For parents traveling with babies, the stress doesn’t end when the plane lands. In fact, one of the most nerve-wracking questions usually comes at baggage claim: How do I get my child safely from here to the hotel?
That’s where travel advisors and DMCs have a huge opportunity. Families don’t just want luxury vehicles, they want assurance that their transfer has been planned with the same attention to detail as their hotel or flight.
Why Safe Family Transfers Matter
Car seat laws differ around the world, and enforcement is inconsistent. In most Western countries, taxis are exempt, while rideshares often aren’t. Some destinations have local solutions, like Careem Kids in Dubai or Kidmoto in New York, but there’s no global standard. Parents are left guessing, and that uncertainty can erode confidence in an otherwise perfectly planned trip.
By anticipating these needs, advisors and DMCs can set themselves apart and build lasting trust with family travelers.
What Seamless Family Transfers Look Like
- Gather the right details at booking. Don’t just ask if the family “needs a car seat.” Ask the child’s age, weight, and height, or more directly: infant, convertible, or booster? Babies grow fast, and the right seat now may not be right at the time of travel.
- Confirm early, confirm often. Families feel most secure when they know their driver has the correct seat ready. Best practice: reconfirm the transfer one week before, 24 hours before, and again with driver/seat details 12 and 1 hour prior to pickup.
- Train and equip your drivers. Having the right seat in the car is only half the job. Make sure drivers know how to install it correctly and can walk parents through the setup if needed.
- Overdeliver on small touches. Families notice the little things: a clean seat, wipes on hand, help with luggage, a coloring book or healthy snack (skip the chips and candy) for the child. These details transform a stressful transfer into a moment of relief.
- Lead with empathy. New parenthood is stressful, and traveling as one is even more so. Acknowledging that reality and showing flexibility for extra stops or soothing breaks, especially on longer rides, demonstrates care and builds trust.
- Respect family boundaries. Warm greetings and smiles go a long way. Picking up or touching a client’s child (unless explicitly asked), however well-intentioned, crosses a line. Professionalism is the real luxury here.
What Advisors Can Do Differently
Advisors don’t need to be car seat experts, but they do need to be proactive. Most lean on DMCs for transfers, but that doesn’t remove responsibility. The advisor’s credibility rests on whether the family feels safe the moment they land.
Here’s how to set yourself apart:
- Clarify car seat needs during the planning stage.
- Share those details with the DMC and reconfirm before travel.
- Educate families on what to expect: whether car seats are legally required, if apps like Careem or Kidmoto are available, or if public transit might be simpler.
The Takeaway
Parents traveling with babies don’t expect perfection, but they do expect safety and foresight. When advisors and DMCs anticipate these needs–equipping drivers, confirming details, and communicating clearly–they turn what could be a stressful transfer into the first moment of relaxation in a family’s trip.
Luxury isn’t just about the car. For families, true luxury is peace of mind.
