It's Grad Season! Make Your Limo Ride Memorable With These Etiquette Tips
by Elliot Simpson
With graduation season right around the corner, you might soon find yourself riding in style in the back of a limousine. Although renting in a limo is a chance to celebrate with your closest friends in posh surroundings, it's not an excuse to be irresponsible -- stretching out the sunroof really isn't suitable for anything but movies and music videos. Following proper limo etiquette is a better approach; by adhering to the rules, you can ensure your night is memorable for everyone, and that you don't receive an unexpected service fee when you're done.
Take a Seat
You might be excited to dive into the limo to get the party started, but there's a proper way to take your seat -- and you'll need to know this method, especially if you're wearing a skirt. Don't try to step into the vehicle and crouch-walk to your seat. Instead, sit down in the closest seat to the door and then scoot yourself along until you reach where you want to sit. Remember, the seat directly behind the passenger-side door is the top place to park your buns, so reserve it for the person who booked the limo.
Wait for the Door
When you reach your destination, you'll probably be in a hurry to get out, but proper etiquette dictates that you wait for the driver to open the door for you. After all, this duty is part of his job. Besides, gauging how quickly he gets to the door to open it -- and if he helps the ladies among your group out -- plays a role in determining how much you tip him.
Tip Accordingly
Always check in advance if your limo rental contract includes a gratuity for the driver. If not, it's appropriate to tip your driver between 10 and 15 percent, but the exact amount can range according to several variables. Tip higher for a driver who is courteous, professional and gets you where you're going on time. Tip in cash, place the money in an envelope and discreetly hand it to the driver and thank him for his service.
Leave Nothing Behind
Don't just scramble out of the limo at the end of the night as you get ready to head to the next party. Always take a minute to look through the seats to ensure not only that you haven't left behind any personal belongings, such as wallets, purses and cellphones, but also that the area is tidy. Your mission should be to ensure the area looks the same as it did several hours earlier, and while you certainly don't have to polish seat leather, it's common courtesy to grab and discard any garbage from the ride.
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Do you use a taxi service often? Do you know how to pick and choose which taxi service you use? Are there any taxi sharing groups in your area that you can take part in to save on the cost of transportation each day? Are there safety measures that you should take each time you get in a taxi? You will find the answers to many of questions about using a taxi service around town on my website. It is my hope that the many things that I have learned about using a taxi for the past 56 years can help you during your taxi use.