Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about booking a chauffeur, airport and private aviation collections, vehicles, waiting time and payment. If your journey needs a specific arrangement, contact Pearl Chauffeur Drive for a tailored quotation.
Booking a Chauffeur
How do I book a chauffeur with Pearl Chauffeur Drive?
Send your journey details through our website enquiry form or by email. We’ll check availability and send you the quotation and booking details.
Does submitting an enquiry confirm my booking?
No. Your booking is confirmed when Pearl Chauffeur Drive sends written confirmation and any required payment or deposit has been received.
What information do you need for a quotation?
Please provide the journey date and time, pickup and destination addresses, passenger and luggage numbers, and your preferred vehicle. Include flight details, stops, a return journey or child-seat requirements where relevant.
Can someone book on behalf of a passenger?
Yes. Executive assistants, travel managers, hotels, concierge teams and family representatives can arrange a journey. Please provide the passenger’s correct contact details and itinerary.
Can I book directly with a chauffeur?
No. All bookings, changes and payments must go through Pearl Chauffeur Drive as the licensed operator. This allows us to record and confirm the journey, follow private hire requirements, and manage insurance and liability through the proper booking process. Chauffeurs cannot accept bookings privately on Pearl’s behalf.
Are chauffeur services available 24 hours a day?
Pre-booked journeys can be arranged at any hour, subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance, particularly for early-morning, late-night and time-sensitive journeys. Enquiries and booking administration are handled during our published office hours.
Can I get a quotation or book by phone or WhatsApp?
We do not provide quotations or accept bookings by telephone. WhatsApp is for initial enquiries and time-sensitive operational communication only. To request a quotation or make a booking, please submit your journey details through our website form or by email. All arrangements will be confirmed in writing.
Vehicles, Passengers and Luggage
Which vehicle should I choose?
Our team can recommend a vehicle based on your passenger count, luggage and journey requirements. Include those details in your enquiry so we can confirm the most suitable option.
Which vehicles are available?
Our fleet includes Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class and V-Class vehicles, together with the Range Rover Autobiography. Vehicles are subject to the requested date, configuration and availability.
Can you arrange a vehicle that is not listed in your fleet?
Yes. Through our trusted chauffeur-network partners, we can arrange additional luxury vehicles including the BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach. We recommend requesting specialist vehicles at least three to four days in advance. All requests remain subject to availability.
Which vehicle is best for airport luggage?
Vehicle suitability depends on both passenger and luggage numbers. A Mercedes V-Class is often suitable for groups and larger luggage loads, but the precise configuration must be checked before confirmation.
How many passengers fit in a Mercedes V-Class?
We operate six- or seven-passenger configurations. Actual passenger capacity may be reduced by large quantities of luggage, child seats or specialist equipment.
How many passengers and how much luggage can the Mercedes E-Class carry?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class accommodates up to four passengers, two medium suitcases and two carry-on bags. Luggage must not be placed on passenger seats. Excess luggage may result in cancellation without refund; for larger requirements, please book a Mercedes V-Class.
Will I always receive the exact vehicle requested?
We aim to provide the requested vehicle category. If an unforeseen operational or maintenance issue occurs, a suitable alternative of an equal or higher standard may be provided where possible.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Connectivity may be available in selected vehicles and can depend on the network and vehicle assigned. Please confirm any essential onboard requirements when booking.
Families, Child Seats, Accessibility and Animals
Can you provide a child seat?
Child seats must be requested in advance. One child seat or booster seat may be provided free of charge, subject to availability and suitability. Each additional child seat costs £15, and each additional booster seat costs £10.
Can I bring my own child seat?
Yes. Passengers may bring their own child seat, but responsibility for its correct installation and removal remains with the passenger.
Can you carry a wheelchair or specialist equipment?
Yes, subject to vehicle suitability. Please provide the equipment’s dimensions, whether it folds, the assistance required and your luggage details before booking.
Are assistance animals or other animals permitted?
Assistance animals are welcomed with prior notification. Other animals require advance approval and may be subject to vehicle-protection or additional cleaning requirements and valet charges.
Can you arrange transport for excess luggage?
Yes. For larger luggage requirements, such as six or more large suitcases, we can arrange an additional Mercedes V-Class or a dedicated luggage van at extra cost. The quantity and dimensions of all luggage must be advised and arranged in advance.
