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bhbarr Mar 18th, 2010 04:03 PM

Car Service Gratuity
 
We are taking a Delta Vacation next week to London and a car service is part of the package. They will be picking us up at Heathrow and taking us to our hotel near Piccadilly. Does anyone have any idea how much I should tip the driver? Since I have not idea how far this is or the original cost, I am at a loss as to what to give him/her.
Thanks for the help, we are so excited!!!

ira Mar 19th, 2010 03:07 AM

Hi bh,

There is no need to give the driver a tip unless he does something extra special - eg not only carries your bags and puts them in the car, but also takes them out and gives them to the bellman.

In that case - 2GBP extra.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))

nuggi Mar 19th, 2010 04:08 AM

You don't need give a tip at all but, but if the driver carries your bags etc. £ 2 would be an insult, especially after the rather long drive from Heathrow to Piccadilly. I'd recommend £ 5.

Ackislander Mar 19th, 2010 06:12 AM

Time is also an issue. Assuming you are arriving from the US and early in the morning, traffic will be horrendous, unimaginably worse than any US city I have driven in (Boston, London, LA) with the exception of I-95 out of DC on a Friday in the rain. A driver who knows and takes short cuts around this early morning traffic deserves at least a fiver just for his knowledge. He isn't jacking up the fare when he twists and turns; he is getting you there faster.

janisj Mar 19th, 2010 07:23 AM

IMO £5 is about right. None is required, but I assume he'll help w/ the bags and maybe give you some sort of commentary/banter on the way in to town.

Don't tip £2

avalon Mar 19th, 2010 08:35 AM

Just did this last week. The drive from Heathrow at 8 Am took 45 minutes into central London/I gave the driver 5 GBP

bhbarr Mar 19th, 2010 09:32 AM

Thank you so much!!! My first thought was more than 5GBP, so I am glad I asked. Thanks


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