Most of what goes wrong at the airport comes from things that could have been settled in five minutes before boarding. Here are those five minutes.
1. The flight number
Not just the time — the flight number. Times change with delays; flight numbers do not. With the number we track the flight and adjust the pickup ourselves.
2. A full address, down to the hotel name
"A hotel in Taksim" is not enough — Istanbul has more than one hotel with the same name. The full name, the district and, if possible, a map location settle it.
3. Passengers and luggage, counted separately
Four people travelling with four suitcases need a different vehicle. Giving the passenger count and skipping the bags means waiting for a second car at the door.
4. Are you travelling with a companion
If someone is coming with you, say so up front. Seating and luggage space are planned around it.
5. Specific requirements
Wheelchair access, a child seat, extra legroom — these decide which vehicle is assigned and are hard to solve at the last minute. Mentioning them when you book is enough.
6. A way to reach us from Turkey
Your home mobile plan may not carry data here. WhatsApp works over airport Wi-Fi; if you plan to use an e-SIM, set it up before you fly. Being able to reach the driver is the only real answer to "where is the car".
7. Arrange the return as well
Planning the arrival and leaving the return to chance is a common mistake. Hotel to airport matters just as much — arguably more, because a missed flight is the cost of getting it wrong.
8. Get the price in writing
Ask for the fixed-price quote in writing. Knowing the number in advance beats negotiating on arrival. We send ours by WhatsApp or email, and night rates, waiting time and any extra stop are already inside that figure.
Keep these to hand
- Flight number and landing time
- Full hotel name and address
- Your booking reference
- A way to communicate from Turkey