Stations, Seaports, Tours and Events
Where will the chauffeur meet Eurostar passengers at St Pancras?
The meeting point is normally arranged near the international-arrivals or customs-exit area. The exact procedure and passenger contact details will be confirmed before collection.
Do you provide transfers from Dover and Southampton cruise terminals?
Yes. Seaport transfers can be arranged between the cruise terminals and London, airports, hotels or longer-distance destinations. Ship details and accurate passenger and luggage numbers must be provided.
Can a private tour itinerary be customised?
Yes. Collection times, locations, planned stops and return arrangements can be tailored, subject to attraction opening times, road conditions and the confirmed hire period.
Can the chauffeur act as a tour guide?
The chauffeur manages the journey and transport itinerary. A separately qualified tour guide should be requested when specialist commentary or escorted attraction visits are required.
Can you provide transport for major sporting events?
Yes. Advance booking is recommended because road closures, venue-access restrictions, waiting arrangements and high demand can affect vehicle positioning, journey times and pricing.
Can you arrange event shuttle services?
Yes. We can coordinate scheduled shuttle movements between hotels, venues, airports and corporate locations. Passenger numbers, operating times and vehicle requirements must be provided as early as possible.
Airport Transfers
Do you monitor flight arrival times?
Yes. When accurate flight details are provided, we monitor the flight and adjust the collection planning for early arrivals or delays, subject to chauffeur availability and the confirmed booking terms.
How much complimentary waiting time is included at commercial airports?
Commercial airport collections include 60 minutes of complimentary waiting from the confirmed landing time. After this period, waiting is charged in 15-minute increments, and additional parking or airport charges may apply.
Where will my chauffeur meet me at the airport?
For an inside-terminal meet-and-greet, your chauffeur will wait at the agreed arrivals or customs-exit meeting point with a passenger name sign. The exact arrangements will be confirmed before travel.
Does the chauffeur assist with luggage?
Yes. The chauffeur will provide reasonable luggage assistance from the meeting point to the vehicle. Accurate luggage quantities and sizes must be provided because vehicle capacity and safe-loading limits apply.
Please note: For health and safety reasons, chauffeurs are not required to carry luggage up or down stairways.
What happens if immigration or baggage reclaim takes longer than expected?
The complimentary waiting allowance begins according to the confirmed airport terms. If it is exceeded, additional waiting and parking charges may apply. Please contact us promptly if you expect an unusual delay.
Can I book a return airport transfer?
Yes. Please provide both journey dates, collection times, addresses and flight details. Each journey is confirmed separately and remains subject to vehicle and chauffeur availability.
How far in advance should I book an airport transfer?
Booking at least 24 hours in advance is recommended to allow vehicle preparation, chauffeur allocation and route planning. Short-notice requests remain subject to availability.
Which London airports do you cover?
We serve Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City and relevant private aviation terminals, with transfers throughout Greater London and to longer-distance destinations.
Do you provide airport transfers outside London?
Yes. Subject to availability, we can arrange collections from or transfers to airports throughout the UK. As our vehicle and chauffeur will depart from or return to London, additional positioning, mileage and travel-time charges may apply.
Private Aviation and FBO Transfers
Do you monitor private aircraft tail numbers?
Yes. When the correct tail number or flight information is provided, we monitor the aircraft to support chauffeur positioning and coordination with the relevant FBO or ground-handling team.
How much complimentary waiting time is included for private aviation?
Private aviation and FBO collections include 30 minutes of complimentary waiting from the scheduled arrival time. Additional waiting, parking or access charges may apply after this period.
Can the chauffeur collect passengers beside the aircraft?
Aircraft-side collection may be possible only when authorised by the airport, FBO and security team and arranged in advance. Tarmac access cannot be guaranteed for every flight or facility.
Which private aviation airports and terminals do you serve?
We serve Farnborough Airport—including the Flexjet Private Terminal—RAF Northolt, London Biggin Hill, Fairoaks Airport, London City Airport, Heathrow private aviation facilities, and FBOs at Luton and Stansted, including Signature Aviation and Harrods Aviation. Other UK private terminals can be covered subject to availability. Positioning, vehicle preparation, mileage, airport access and additional-stop charges may apply.
Can you coordinate with a flight department or close-protection team?
Yes. We can coordinate with executive assistants, flight departments, FBO handlers and close-protection teams when the necessary contacts and operational instructions are provided in advance.
