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A driver from Cars On Demand meeting and greeting a couple returning from LA
Posted: January 27, 2026
Does Qantas still do chauffeur service? No. Qantas has officially discontinued its complimentary Chauffeur Drive service for all passengers, including First and Business Class. However, you can still book premium, reliable airport transfers directly through specialized providers like Cars on Demand.
For premium passengers who relied on this perk, this change represents a significant gap in the seamless travel experience Qantas once provided. But here’s the good news: professional chauffeur services are still available — often with better reliability, more flexibility, and superior service standards than the complimentary program offered.
Let’s break down what changed, why it matters, and how you can secure even better ground transportation for your premium travel.
Important clarification for codeshare passengers:
Even if you are flying on an Emirates A380 with a QF flight number, Qantas rules apply — meaning no complimentary chauffeur service. The discontinuation affects all Qantas-ticketed flights, regardless of which airline operates the aircraft.
However, Cars on Demand services all Emirates flights, coordinating perfectly with their strict check-in windows. Whether you’re on Qantas metal or Emirates metal with a Qantas ticket, we ensure you arrive on time for your premium travel experience.
For years, Qantas offered complimentary chauffeur transfers to eligible premium passengers as part of their First Class and, at times, Business Class experience. The service provided:
Eligibility varied over the years, but generally included:
The service was positioned as a key differentiator for Qantas premium travel, offering a complete door-to-door luxury experience that rivaled the world’s best airlines.
Qantas has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for discontinuing the chauffeur service, but industry observers point to several likely factors:
The aviation industry faced unprecedented financial pressure during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Premium services with high operational costs became natural targets for reduction as airlines focused on core profitability.
Modern premium travelers increasingly value flexibility and control over their ground transportation. Many preferred arranging their own transfers with providers they trusted rather than relying on assigned services.
The complex relationship between Qantas and Emirates has evolved significantly. As both airlines adjust their partnership terms, ground services became one area where each carrier would manage its own arrangements.
Managing a nationwide chauffeur network across multiple cities, with varying local providers and inconsistent service standards, presented ongoing logistical challenges for an airline focused on operating flights.
If you’re accustomed to complimentary chauffeur service as part of your Qantas First Class or premium travel experience, the discontinuation creates a real gap in your journey. Specifically:
For Departures:
For Arrivals:
While Qantas chauffeur service was complimentary, it came with limitations that many premium passengers found frustrating:
Limited Flexibility: Pickup times were determined by flight schedules with little room for adjustment based on your preferences.
No Vehicle Choice: You couldn’t specify vehicle type, brand, or specific amenities you preferred.
Inconsistent Quality: Service quality varied dramatically depending on which local contractor Qantas used in each city.
No Direct Communication: You typically couldn’t contact your driver directly before pickup, creating uncertainty.
Geographic Limitations: Distance restrictions applied, and coverage wasn’t universal even within major cities.
No Last-Minute Booking: The service required advance notice, making it useless for irregular travel or changes.
When you booked Qantas Chauffeur Drive, you trusted the airline to get you there. When you book Cars on Demand, you trust a specialized logistics company.
We don’t just “send a car” — we engineer your on-time arrival.
Traffic Pattern Monitoring: Our dispatch system analyzes real-time traffic data across all major routes to your departure airport. We don’t rely on static timing — we adjust for current conditions.
Airport Congestion Analysis: Peak travel times create airport drop-off delays that can add 15–30 minutes to your journey. Our system accounts for airport congestion patterns and adjusts your departure time accordingly.
Flight Data Integration: Our RideMinder technology connects directly to airline systems, monitoring your specific flight for:
Precision Timing: We calculate your exact curbside arrival time working backward from:
The result: You arrive curbside exactly when you need to be there — not too early (wasting your time), not too late (risking your flight).
Airlines focus on operating flights. Ground transportation is ancillary to their core business. That’s why airline chauffeur programs often suffered from:
We specialize exclusively in ground transportation logistics. Every system, every process, every team member focuses on one goal: getting you to the airport on time, every time.
Our 99.99% on-time reliability record isn’t luck — it’s precision logistics engineering applied to every booking.
