If you’ve ever booked private hire or a chauffeur service and thought, “Why do they need so many details?”, this post is for you.
At driven.travel, our job is to make booking simple. You tell us the journey you need, and we coordinate it with a licensed private hire or chauffeur operator best suited to that trip. The easiest way to get a fast and accurate quote is to share the right information up front — it saves time, avoids surprises, and helps us match you to the right vehicle and operator from the start.
Here’s the 60-second checklist we recommend using every time.
The 60-second booking checklist
1) Pick-up address (full address + postcode)
If it’s a hotel, venue, terminal, station, or cruise port, include the name as well.
2) Drop-off address (full address + postcode)
Same rule — be specific. “Central London” isn’t a drop-off point.
3) Date + pick-up time
If it’s an airport pick-up, include the landing time too.
4) How many passengers
Adults and children (and ages if child seats are needed).
5) Luggage (and what kind)
Number of large suitcases, cabin bags, plus any extras like golf clubs, ski bags, prams, or mobility aids.
6) Flight number / train number / ship name (if relevant)
This is one of the biggest time-savers. It helps with tracking and timing.
7) Terminal / station / cruise terminal
Especially important at Heathrow and Gatwick.
8) Meet & Greet needed?
If you want the driver to meet you inside, say so.
9) Any special requirements
Examples: extra stops, assistance walking, quiet ride, lots of luggage, tight schedules, accessibility.
10) Your best contact number (and WhatsApp if you use it)
So we can confirm details quickly on the day if needed.
Why these details matter (and how they save you money and stress)
Most booking issues come from small missing details:
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The vehicle turns up and there’s more luggage than expected
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The flight lands early/late and the meeting plan isn’t clear
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A terminal or entrance is different to what was assumed
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A “quick stop” turns into an extra 30 minutes
When we have the right details, we can:
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match the correct vehicle size first time
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schedule the right operator for that journey type
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plan sensible timings and routes
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confirm the booking cleanly and quickly
Airport pick-ups: the extra 3 details that really help
For airport arrivals, these three make everything smoother:
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flight number
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terminal
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meet & greet preference
If you’ve had a long flight, the last thing you want is confusion at arrivals.
Cruise ports and docks: the one detail people forget
For cruise transfers, always include:
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ship name
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terminal (if known)
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luggage estimate
Cruise days can be busy — good info equals a calm start.
FAQs
Do I have to know everything before I enquire?
No — send what you know, and we’ll guide you through what’s missing.
Can I book for someone else (PA’s / EA’s)?
Yes. Just include the traveller’s name, contact number, and any meeting instructions.
What if my plans change after I submit?
Tell us as soon as you can — we’ll update the operator so everything stays aligned.
Fact of the Day
The single biggest cause of delays on private transport bookings isn’t traffic — it’s missing or unclear details at the enquiry stage (especially terminals, luggage, and meeting instructions).
Local Relevance
Driven coordinates journeys across Hampshire and the South Coast to major UK airports, cruise ports, stations and cities — and can also support longer-distance UK travel when needed. The checklist above helps us quote accurately and deliver a smooth, reliable service.
Want a quick quote without the back-and-forth?
Bookings: https://driven.travel/bookings
Contact Us: https://driven.travel/contact-us