Is luggage assistance available from the aircraft?
Discreet luggage assistance can be coordinated from the authorised handover point to the vehicle. Aircraft-side assistance remains subject to airport, FBO and security permission.
Can you arrange a separate vehicle for additional luggage?
Yes. A dedicated luggage van can be arranged on request, subject to availability and an additional charge. The number and approximate dimensions of all suitcases must be provided in advance so that the correct vehicle and collection arrangements can be confirmed.
Corporate Travel and Financial Roadshows
Could a company open a corporate account?
Corporate accounts may be available to approved organisations, subject to verification and a separate agreement. Please submit the dedicated Corporate Account Request form for review.
Can executive assistants and travel managers book for other passengers?
Yes. We work with executive assistants, travel managers, hotels, concierge teams and private offices. Accurate passenger contact details, itinerary information and billing instructions must be provided.
Do you provide monthly invoicing?
Approved corporate accounts may include agreed invoicing terms. Until an account has been formally approved in writing, our standard advance-payment requirements apply.
Can one chauffeur remain with an executive for multiple meetings?
Yes. Hourly or as-directed hire is suitable for multi-stop business travel and changing schedules. Minimum hire periods, mileage and other conditions will be stated in the quotation.
Can you manage a financial roadshow itinerary?
Yes. Please provide the full meeting schedule, passenger contacts, collection addresses, access requirements and sufficient contingency time. A dedicated, experienced roadshow chauffeur will be assigned to the itinerary, and we can coordinate multi-stop journeys and reasonable schedule changes, subject to operational availability and legal driving-hour requirements.
Is passenger information kept confidential?
Yes. Passenger identities, addresses, itineraries and travel details are treated confidentially. Operational information is shared only where required to deliver the service, when authorised or when legally required.
Can you provide several vehicles for a delegation or corporate event?
Yes. Multi-vehicle, delegation and shuttle arrangements can be organised with advance reservation and planning. Vehicle allocation, onsite coordination, payment stages and cancellation conditions will be confirmed for each event.
Hourly, Daily and Multi-Day Hire — Personal Chauffeur Service
What is hourly or as-directed chauffeur hire?
Hourly or as-directed hire reserves a vehicle and chauffeur for an agreed period, allowing multiple stops and schedule flexibility within the confirmed service area and booking terms.
Is there a minimum hire period?
Yes. Minimum hire periods are:
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class and V-Class: three hours within Central London and four hours in suburban areas within the M25.
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Range Rover Autobiography: four hours within Central London and five hours outside Central London.
For journeys outside the M25, the minimum hire period depends on the destination and booking requirements and will be confirmed in your quotation.
Can I extend the chauffeur hire on the day?
We will try to accommodate an extension, but this depends on the chauffeur’s following assignment and operational availability. Additional time and mileage will be charged at the confirmed rate.
Can the same chauffeur support a multi-day itinerary?
Yes, subject to availability. Please book at least seven days in advance so we can reserve the chauffeur’s schedule across all requested dates and provide consistent support throughout the itinerary. Full daily schedules and any anticipated changes should be supplied in advance.
Pricing, Payment and Changes
Are quotations fixed?
Quotations are based on the journey information provided at the time of booking. Additional stops, route changes, extended waiting, extra mileage or changes to passenger and luggage requirements may alter the final charge.
Is VAT included?
Pearl Chauffeur Drive is VAT registered. Your quotation and invoice will clearly state whether the quoted amount is before VAT and will show the applicable VAT separately.
Can external charges apply?
Yes. Congestion charges, airport fees, parking, tolls, venue-access fees and other mandatory third-party charges may apply. Known charges will be explained wherever possible before confirmation.
How can I pay?
Payment can be made through a secure online payment link, by debit or credit card, or by bank transfer. Cleared payment is required before service unless an approved corporate-account arrangement applies.
Can I add a stop or change my journey after booking?
We will try to accommodate reasonable changes, subject to chauffeur and vehicle availability. Additional time, mileage, waiting, parking or access charges may apply. Any amendment must be confirmed through the Pearl Chauffeur Drive office.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms depend on the service and the amount of notice provided. Airport and standard-journey terms may differ from hourly, event, VIP, multi-day or multi-vehicle reservations. The terms supplied with your quotation and our current Terms and Conditions will apply.