Long on Luxury and Frills

Before prom tickets go on sale or spring wedding invitations go out in the mail, it’s a good idea to reserve the limousine.

Spring will be here before you know it, and all the best limousines could be taken.

Even if there isn’t a prom or wedding in your future, it’s possible that those popular events could conflict with an upcoming wedding anniversary or child’s birthday party, in which limousine service could be in order.

Yes, you read that right.

Limousines are becoming all the rage at birthday celebrations. Forget the pony. Little Johnny wants a stretch limousine to transport his party around town.

We talked to limousine service owners to learn how to avoid potential problems when you want to ride in luxury.

Limousine companies are required by law to include license numbers when advertising their services, explained Scott Ruge, owner of Southland Limousine in Thousand Oaks.

That number is important. With it, you can then call the Public Utilities Commission at (800) 877-8867 and find out whether the company has a valid license and meets state requirements--such as having insurance coverage.

Limousine services will fax or mail proof of license and insurance to those who ask, Ruge said.

That’s a good start, but don’t stop there. Ruge also recommends those renting a limousine ask plenty of questions, go see the limousine before they agree to rent it and sign a contract with the service provider.

Sometimes people get a good rental rate over the phone and order what they think is the perfect limousine, only to be disappointed with the car that shows up.

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There are also a variety of amenities that come with some limousines. Almost all have color TVs, CD players, VCRs and AM/FM radios. Privacy partitions and intercom systems are also common, said Geoff Cleland, owner of Blackhawk Transportation and Limousine Service in Ventura.

But there are other items that can be requested, such as fiber optic stars on the ceiling that change colors and even video games.

Prom-goers might want to steer clear of the video games.

“I’ve seen guys on prom night completely ignore their dates and play videos,” Ruge said.

Limousines also come equipped with bars stocked with liquor or sodas, depending on the passengers. Those under 21 automatically receive the nonalcoholic beverages.

And parents, kids and drivers must promise in writing that minors won’t consume alcohol. Breaking that promise automatically puts an end to the ride, Ruge said.

“This is mandated by the state,” Ruge said.

Another thing to consider when renting a limousine is to get one from a place near your home to avoid traveling charges or paying for the time it takes a driver to get to your house.

Also, be wary of limousine services that charge more depending on where you live. Some companies have been known to charge more if their riders live in upscale neighborhoods, Cleland said.

If it is important, ask what the driver will be wearing. Reputable companies have their drivers wear dark suits, but some drivers have been known to wear more casual clothes and even tuxedos with tennis shoes.

The going rate for a six-passenger limousine is about $50 per hour and a 14-passenger limo approximately $100 per hour.

Eight-, 10- and 12-passenger limousines are between $60 and $80 per hour. Prices can vary depending on the age of the limousine and the day of the week it is rented. Renting on weekends typically costs more.

Most companies require a three- or four-hour minimum and add 15% to 20% gratuity. Also, it’s important to ask if you will be taxed or if there are any other costs associated with the ride. Make sure it’s all in the contract, so there are no surprises.

At those prices you might be tempted to fit as many people as possible into the car. But that’s not a good idea, warns James Fowler, owner of Home James Limousine Service.

“You get a limousine for comfort,” Fowler said. “I recommend you get a limousine two seats bigger than the number of passengers you plan to have, so you’re not cramped.”

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Consider the size of the people who will be riding and, if it’s a wedding, make sure there is room for the dress, he said.

Fowler also makes sure the people who rent a limousine understand five or six hours can go by fast if they don’t have a plan.

“Some people get in and say to one another, ‘Where do you want to go?’ and then, ‘I don’t know, where do you want to go?’ ” he said.

That wastes time and the clock is ticking.

“Always have a plan,” Fowler said. “Make a program even if you don’t follow it.”

Nancy Needham can be reached at nancy.needham@reporters.net.