THE JOURNEY: My chauffeur transfer trip was from Balham, SW London to Gatwick North Terminal. I travelled in an E Class Mercedes in time to catch a 14.25 flight in business class.
THE ARRANGEMENTS: The company provided good email service weeks before the flight, checking my departure details and arranging the correct pick-up time and address for both ends of the journey. There were also reminder emails and finally further emails confirming both bookings were in place.
THE DRIVE: Smartly booted and suited driver, Nick, turned up 20 minutes before schedule, at 10.55 instead of 11.15, but was content to wait. His paperwork listed an 11am pick-up time and mine 11.15. He took my luggage for me and opened the door to a clean and tidy E Class Mercedes, equipped with sat-nav, today’s paper and bottled water for the trip. The driver was an amiable chap, with not too much chat. The journey was effortless and the driver took all the obvious shortcuts to reduce waiting time at traffic lights, plus a few new ones I learnt on the way. I arrived at Gatwick North Terminal at 12.15, in plenty of time for my flight. On arrival, he opened my door, offered to get me a trolley and was polite and courteous to the end, bidding me farewell and wishing me a good trip.
THE VERDICT: Being driven to the airport most certainly takes the stress out of driving oneself to the airport or battling with public transport and an E Class Mercedes is a very comfortable car to be driven in. A chauffeur transfer makes for a really good start to any business trip.
THE DETAILS: Carey Worldwide Chauffeur Services serves all London airports with a fleet of E Class Mercedes for up to three passengers, S-Class Mercedes for up to four passengers and the Mercedes Vianno for up to seven passengers. The one-way trip I took cost £147.11. For more information telephone 0208 326 7600 or check their website at www.carey.com Gillian Upton