Since Qantas no longer provides chauffeur service, premium passengers need a reliable alternative. Here’s the straightforward answer: book professional corporate chauffeur services directly with a premium ground transportation provider.
The discontinuation of Qantas chauffeur service creates an opportunity to access superior ground transportation with advantages the complimentary service never offered:
1. You Choose Your Provider Select a chauffeur service based on reputation, reviews, vehicle fleet, and service standards rather than accepting whoever Qantas contracted with.
2. True Flexibility Book last-minute transfers, adjust pickup times easily, specify vehicle preferences, and communicate directly with drivers — none of which were reliably available through complimentary airline chauffeur programs.
3. Consistent Quality Standards When you book directly with a premium provider, you get consistent service every time rather than variable quality depending on local subcontractors.
4. Better Technology Professional chauffeur companies invest in technology that airlines typically don’t: real-time flight tracking, automated delay adjustments, SMS confirmations, live vehicle tracking, and 24/7 support systems.
5. Accountability Direct relationships mean clear accountability. If something goes wrong, you have direct recourse with your chauffeur provider rather than navigating airline bureaucracy.
At Cars on Demand, we’ve spent 35 years providing the premium ground transportation that Qantas First Class and Business Class passengers deserve. With Qantas no longer offering chauffeur service, we’re the natural choice for discerning travelers who refuse to compromise on quality.
Qantas Chauffeur Drive typically used Mercedes E-Class or Holden Caprice vehicles. Cars on Demand offers an immediate upgrade to vehicles that exceed the old airline standard:
Luxury Sedan: Equivalent to First Class ground transportation standards, offering superior comfort and presentation for your premium journey.
Premium Sedan: Executive-grade vehicles providing the quality you expect when traveling in Qantas Business Class.
SUV: Spacious executive transport for families or passengers with substantial luggage requirements.
8-Seater People Movers: Perfect for group travel or corporate delegations, maintaining premium standards across larger parties.
Every vehicle in our fleet is maintained to exacting standards, professionally valeted before each booking, and equipped with premium amenities. Your ground transport doesn’t just match the old airline standard — it actually exceeds it.
Last-Minute Booking Capability Qantas chauffeur service required advance notice and wasn’t available for irregular travel or last-minute changes. We accept same-day bookings through our 24/7 portal. Flight delayed? Schedule changed? We accommodate.
99.99% On-Time Reliability Airlines focus on operating flights, not ground transportation logistics. We specialize in ground transportation, resulting in a 99.99% on-time reliability record. When your Qantas First Class ticket costs $15,000, you can’t afford ground transportation failures.
Real-Time Flight Tracking Our RideMinder technology automatically monitors your flight status and adjusts pickup times for delays — no phone calls required, no stress about whether your driver knows your flight is late.
Professional Drivers, Not Gig Economy Contractors Our chauffeurs are career professionals, not part-time gig workers. They understand premium service standards, present in business attire, and take pride in providing excellence. This consistency was often missing from airline-contracted chauffeur services.
Transparent Fixed Pricing You know exactly what you’ll pay when you book. No surprises, no hidden fees, no surge pricing when you need service most.
Meet and Greet Service For arriving passengers, we provide genuine meet and greet service in the arrivals hall with name cards — just like the Qantas chauffeur service used to, but more reliable.
Booking premium chauffeur service for your Qantas travel is simpler than navigating airline programs, and you get better service. Here’s how:
Option 1: Register for Corporate Account Register once and access our corporate portal for streamlined booking on all future trips. Perfect for frequent travelers who want efficiency.
Option 2: Book Individual Transfers Call 1300 638 258 or email admin@carsondemand.com.au to arrange specific transfers. Our team handles all details.
Option 3: Work with Your Executive Assistant Over 5,000 Executive Assistants across Australia trust Cars on Demand for their executives’ ground transportation. We make their jobs easier with reliable service and clear accountability.
Booking professional chauffeur service requires just basic details:
That’s it. We handle the rest, including flight monitoring for arrival transfers and logistics calculations for departure timing.
Whether you’re flying Qantas First Class, Business Class, or Premium Economy, we provide professional airport transfer services that match the premium standards you expect.
