When people book a car, they usually think about the number of passengers. The luggage is often the real limit. Four people fit easily in a saloon; four people with four large suitcases, two ski bags and a set of boot bags do not. Getting this right at the time of booking avoids the worst start to a trip: a car at the kerb that cannot take everything. This guide explains how we match luggage to vehicles and what information helps us choose correctly.
Why luggage matters as much as seats
Each vehicle class has a stated maximum number of passengers and suitcases. The two numbers are linked: a vehicle with every seat occupied has less room for bags, and a vehicle full of bags may not carry every passenger comfortably. We cannot carry passengers or luggage beyond the vehicle's capacity, for safety and because the rules require it. So the more precisely you describe the luggage, the better the car we can suggest.
What to tell us
The most useful information is simple: the number of large suitcases, the number of cabin bags, and any special items. Special items include ski bags, snowboard bags, boot bags, golf bags, pushchairs, travel cots, bicycles in boxes, musical instruments and equipment cases. A rough description is enough, for example two large suitcases, two cabin bags and one double ski bag.
The Mercedes E-Class and S-Class
The Mercedes E-Class and the Mercedes S-Class are saloons designed for one to three passengers. They are perfect for a couple or a business traveller with standard suitcases and cabin bags. They are not the right choice for ski bags or golf bags, which are long and do not fit well in a saloon boot together with suitcases. The S-Class offers more space and comfort for the passengers, not for the luggage, so the choice between the two is about the journey rather than the bags.
The Mercedes V-Class
The Mercedes V-Class is our most booked vehicle for airport arrivals, and the reason is space. It seats up to seven passengers, and with fewer passengers the luggage area grows. A family of four with suitcases, a pushchair and cabin bags travels comfortably. In winter it is the usual choice for ski groups: seven passengers with ski bags and boot bags is a common configuration on our mountain routes. For golf trips, four players with their golf bags and suitcases fit well.
The Sprinter Luxury VIP
The Sprinter Luxury VIP carries up to eight passengers with all their luggage in one vehicle. It is the right choice for larger ski groups, film or photo crews with equipment cases, bands with instruments and families who travel with a lot. Instead of splitting the group into two or three cars, everyone and everything travels together and arrives at the same time.
When two vehicles are better
Sometimes the best answer is two cars. A group of six with a large amount of equipment, or a family that wants the luggage to go ahead to the hotel while they stop for lunch, may be better served by a V-Class and a second vehicle. For larger groups we can pair the Sprinter with a V-Class under one booking, so the group travels on the same schedule with the same written quote.
Ski and golf trips
For ski transfers, tell us the number of ski bags and whether the skis are in single or double bags. Boot bags take more room than they look. For golf trips, tell us how many golf bags and whether they are in hard travel cases, which are bulkier. On mountain routes the cars are equipped with winter tyres and chains in the cold season, and we plan the vehicle with the road to the chalet in mind: a narrow, steep lane may suit a V-Class better than a large van.
Shopping on the way back
If you plan to shop in Milan or at an outlet before flying home, consider the return journey. Several large shopping bags plus your suitcases can push you from a saloon to a V-Class. It is easier to plan it at the start than to change on the day.
How to book
Send us the number of passengers, the luggage in detail and the route. We suggest the right vehicle and reply with a written, all-inclusive price, usually within 30 minutes. If you are unsure, describe the luggage as best you can and we will advise.