In an era where air travel is becoming increasingly competitive and cost-driven, complimentary chauffeur services have become a luxurious touch, setting certain airlines apart from the rest. For premium passengers, the convenience and luxury of being driven to and from the airport in a high-end vehicle add an extra layer of exclusivity to their travel experience. This article provides a comprehensive list of airlines with chauffeur services, including those that offer gate-to-gate transfers and those that have discontinued their services. Be sure to follow the provided links to our detailed articles for more in-depth information on each airline’s service.
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Airlines that offer free chauffeur service
Emirates
Emirates is renowned for providing exceptional complimentary chauffeur service to its first and business-class passengers. Available in over 75 cities worldwide, the Emirates Chauffeur-Drive service is a symbol of luxury and convenience for travellers. Passengers can take advantage of this service to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless travel experience. The service is available for eligible passengers and can be booked up to 12 hours before departure. With a fleet of luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and BMW, Emirates passengers can enjoy a comfortable and luxurious ride. To learn more about Emirates’ Chauffeur-Drive service, read our full article here.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways offers complimentary chauffeur services to eligible first and business-class passengers flying into and out of Abu Dhabi. This premium service is designed to enhance the travel experience of Etihad’s premium passengers by providing door-to-door transportation in luxury vehicles. Etihad Chauffeur Service includes a variety of luxurious cars, such as Mercedes-Benz, ensuring a comfortable and stylish journey. The service is available in select cities and can be booked up to 24 hours before departure. Discover more about Etihad’s Chauffeur service, including eligibility and booking information, in our comprehensive article.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines takes pride in its Exclusive Drive service, a unique chauffeur service available to its business class passengers flying international routes. The airline’s commitment to providing a luxurious travel experience is evident in this service, which ensures a comfortable and convenient journey for its premium passengers. Exclusive Drive is available in select cities and can be booked up to 24 hours before departure. The service features a fleet of luxury vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, providing passengers with a comfortable and stylish ride. Find out more about Turkish Airlines’ Exclusive Drive service in our detailed article.
Air China
Air China offers a complimentary chauffeur service to its premium passengers on select routes. This service, known as the “Air China Chauffeured Service,” is available to First and Business Class passengers travelling on international flights. The service provides a smooth, convenient, and stress-free travel experience for passengers from the airport to their final destination. To learn more about the specific details, eligibility, and booking process of Air China’s Chauffeured Service, you can refer to our comprehensive guide here.
SriLankan Airlines
SriLankan Airlines extends complimentary luxury chauffeur services to its business class passengers travelling to and from London Heathrow and Colombo. The airline’s chauffeur service is designed to provide a personalized and comfortable travel experience for its premium passengers, making their journey as seamless as possible. SriLankan Airlines’ chauffeur service features a range of luxury vehicles that can be booked up to 48 hours before departure. Passengers can relax and enjoy the ride while professional chauffeurs ensure a smooth and punctual journey. To learn more about SriLankan Airlines’ chauffeur service, read our full article.
Air France
Air France is known for providing an exquisite chauffeur service called La Première for its first-class passengers. Available in select cities, this service exemplifies the airline’s commitment to providing a luxurious and comfortable travel experience for its premium customers. Air France’s La Première service includes a fleet of high-end vehicles, such as Mercedes-Benz, ensuring a stylish and comfortable ride for passengers. The service can be booked up to 48 hours before departure, and the professional chauffeurs ensure passengers arrive at their destination in a timely manner. For more information about Air France’s La Première service, check out our in-depth article.
Airlines that offer free chauffeur service between gates
Air Canada
Air Canada has introduced a Porsche chauffeur service for its passengers as part of the reopening of the Signature Suite in Toronto according to OMAAT. This exclusive service is available for select passengers travelling between terminals, providing a comfortable and convenient airport transfer experience.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers a special gate-to-gate airport transfer service for its Delta One and 360 Diamond Medallion members. This service is particularly useful when passengers have tight connections between flights. Delta’s chauffeur service features luxury Porsche vehicles to transport passengers between gates, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free transfer experience.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers an airport transfer service for its first class and HON Circle passengers, providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience. The airline’s exclusive service includes chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles, such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, to transport passengers between gates or terminals within select airports, ensuring seamless connections.
However, for the UAE market, Lufthansa provides a chauffeur service for first-class passengers travelling to and from the UAE.
United Airlines
As reported by TPG United Airlines is reportedly rolling out a unique Jaguar gate-to-gate transfer service for its premium passengers. This service aims to provide a comfortable and convenient travel experience for those with tight connections or requiring assistance between gates. The luxury Jaguar vehicles used in this service ensure a smooth and stylish ride for passengers.
SWISS
SWISS offers a chauffeur service for its first-class passengers as part of its “SWISS First Welcome Service.” This exclusive service is designed to provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience for premium passengers. The chauffeur service is available for passengers travelling between gates or terminals within select airports. For more information about SWISS’s First Welcome Service, visit their official website.
Airlines that no longer offer chauffeur service
Air China
Air China previously offered a chauffeur service for its passengers, providing an added layer of luxury and convenience. However, the airline discontinued this service on October 31, 2019, possibly to reduce costs and streamline its service offerings.
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines once provided a limousine service for its premium passengers, adding to the overall travel experience. Unfortunately, the airline decided to terminate the service on December 31, 2018. This discontinuation may have been part of Hainan Airlines’ broader strategy to optimize its resources and focus on other aspects of the customer journey.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways introduced a “Global Chauffeur Service” in 2017, aiming to elevate their premium passengers’ experience further. However, it appears that the airline has quietly retracted the service, as it is no longer mentioned on their website. The reasons behind this discontinuation are unclear, but it might be due to a change in Qatar Airways’ strategic priorities. All that remains is a press release from the time of its launch.
British Airways
British Airways once offered a chauffeur-drive service in Sydney, providing passengers with a seamless travel experience from the airport to their final destination. So long as they were flying on BA 15 and 16 to London that is. The service was only available on this one route and has since been discontinued as far as I can tell. The reasons for the discontinuation might be related to cost-cutting measures or focusing on other areas of the customer experience. To learn more about the now-defunct BA chauffeur service, you can read this Executive Traveller article and this FlyerTalk forum post.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic used to offer a complimentary chauffeur service to its premium passengers but has since discontinued the free offering. Now, they provide a paid chauffeur service, available to all customers flying with Virgin Atlantic, regardless of their fare class. This service offers comfort and luxury to those willing to pay for it, ensuring a seamless transfer to and from the airport.
Air India
Information about Air India’s chauffeur service is limited, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it once existed. The discontinuation of this service might be a result of cost-cutting measures, a shift in priorities, or a desire to allocate resources to other areas of the travel experience. You can read this FlyerTalk forum post for more information.
Qantas
Qantas used to have a service called “Chauffeur Drive,” which was available for its premium passengers travelling the “Kangaroo Route”. However, this service is no longer bookable and officially ended on April 30, 2021. The discontinuation may have been part of Qantas’ strategy to streamline its offerings and focus on other areas of customer experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chauffeur services were once a hallmark of luxury travel, offering a seamless and convenient experience for premium passengers. However, as the aviation industry evolves and cost-saving measures become more crucial, fewer airlines are offering this perk. Many airlines have shifted their focus to enhance other aspects of customer experience or provide alternative services to attract and retain loyal passengers. While some airlines still provide chauffeur services, it is important for travellers to research and stay updated on the changing landscape of airline amenities. As the industry continues to adapt, passengers can expect more innovations and changes to come. For now, though, those who value and seek the luxury of chauffeur services should make the most of the remaining options while they still can.
