Professional chauffeur in a black suit and cap opening the door of a luxury vehicle, welcoming passengers on a sunny day.

Journal

Child Seats and Family Chauffeur Travel: What to Ask For

Booking a family chauffeur with young children? What to tell Apex upfront, why you bring your own child seats and how much notice to give.

Travelling with young children changes what you need from a family chauffeur booking. So it's worth being specific when you book, rather than assuming everything will fall into place on the day. A little detail upfront makes the difference between a smooth pickup and a stressful one with a car that isn't properly set up.

What to tell us about your family chauffeur booking

First, tell us the number and ages of the children travelling. That matters because seat requirements differ for an infant carrier, a toddler seat and a booster for an older child. Apex can't supply child seats, so you'll need to bring your own. Tell us how many, so we can arrange the right vehicle. Every child, whatever their age, counts as one passenger.

Bringing and fitting your own seats

You'll need to bring your own car seats, which most families prefer anyway. That's particularly true for infants, since fitting and familiarity matter for a young child. So let your driver know you're bringing them. That way, we build enough time into the pickup for fitting each seat properly, rather than rushing it at the kerb. For safety reasons, you fit the seat and secure your child yourself. Also, the chauffeur won't store the seat between journeys, so you'll refit it on the return leg too. The GOV.UK guide to child car seats explains the rules on which seat suits your child.

How much notice to give a family chauffeur

For a standard booking without children, same-day arrangements are often possible with at least 6 hours' notice online, or sooner by phone on 0333 533 3530. For a family chauffeur booking with specific seat requirements, however, give at least a day's notice. That means we can arrange the right vehicle for your seats and luggage.

Choosing the right vehicle for a family trip

Some family chauffeur trips involve a larger family, or prams, buggies and holiday luggage on top of car seats. In that case, a Mercedes V-Class often has more practical space than a standard saloon. So mention your full luggage and equipment needs when you book. Then we can arrange the right vehicle from the start.

Airport transfers with young children specifically

For a family airport transfer, meet and greet inside the terminal matters more than usual. After all, managing luggage, buggies and tired children through a car park is considerably harder. Instead, your driver meets you at arrivals and walks you straight to a waiting car.

Booking a family chauffeur trip

Mention children's ages and seat requirements when you book, ideally with a day's notice if possible. Book online or call 0333 533 3530.

Frequently asked questions

Does Apex provide child seats, or should I bring my own?

Please bring your own. For safety reasons Apex cannot supply child seats. You fit the seat and secure your child, and you refit it for the return journey.

How much notice do I need to give for a family chauffeur booking with child seat requirements?

We recommend at least a day's notice, so we can properly arrange the right vehicle.

Is a V-Class better than a saloon for a family trip with a lot of luggage?

Often yes, particularly with prams, buggies or multiple cases on top of car seats. Mention your full requirements when you book.