Sydney Airport is Qantas’ primary hub and home to premium lounges including the First Lounge. Our Sydney chauffeur service ensures you arrive with time to enjoy these facilities.
Sydney-specific logistics advantages:
Common Sydney routes we serve:
Melbourne Airport serves as Qantas’ second major hub with extensive domestic and international services. Our Melbourne chauffeur service provides the logistics precision that business travelers demand.
Melbourne-specific logistics considerations:
Melbourne suburbs we serve:
We maintain the same premium chauffeur service standards and logistics precision across all Australian cities where Qantas operates major services:
Brisbane Airport Transfers
Queensland’s primary gateway for Qantas domestic and international flights. Our Brisbane service covers the CBD, Gold Coast connections, and Sunshine Coast transfers.
Perth Airport Transfers
Western Australia’s connection point for Qantas’ extensive domestic network and international services. We serve all Perth metro areas and understand the unique challenges of Perth Airport’s layout.
Adelaide Airport Transfers
South Australia’s hub for Qantas domestic services and limited international connections. Our Adelaide chauffeur service provides the same premium standards as our larger city operations.
Canberra Airport Transfers
Serving government and corporate travelers on Qantas services. We understand the unique requirements of Canberra’s business travel market.
Gold Coast Airport Transfers
Leisure and business travel on Qantas domestic services to Queensland’s premier destination.
Darwin Airport Transfers
Northern Territory connections for Qantas’ network across northern Australia and Asia.
The discontinuation of Qantas chauffeur service doesn’t mean you should compromise on ground transportation quality. In fact, it’s an opportunity to access superior service with better logistics, technology, and reliability.
Let’s examine what premium Qantas passengers risk when they compromise on ground transportation:
Qantas First Class Sydney to London (return):
Ground Transportation Options:
OptionLogistics RiskReliabilityMissed Flight RiskDrive & ParkMediumVariableMedium (parking delays)Family/FriendsHighVariableHigh (unreliable timing)RideshareVery HighLowVery High (cancellations, surge delays)TaxiHighMediumMedium (variable dispatch)Professional ChauffeurMinimal99.99%Minimal
The reality: When you’re investing $20,000 in premium air travel, the logistics risk of unreliable ground transportation is unacceptable. Missing a First Class flight due to ground transportation failure turns your investment into a total loss.
Since Qantas discontinued chauffeur service, we’ve welcomed many former beneficiaries of that program. Here’s what they consistently say:
“The logistics are actually better than what Qantas provided.”
Specialized ground transportation companies engineer on-time arrival. Airlines manage chauffeur services as an add-on.
“I love being able to book last-minute when plans change.”
Airline chauffeur programs required advance notice. Professional services accommodate irregular schedules.
“The drivers are more professional and the vehicles are better maintained.”
Direct employment and service standards exceed what contractors provided to airlines.
“Flight tracking is seamless — I never worry about delays affecting my pickup.”
Technology purpose-built for ground transportation beats airline add-on services.
“Having 24/7 support gives me peace of mind.”
Direct accountability means real support when you need it, not airline call center transfers.
If you previously relied on Qantas chauffeur service, here’s everything you need to know about transitioning to professional chauffeur services:
Qantas Chauffeur Service: Required booking when you purchased your ticket or within specific timeframes before departure. Last-minute bookings were often impossible.
Cars on Demand: Book anytime, including same-day service. Our 24/7 portal accepts bookings at 2 AM if needed. Perfect for irregular travel schedules or last-minute changes.
Qantas Chauffeur Service: Limited to specific distances from airports. Some suburban areas weren’t covered or incurred additional charges.
Cars on Demand: Comprehensive coverage across entire metropolitan areas. From Sydney’s Northern Beaches to Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula to Brisbane’s Sunshine Coast — we serve all areas.
Qantas Chauffeur Service: Vehicle quality varied depending on local contractor. Typically Mercedes E-Class or Holden Caprice. You had no choice in vehicle type.
Cars on Demand: Consistent executive vehicle fleet that exceeds the old airline standard, with options including Luxury Sedans, Premium Sedans, SUVs, and 8-seater People Movers. Every vehicle meets our exacting standards.
Qantas Chauffeur Service: Static pickup times based on flight schedules. Limited traffic contingency planning.
