Here’s what you need to know about proper limo etiquette in Alberta

• Renting a Limousine, Party Bus or Shuttle style limo is a fantastic way to elevate any special occasion, from weddings and proms to corporate events or a night out on the town.

• Along with the luxury and convenience that comes with hiring a limo, there are also certain unspoken rules and etiquette to follow. Understanding proper limo etiquette not only ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your group, but it also shows respect for the chauffeur and the service you’re paying for.

Respect the Chauffeur

• The chauffeur is a professional and should be treated with respect at all times. While they are there to provide excellent service, they are not personal assistants or someone to be taken advantage of. A simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way in fostering a positive environment. Additionally, remember that your chauffeur’s primary job is to get you to your destination safely and comfortably, so it’s important to avoid asking them to engage in unsafe driving practices, such as speeding.

• If there are any specific requests you have during the ride, such as adjusting the music or temperature, ask politely. Most chauffeurs are more than willing to accommodate reasonable requests to make your experience more enjoyable. Almost all of our Limousines, and party busses the climate controls are in the back and can be adjusted accordingly.

• It’s also a good idea to provide instructions in advance if you have a specific route or stop in mind, so your chauffeur can plan accordingly. Limousines and Party Busses are not 4-wheel drive vehicles and when loaded generally avoid gravel roads and grassy fields. If you require the charter to traverse uneven roads, expect the trip to take longer as the chauffeur will adjust the speeds accordingly.  

Planning your charter​

• If you are required to be at a destination at a specific time please ask your guests to be punctual, making sure you’re ready to leave at the designated time is important. Once loaded the limousine will take as long as it does to get there, please refrain from asking the chauffeur to speed up. In Alberta, traffic weather and road conditions can be a little unpredictable.

• At Arrow Limousine there are no milage or fuel surcharges.

• Limousine services are often billed out on an hourly or package rates only.

• Most limousine charter do not always go as forecasted and may exceed the quoted time normally due to the unpredictability of travel conditions, guests or event timings. Don't worry,  At Arrow limousine and party bus we offer additional time charges at the charter set hourly rate or a previously discussed discounted price.

• If you know that your event or gathering may run late, be sure to communicate that with the Chauffeur. We will try our best to accommodate schedule changes, but it’s crucial to inform our chauffeur in advance to avoid unexpected delays.

• Plan your trip knowing that this is a big vehicle full of joyful people having fun. We will not operate at the same speeds as your personal vehicle. We will always Travel at the safest speeds for the conditions and passengers. Think of it like this. If it's windy, limousines are like tractor trailers, a big kite. If it's winter is a really long sled. If its a gravel road it bumpy, So please don't assume we are driving safe just to charge you more, and please let the chauffeur keep you safe.

Passenger Limit

• Each limousine has a specific passenger limit, depending on its size and model. Whether you’ve booked a limo, a stretch limousine, or a Party bus, it’s important to adhere to this capacity.

• Overloading the vehicle not only reduces comfort but can also pose safety risks. In addition, most limousine companies in Alberta are required to follow local laws regarding vehicle capacity, and going beyond the allowed number of passengers could violate regulations, resulting in penalties and the termination of your service.

• Before booking, make sure you know how many people will be riding in the limo and choose a vehicle that comfortably accommodates your group. This ensures a smoother ride for everyone. Please let us know if you are a good old albert dude, and we will try to get you into something with extra shoulder room.

Guest etiquette

•  A Limousine or party bus is just like a black-tie event. Limousines are designed for luxury and relaxation, it’s essential to treat the interior with care.

• Eating and drinking in the limo may be allowed, but it’s good practice to avoid making a mess. Spills and stains can incur cleaning fees, and any damage to the interior could result in additional charges.

• If you’re planning to have food or drinks in the limo, be mindful of what you bring and try to keep things tidy.

• You can bring your own non alcohol unopened bottles on to the charter vehicle. But just like a bar you can’t bring your own beverages into or out of a bar and we are required to follow the same licensing rules. Specialty items have a higher mark up but its still way cheaper than the bar prices.

• Bodily fluids left in the limo will definitely result in additional charges starting with a bodily fluid clean up kit at $250.00 Then the disinfection costs. If Alcohol is ordered we will have Vomit bags on board. Just ask for one or ask the chauffeur to pull over.

• Opening an emergency exit to barf is not allowed and will cost you upwards of $1500.00 as it usually ends in a broken window or lock.

• Orange cheezies are a no go in limousines. Wedding dresses just absorb the agent orange color.  ​

• Before your ride ends, do a quick check to make sure you’ve taken all your belongings and left the limo in good condition. ​

Tipping the Chauffeur

• Just as you would tip in a restaurant or bar, tipping your chauffeur is a customary and appreciated practice in the limo industry. In Alberta, the typical tip for a chauffeur is around 15-20% of the total fare. Unless requested arrow limousine includes gratuity in our pricing, so it’s important to check your bill beforehand. If gratuity isn’t included, it’s a good idea to tip in cash at the end of the service, especially if beverages have been ordered.

Rules and Liabilities

• Knowing the company’s rules ahead of time ensures that there are no surprises or issues during your ride or post charter with extra billing charges. If you are paying for the charter and are not on the charter ensure someone you trust is in control of the guests and communicates directly with the chauffeur.  

• We have a set of rules and liabilities regarding behavior, food and drink, smoking, and more. Once you put a nonrefundable retainer on your charter you have agreed to be responsible for the behavior of all the guests. 

• Not every situation can be foreseen so having said that we listed the most common causes of extra charges on the charter and here on the website. So, before your trip, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these guidelines. For example, opening an emergency exit, leaving bodily fluids behind, smoking, leaving a mess, break or damage something, expect to be billed. We only charge when we require extra time to clean or repair something.

• If you’re unsure about any policies, don’t hesitate to ask when making the booking. Being aware of the rules will allow you to enjoy your limo experience without any unnecessary complications.