FAQ
LAX Car Service FAQ — Booking, Pricing & Airport Transfers
MGCLS is a CPUC-licensed (TCP #37478) luxury car service based less than 1 mile from LAX. We provide flat-rate airport transfers, corporate transportation, and hourly chauffeur service throughout Los Angeles and Southern California — with no surge pricing, ever.
Below are answers to the most common questions about booking, pricing, vehicles, airport pickup, and our service.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance (48 hours for larger vehicles). Advance bookings receive our best pricing, a wider selection of vehicles, and the option to request a specific driver. For same-day bookings, call us directly at (855) 255-2557 — we do our best to accommodate.
Do you monitor my flight?
Yes — we track your flight arrival in real time. When you provide your flight number at booking, our dispatch system monitors live updates. If your flight is delayed, your driver adjusts automatically at no extra charge. (Delayed flights arriving after 11:00 PM require confirmation and incur an additional charge.)
How long will my driver wait at the airport?
45 minutes free for international arrivals, 30 minutes free for domestic. After that, wait time is billed in 15-minute increments. All additional charges are confirmed with the client before being applied.
Is gratuity included in the rate?
Rates are flat — no surge fees, no fuel surcharge, no service charge. A gratuity of 15% to 20% is suggested at checkout. When booking online, you can select your gratuity percentage before submitting your reservation. If you book by phone, please let the representative know your preferred gratuity percentage.
Can I book a round trip?
Absolutely. You can book both legs in one reservation online for a simpler process and a better price. We also try to schedule the same driver for both trips to make it easier to locate your driver. You're welcome to call us to set it up as well.
What if I need to cancel?
Free cancellation up to 4 hours before pickup for standard vehicles. For larger vehicles, cancellation must be made at least 72 hours before pickup time to avoid fees. Cancellations within these windows may be subject to a 50% fee. Cancellations made after the driver has arrived at your pickup location may result in a full charge. See our full policy during checkout. We recommend calling us directly to discuss your cancellation—we're happy to work with you.
Do you serve areas outside of Los Angeles?
Yes — we serve all of Southern California including Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and the Inland Empire. Call for a custom quote.
Are your drivers licensed and background-checked?
Every MGCLS chauffeur holds a valid California TCP license, has passed a background check, and completes ongoing professional training.
Can I pay with a credit card?
MGCLS accepts all major credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Your card is securely stored at booking, but the charge is not processed immediately. Payment is processed one day before your pickup time, so early cancellations or reschedules don't trigger unnecessary billing. After the ride, any additional charges (wait time, extra stops) are finalized and an itemized receipt is emailed automatically.
Do you offer child safety seats?
Yes, child safety seats are available upon request at no additional charge. Please note this when booking or call ahead, and we will have the seat installed in your vehicle before it arrives.
How much does LAX car service cost?
Rates depend on vehicle type and distance. Our Executive Sedan starts at $45 for local transfers, and LAX airport transfers start from $45. City-specific flat rates vary — for example, Santa Monica is $95, Beverly Hills is $110, and Downtown LA is $110. See /lax-airport-transfer for the full route table. All rates are flat — no surge fees, no fuel surcharge. Get an exact quote at booking.
What vehicles do you have?
Our fleet includes Executive Sedans (Lexus ES 300, Mercedes C-Class, BMW 5 Series, Tesla Model Y), Midsize SUVs (Cadillac XT6, Lincoln Nautilus), Luxury SUVs (Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Lincoln Navigator), Sprinter Vans, Sprinter Limousines, and Party Buses for groups, and Mini Coaches and Charter Buses for larger parties. All vehicles are late-model, black, and professionally maintained.
How does curbside pickup work at LAX?
Your chauffeur pulls up to the arrivals curb the moment you are ready. We track your flight in real time, so if your flight is delayed or early your driver adjusts automatically. You will receive your chauffeur's name, number, and vehicle details before pickup — no hunting for your ride.
How early will I receive my chauffeur's information?
Your chauffeur's full contact details — name, phone number, vehicle, and license plate — are sent at least 24 hours before your scheduled pickup. For same-day bookings, we will send the driver and vehicle information immediately after your booking is complete. If you need the information earlier for advance reservations, let us know and we will provide it right away.
Are toll road fees included in the price?
Yes. For long-distance rides, our chauffeurs use toll roads to reduce travel time through LA traffic. All toll fees are included in your flat rate — there are no surprise charges added after the ride.
Can I tip my driver in cash instead of adding it to my card?
Absolutely. You can hand a cash tip directly to your chauffeur. If you prefer this, let us know at booking and we will note it so no gratuity is automatically added to your card. For online reservations, we recommend notifying us if you plan to tip in cash—we can adjust the price accordingly and send you a modified email confirmation.
When exactly is my credit card charged?
Your card is securely stored at booking but not charged immediately. Payment is processed one day before your trip. After the ride, any applicable additions such as waiting time or extra stops are finalized and a receipt is automatically emailed to you.
What happens if I'm not ready at my scheduled pickup time?
Your chauffeur will wait. We never cancel a reservation due to a delay — your driver stays committed until you are ready. Waiting time beyond the complimentary grace period is billed in 15-minute increments.
Can I trust MGCLS to transport my elderly parents or relatives?
Yes — many families rely on us for this. Our chauffeurs are trained to assist senior passengers with boarding, luggage, walkers, and canes. We provide true door-to-door assistance, live tracking of your chauffeur, step-by-step updates to family members until drop-off, and safe, unhurried driving throughout the journey.
Do you guarantee on-time arrival?
Yes — MGCLS maintains a 100% on-time record. Your chauffeur arrives 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time — always. Because our fleet is based less than 1 mile from LAX, we account for traffic, route conditions, and parking in advance so you are never waiting.
Are your vehicles inspected regularly?
Yes. Every MGCLS vehicle undergoes a full inspection every week. All vehicles are maintained to commercial standards and must pass inspection before being dispatched for service.
Is MGCLS cheaper than Uber Black or Lyft Lux from LAX?
MGCLS flat rates are often competitive with or lower than Uber Black — and MGCLS never surges. An Uber Black from LAX to Beverly Hills costs around $145 and can surge higher during peak hours. MGCLS charges a flat $110 for the same route regardless of demand. We always recommend advance booking to receive our best prices. You also get a professional chauffeur who tracks your flight, arrives early, and handles your luggage — not a gig driver in a personal car.