Cars on Demand: Dynamic logistics engineering with real-time traffic monitoring, airport congestion analysis, and precision timing calculations to ensure curbside arrival exactly when you need it.
One of the most significant advantages professional chauffeur services offer over airline programs is last-minute booking capability. Here’s why this matters:
Business Travel Realities:
Personal Travel Situations:
Qantas chauffeur service couldn’t accommodate these situations. Professional chauffeur services can.
Scenario: It’s 10 PM Sunday night. You’ve just discovered a Qantas First Class award seat from Melbourne to Singapore departing at 9 AM Monday morning. Do you book it?
With Qantas Chauffeur Service: No — you can’t arrange ground transportation on such short notice. You miss the opportunity.
With Cars on Demand:
Last-minute capability transforms your travel flexibility. Premium award seats often become available with little notice. Professional chauffeur service means you can capitalize on these opportunities.
Modern professional chauffeur services leverage technology in ways airline programs never could. Here’s what you gain:
Our RideMinder platform monitors your flight status automatically:
This was inconsistent with Qantas chauffeur service, which often relied on manual coordination.
Before Pickup:
During Service:
Unlike airline call centers with 45-minute hold times, our dedicated support line provides:
No fumbling for cash after a long international flight:
If you’re an Executive Assistant who previously relied on Qantas chauffeur service for your executives’ travel, the discontinuation created additional work. Here’s how professional chauffeur services actually make your job easier:
Rather than coordinating through airline programs with variable access and support, you have direct relationships with your chauffeur service provider:
Register for corporate account access and gain:
Your reputation depends on seamless executive travel. Professional chauffeur services provide:
We serve more than 5,000 Executive Assistants across Australia precisely because we understand your requirements:
Former Qantas chauffeur service users tell us: our direct service is actually better than the airline program.
While Qantas no longer provides chauffeur service, every journey you book with Qantas deserves premium ground transportation:
Qantas domestic premium cabins offer:
Match these standards with professional airport transfers:
Qantas international Business and First Class remain among the world’s best:
Complete the premium experience with ground transportation that matches:
Qantas Platinum, Platinum One, Gold, and Silver members receive significant benefits:
But these benefits don’t include ground transportation anymore. Professional chauffeur services ensure your elite status experience extends door-to-door:
The discontinuation of Qantas chauffeur service means premium passengers must take responsibility for ground transportation. But “responsibility” doesn’t mean “stress.” Here’s our guarantee:
For Departures:
For Arrivals:
No stress. No uncertainty. No logistics failures.
Compare our stress-free logistics to the rideshare alternative many travelers default to:
Rideshare Reality for Premium Passengers:
These logistics uncertainties are unacceptable when you’ve invested $15,000 in premium air travel.
Qantas may no longer offer complimentary chauffeur service, but premium ground transportation is still available — and it’s actually better than the airline program ever was.
1. Online Registration Register for corporate account and access our 24/7 booking portal for immediate and future reservations.
2. Phone Booking Call 1300 638 258 to speak with our team. Available 24/7 for urgent bookings or questions.
3. Email Booking Send details to admin@carsondemand.com.au and we’ll confirm your reservation promptly.
Immediate Benefits:
Long-Term Advantages:
The short answer: No, Qantas no longer offers complimentary chauffeur drive service.
The complete answer: While Qantas discontinued their chauffeur program, premium passengers now have access to superior ground transportation through professional chauffeur services that offer better vehicles, more flexibility, advanced technology, precision logistics engineering, last-minute booking capability, and higher reliability standards.
The discontinuation of Qantas chauffeur service isn’t a loss — it’s an opportunity to experience truly premium ground transportation with the logistics precision and quality that airline programs could never provide.
If you’re accustomed to premium travel standards, you understand that every touchpoint matters. From the moment you leave home until you return, your journey should reflect your expectations.
Professional corporate chauffeur services ensure:
With 35 years serving Australia’s premium travelers and over 5,000 corporate clients nationwide, we understand exactly what Qantas First and Business Class passengers require.
Book your premium airport transfer now or call 1300 638 258.
Because premium air travel deserves premium ground transportation — whether airlines provide it or not.
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