Limo Terms & Glossary
Definitions for the most common limousine and car service terms. Whether you are booking your first ride or comparing providers, this glossary covers what you need to know.
Sedan
A four-door luxury vehicle seating up to 3 passengers. Standard choice for airport transfers and business travel. Examples include the Lincoln Continental and Cadillac CT6. Offers trunk space for 2-3 large suitcases.
SUV
A full-size luxury sport utility vehicle seating up to 5-6 passengers. Ideal for families, groups with heavy luggage, or travelers needing extra legroom. Common models include the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Lincoln Navigator.
Stretch Limousine
An extended-wheelbase luxury vehicle seating 8-10 passengers in a rear cabin with bench seating. Used for weddings, proms, and celebrations. Features include privacy partition, bar area, and custom lighting.
Party Bus
A converted bus or large vehicle seating 20-40 passengers with an open floor plan. Equipped with sound systems, LED lighting, and standing room. Used for bachelor/bachelorette parties, bar crawls, and large group events.
Sprinter Van
A Mercedes-Benz Sprinter converted for executive passenger service, seating 10-14 people. Offers a balance between bus capacity and sedan comfort. Popular for corporate shuttles, wedding guest transfers, and airport groups.
Coach Bus
A full-size motorcoach seating 36-56 passengers in forward-facing reclining seats. Used for corporate outings, convention shuttles, and large-group airport transfers. Includes luggage storage compartments underneath.
Airport Transfer
A one-way trip between an airport and a specific address. The most common type of car service booking. Includes pickup, transport, and drop-off with luggage assistance. Priced as a flat rate based on distance.
Point-to-Point
A one-way trip between any two addresses that does not involve an airport. Examples include home-to-office, hotel-to-restaurant, or suburb-to-downtown transfers. Priced by distance or zone.
Hourly Charter
A reservation where the vehicle and chauffeur are at your disposal for a set number of hours. The driver waits between stops. Used for multi-stop itineraries like wine tours, bar crawls, or corporate roadshows. Billed per hour with a minimum (typically 3 hours).
Meet-and-Greet
An airport arrival service where the chauffeur enters the terminal with a name sign and meets the passenger at baggage claim or outside security. Provides a personal welcome and luggage assistance. Standard at Royal Carriage for all airport pickups.
Curbside Pickup
An airport pickup method where the vehicle waits at the terminal curb or designated pickup area. The passenger walks outside and locates the vehicle. Faster than meet-and-greet but requires the passenger to navigate the terminal independently.
Flight Tracking
Real-time monitoring of a passenger's flight status using FAA data. Allows the car service to adjust pickup time automatically for early arrivals or delays. Eliminates the need for passengers to call about schedule changes.
Flat Rate
A fixed price for a trip that does not change regardless of traffic, weather, or route. Quoted and locked at the time of booking. Contrasts with metered pricing (taxis) or dynamic pricing (rideshare). Tolls are typically included.
Gratuity
A tip for the chauffeur, typically 15-20% of the fare. Some companies include gratuity in the quoted price; others leave it to the passenger's discretion. At Royal Carriage, gratuity is not included in the flat rate and is entirely optional.
Fuel Surcharge
An additional fee some car services add when fuel prices exceed a certain threshold. Varies by company. Royal Carriage does not charge fuel surcharges; fuel cost is factored into the flat rate.
DOT (Department of Transportation)
The federal agency that regulates commercial transportation in the United States. Limousine and car service operators must comply with DOT safety standards including vehicle inspections, driver qualifications, and hours-of-service rules.
TCP (Transportation Charter Permit)
A state-issued license required to operate a for-hire passenger vehicle in Illinois. Issued by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Verifies the operator carries commercial insurance, maintains vehicle safety standards, and passes background checks. Always confirm your car service holds a valid TCP.
Chauffeur vs Driver
A driver operates the vehicle. A chauffeur provides a full service experience: opening doors, handling luggage, maintaining the vehicle interior, wearing professional attire, and anticipating passenger needs. All Royal Carriage operators are trained chauffeurs, not just drivers.
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