Understanding the Etiquette of Geneva Airport Ski Transfers

If you've booked a holiday to go skiing in the French or Swiss Alps, it's likely you'll be flying into Geneva airport. The airport is a hive of activity during the winter months, as travellers come and go for their ski break in the nearby mountain resorts.

While the airport staff are well versed in handling skis and sporting equipment, you should be aware that packing your gear correctly, and with as much protection as possible, is your responsibility. It's not just the airlines that will be handling your kit, your shuttle transfer company will need to know what you’re bringing as well. You won’t find it hard to organise and prebook your Geneva airport ski transfers, but make sure you do your research and choose a reliable, professional company that can provide the service you require.

Ski Transfer Etiquette

Geneva airport ski transfers run regularly day and night throughout the busy ski season. Sometimes Geneva airport ski transfers are arranged through the ski company you book with, but more often travellers organise them independently. It really doesn’t matter which option you choose, transfers are run under the same system and there is a general etiquette that you must be aware of.

Meeting Up

You may wonder how you will find your transfer driver on your arrival into the bustling Geneva airport. In most cases, the driver will meet you in the airport and be standing in an obvious place holding a sign that displays your name or the name of the company you booked with. Once you've found your driver, if you've booked a shared service you may have to wait for the other passengers on your transfer, so be prepared for this. If you've booked a private transfer, your driver will escort you out to the vehicle straight away and you'll be on your way. If you need the toilet or something to eat, now is the time to say, especially if your transfer is one of the longer ones.

Loading the Van

You are not expected to load the luggage into the van, although you can offer to help if you like. Most drivers have a specific way of packing and prefer to do it themselves.

On the Journey

On the journey if you need to stop for any reason, you'll have to ask. Drivers don’t normally schedule a stop on the way to resorts, although some may suggest or offer one at one of the larger supermarkets at the bottom of the valley, especially if you are self catering.

What to Expect

Your transfer vehicle should be warm, comfortable, safe, and fully insured. Seatbelts should be fitted as standard, and the vehicle should have adequate space for all passengers and their luggage. The driver should drive in a careful and sensible manner, adhering to road rules and speed limits. (If you feel that your Geneva airport ski transfers don’t meet the expected standard, you should make a report.)

Arriving Into Resort

You will be taken to your arranged drop off point where you will disembark and your luggage will be unloaded. Most people tip the transfer driver - although you may prefer to do this on your return journey instead. (Drivers often expect this to be the case.) It is a good idea to confirm return journey details at this point before your driver leaves you.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re looking for Geneva airport ski transfers, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.