Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice does Red Car need before I travel?

Ideally, a few days’ notice before travel allows us to give our customers the best possible service. However, Red Car staff will work hard to accommodate any request, even at the “eleventh hour”.

 

What are my payment options?

For regular, shared-ride service to and from Pearson Airport, you can provide a credit card when you book, pay your driver cash, or charge the fare to an existing corporate account.

For all other services, including late-arriving flights, a credit card must be provided to secure the booking, allowing you the option of substituting another type of payment at the time of travel, if you desire.

 

Should I tip the driver?

Many people ask us whether tipping is customary in the ground transportation industry. The short answer is “yes”. As with any type of service industry, tipping is an appropriate way to recognize good service. If you feel you have received quality service, then a gratuity in the amount of 10-15% of your fare is appropriate, but it is certainly at your discretion.
Gratuities can be paid in cash or by adding on to the total fare when the payment is charged to a credit card or corporate account.

 

Red Car seems to have vehicles at Pearson Airport all the time. Do I need a reservation for a transfer from Pearson to Guelph?

Red Car Service makes 40-50 trips to Pearson Airport each day – based on the needs of our booked passengers. Although it is possible to check in to the ground transportation booth without a reservation, there is no guarantee that a vehicle will be available at the time you arrive.

When you have a reservation, your flight is satellite-tracked so that we know the exact time you will be landing and we are able to make arrangements well in advance of your arrival to be there for you, even if your flight is delayed. This is especially important during the winter months when many charter flights can be delayed (sometimes well past midnight) by bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

 

Who checks the flights to see if they are on time?

It is the passenger’s responsibility to check with the airline to see that their outbound flight is departing as scheduled. We assign your pickup time based on the flight departure time and required check-in time that you provide to us at the time of booking. You can also check today’s flight departure times by clicking check flights on our home page.

For inbound flights, we use the airline flight number provided by you to satellite-track your flight from the time it leaves the departure city until it lands in Toronto. If your flight is delayed or is scheduled to arrive early, we will know well in advance and will make arrangements to be there when you check in.

 

I made my reservation two months ago. How can I be sure you’ll be at my door on the day of my departure?

All outbound passengers receive a confirmation call after 2:00 p.m. the day before their departure. Our agent will confirm your address, number in your party, and the time we will pick you up.

Your driver will confirm your return information with you to ensure that we will be there to meet you when you return.

 

What if the weather is bad on the day of my departure?

Red Car staff monitor weather conditions forecast for the day of your departure. If the forecast is for inclement weather, a reservations agent will advise you at the time of your confirmation call that you may be picked up earlier than your original assigned time.

 

I have a 6:30 a.m. flight. How early can I be picked up?

We start scheduling our morning pickups after 3:00 a.m.

 

My flight is arriving after midnight. How late do you operate?

Red Car operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whatever time your flight arrives, we’ll be there!

 

I have a small child. What about car seats?

By law, all children up to 8 years old and/or 80 lbs. are required to use child seats. Red Car provides child car seats for every age of child: rear-facing for infants, forward facing for toddlers, and booster seats for older children. Because of time constraints and challenges involved in installing unfamiliar car seats, Red Car will install our own car seats in the vehicle prior to picking up passengers. Anyone needing to use their own car seats is required to book private service.

 

I want to go to the airport to meet my relatives and accompany them to Guelph.

We have a special “meet and greet” rate. Call for details.

 

Why does it cost more to take Red Car to Hamilton Airport than to Toronto?

Our fares to Pearson Airport are based on volume. Our vans can transport up to eight passengers in one trip. Low demand for transfer to Hamilton Airport means that we are most often transporting only one person at a time.

 

My friends and I want to do a wine tour of the Niagara area? Can Red Car help?

Red Car vehicles and drivers are available for charter trips to any location in Ontario. Set your own itinerary or let us help you plan your day. We are also available for charters such as Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, or Toronto theatre events. Call us well in advance and our helpful staff will make sure your trip is one to remember.