Client Relations

Airport Pickup for Clients: How to Impress with Professional Transportation

8 min read By Chicago Executive Car
Quick Answer

How do I arrange a professional airport pickup for visiting clients?

Book an executive black car service with meet-and-greet: provide flight details, client name, and destination. The chauffeur waits at baggage claim with a name sign, assists with luggage, and transports your client directly to their hotel or meeting. This white-glove service creates an immediate positive impression.

The moment a client lands in your city, their perception of your company begins forming. Professional airport pickup is not just transportation; it is an extension of your corporate hospitality that sets the tone for the entire business relationship.

This guide covers everything you need to know about arranging executive airport pickups that impress clients and strengthen business partnerships.

Why Professional Client Pickup Matters

Research shows that first impressions form within seconds and influence business decisions. Airport pickup is often the first physical touchpoint with visiting clients:

The Business Impact

  • Demonstrates investment: Shows you value the relationship enough to arrange premium service
  • Reduces client stress: Eliminates the hassle of finding transportation after a long flight
  • Creates talking points: The service itself becomes a positive topic of conversation
  • Reflects company standards: Premium transportation signals premium business practices
  • Enables preparation: Client can review materials or rest en route to meetings

Industry Insight: Fortune 500 companies report that executive transportation is among the top five factors clients mention when describing positive business visit experiences.

Step-by-Step: Booking Client Airport Pickup

1. Gather Flight Information

Request from your client or their assistant:

  • Airline and flight number
  • Arrival date and time
  • Origin city (for flight tracking)
  • Number of travelers
  • Luggage expectations
  • Mobile phone number for day-of coordination

2. Select the Right Vehicle

Client ProfileRecommended Vehicle
C-Suite executive (solo)Mercedes S-Class or BMW 7 Series
Executive with luggageExecutive SUV (Escalade)
Client group (2-4 people)Suburban or Navigator
Board/investor group (5+)Sprinter Executive Van

3. Request Meet-and-Greet Service

Premium client pickup should include:

  • Inside terminal greeting: Chauffeur waits at baggage claim, not curbside
  • Professional name sign: Client's name clearly displayed (verify preferred name)
  • Luggage assistance: Full porter service from carousel to vehicle
  • Flight tracking: Real-time monitoring for delays or early arrivals

4. Provide Destination Details

  • Hotel name and address with confirmation number
  • Alternative: Direct to office if preferred
  • Restaurant if meeting for dinner
  • Special instructions (VIP entrance, etc.)

Elevating the Experience: Premium Touches

Go beyond basic pickup to create memorable experiences:

Vehicle Amenities

  • Bottled water: Premium brands, chilled
  • Phone chargers: Universal compatibility (iPhone, Android, USB-C)
  • WiFi hotspot: For immediate email catch-up
  • Reading material: Wall Street Journal, Financial Times

Personalization Options

  • Welcome card from your company
  • Printed itinerary for their visit
  • Local recommendations card (restaurants, attractions)
  • Small gift (branded merchandise, local specialty)
  • Meeting preparation materials

Power Move: For high-value client visits, arrange for your company's logo on the name sign or a welcome message displayed on the chauffeur's tablet. This branding creates a VIP red-carpet feeling.

Communication Timeline

Keep your client informed throughout the process:

Before Arrival

  • 1 week before: Confirm transportation is arranged
  • 24 hours before: Send chauffeur name and mobile number
  • Morning of: Verify flight is on schedule

Day of Arrival

  • Flight lands: Chauffeur sends text introducing themselves
  • Client exits security: Chauffeur positions at baggage claim
  • In vehicle: Client notified about ETA to destination
  • After drop-off: You receive confirmation of safe delivery

Handling Special Situations

Flight Delays

Professional car services track flights automatically. If delays occur:

  • Chauffeur adjusts arrival time automatically
  • No extra charges for reasonable delays
  • Client receives updated pickup confirmation

International Arrivals

International flights require additional time:

  • Add 45-90 minutes for customs and immigration
  • Chauffeur waits at international arrivals exit
  • Consider currency/SIM card assistance if needed

Multiple Clients on Different Flights

For board meetings or conferences with multiple arrivals:

  • Create a master arrival schedule
  • Assign dedicated vehicles to each guest
  • Coordinate with hotel for arrival timing
  • Consider Sprinter for groups arriving together

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I arrange airport pickup for visiting clients?

Yes, arranging professional airport pickup for clients demonstrates hospitality and professionalism. It reduces their stress after a long flight, creates a positive first impression before meetings, and shows you value their time. This gesture is standard practice for high-value client relationships.

What type of car should I book for client airport pickup?

For individual executives, book a black executive sedan (Lincoln Continental, Mercedes S-Class). For groups of 2-4, an executive SUV (Escalade, Suburban) offers more space and prestige. Match the vehicle to your client's expectations and your company's image standards.

How does meet-and-greet service work for client pickups?

With meet-and-greet service, a professionally dressed chauffeur waits inside the terminal at baggage claim holding a sign with the client's name. They assist with luggage, escort the client to the vehicle, and provide a seamless handoff. This premium service eliminates any confusion for first-time visitors.

Arrange Executive Client Pickup

Make a lasting impression with professional airport transportation for your valued clients. Meet-and-greet service, premium vehicles, and white-glove treatment.

Call (224) 801-3090 Request Corporate Quote