on the type of occasion and demand for the vehicle at that time. Popular vehicles like stretch limos and Hummer limos book faster for Saturday nights. Try to book a limo as soon as you plan for it so that you get your preferred vehicle for your specific date.
| Event Type | Recommended Booking Window |
| Wedding | 6 to 12 months ahead |
| Prom | 3 to 4 months ahead |
| Corporate event | 1 to 4 weeks ahead |
| Airport transfer | 24 to 48 hours ahead |
| Special occasion | 4 to 8 weeks ahead |
Book Your First Limo with AA Limousine and Sedan
AA Limousine and Sedan makes your first limo booking simple and stress free. Our team assists you with every part of booking and suggests the most suitable solutions according to your needs. We offer premium vehicles for groups of every size. Whether it is a wedding, a prom, a corporate event or an airport transfer, we handle every detail professionally from start to finish.
Contact AA Limousine and Sedan today and discover how comfortable professional transportation can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much deposit do I need to pay to book a limo?
Most companies require 25 to 50 percent of the total cost as a deposit. Airport transfers sometimes require full payment at the time of booking. Always confirm the exact percentage and whether it is refundable before paying.
What happens if I need the limo longer than I originally booked?
You will be charged an overtime rate for any additional time, usually the same as your hourly rate. Confirm this rate when you book so there are no surprises if your day runs long.
Is gratuity included in the price I am quoted?
This depends on the company. Some companies include it in the total, while others expect it separately at 15 to 20 percent. Always ask directly before you finalize your booking.
Can I eat inside a limousine?
Food and beverage policies vary by company. Always ask the company before bringing food.