Policies
Please review our service policies below to ensure a seamless and transparent experience with our luxury car service. Here, you will find detailed information regarding our booking guidelines, cancellation procedures, waiting time protocols, and vehicle usage rules designed to provide you with safe, reliable, and exceptional transportation.
Payment and Billing
1776CLT requires a valid major credit card to secure all black car and chauffeured transportation reservations. A quote, price estimate, or availability request does not constitute a confirmed reservation and does not hold a vehicle.Transportation is considered confirmed only after the reservation process has been completed, valid payment information has been provided, and the customer has received confirmation from 1776CLT. Credit card authorization is generally processed 24–48 hours before the scheduled pickup time whenever possible. For new customers, we also make every reasonable effort to authorize or process the transportation charge before the vehicle and chauffeur are dispatched for the reservation. If a payment method cannot be authorized, we may contact the customer for an alternate form of payment before the vehicle is sent.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express, along with NFC/contactless payment options where available. Because transportation charges are handled through our reservation and payment system, chauffeurs do not collect cash payment for the transportation fare. Customers may, however, provide a gratuity directly to their chauffeur in cash or another accepted form if they choose. Providing payment information does not by itself guarantee vehicle availability until the reservation has been accepted and confirmed by 1776CLT.
No-Show & Cancellation Policy
No-Show Policy
A customer will be considered a No-Show if they have not arrived at the designated pickup location within 40 minutes of the scheduled pickup time and have not contacted 1776CLT. Airport arrival transfers are handled differently and are subject to the airport-specific wait-time policy below. If a reservation is classified as a No-Show, the customer will be charged the full cost of the scheduled transportation, including applicable gratuity, waiting time, parking fees, tolls, and any other expenses incurred in connection with the reservation.
If you are delayed, cannot locate your chauffeur, or need additional time, please call us immediately. Contacting our office allows us to communicate with the chauffeur and may prevent your reservation from being incorrectly classified as a No-Show.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made by telephone. We do not accept reservation cancellations by text message or email. For standard transportation reservations, cancellations received less than two (2) hours before the scheduled pickup timeare subject to a cancellation charge equal to the full price of the reservation, plus any applicable expenses already incurred.
Child car seat reservations are subject to a separate, more flexible cancellation policy and are not governed by the standard two-hour cancellation rule. Weddings, proms, concerts, wine tours, and other special-event transportation are also subject to separate cancellation, deposit, and minimum-hour requirements. These reservations may have different deadlines and payment terms depending on the type of service. Please contact 1776CLT if you have questions about the terms applying to your specific reservation.
CLT Airport Arrival Transfer Wait Time
For airport arrival transfers, 1776CLT provides up to 15 minutes of complimentary wait time after arrival. When a valid flight number is provided with the reservation, we monitor the incoming flight and adjust for normal changes in the reported arrival time. For airport pickups, the No-Show period is based on the actual flight landing time rather than the original scheduled pickup time.
If we have not made contact with you within 40 minutes after your flight has landed, the airport reservation may be considered a No-Show and charged in full. Charlotte Douglas International Airport can be busy, and passengers may occasionally experience delays reaching Baggage Claim, retrieving checked luggage, assisting children, or navigating the terminal. If your luggage is delayed or you need additional time, please call us before the 40-minute period expires so we know you are still at the airport.
If you cannot locate your chauffeur at CLT or any other airport, contact 1776CLT before leaving the pickup area or arranging alternate transportation. We cannot correct a pickup problem if we are not notified, and failure to contact us may result in the reservation being classified as a No-Show.
Late Night / Red Eye trips
Trips scheduled (12:00 AM to 5:00AM) are subject to an additional “Red Eye” charge.
Rate Changes
1776 Black Car Service reserves the right to change rates at any time without prior notice.
Additional Fees
Clients are responsible for applicable out-of-pocket transportation expenses, which may include road tolls, event parking, airport access fees, airport parking, luggage carts, and other trip-related charges incurred while providing the reserved service.
Additional service charges may also apply when disclosed at the time of booking or when applicable to the reservation. Late-night or Red Eye trips scheduled between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM may be subject to a $25 Red Eye charge.
Vehicle Cleaning, Smoking & Damage
All 1776 Black Car Service vehicles are 100% non-smoking. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all vehicles in our fleet. A minimum $250 cleaning fee per incident will be charged for any violation of our non-smoking policy. Additional cleaning fees may be assessed when a vehicle requires cleaning beyond normal use. If a vehicle is contaminated by bodily fluids or other biological materials, the customer is responsible for the cost of professional cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, and, when necessary, replacement or restoration of affected vehicle components. Depending on the type, severity, and location of the contamination, cleaning and restoration charges may range from $100 to more than $5,000.
Any deliberate or negligent damage to the interior or exterior of a vehicle will be charged to the customer at the full cost of repair or restoration, plus a 50% service fee. This may include damage to seats, upholstery, carpeting, trim, doors, windows, electronic equipment, or other components of the vehicle. The person who books the reservation is responsible for the conduct of all passengers and guests traveling under that reservation. Any cleaning costs, damage, repairs, replacement of equipment, or other expenses resulting from the actions of the customer or their guests may be charged to the payment method associated with the reservation.
Surface Transportation Charge (STC)
A 5% fee known as Surface Transportation Charge (STC) for miscellaneous licensing, insurance and administrative expense calculated on the base fare, stop charges and wait time, will be added to your bill.
Arrival Time
1776 Black Car Service and its chauffeurs always prepare in advance to avoid unnecessary delays in arrival time. However road, traffic and weather conditions are often times beyond the reasonable control of the company and the chauffeur. No refunds can be given as a result of late arrivals due to such conditions or other occurrences out of the reasonable control of the company or chauffeur.
Private/Charter Flight Monitoring: Due to the lack of timely and accurate information, 1776 Black Car Service does not monitor private charter airline flights; therefore, wait time will be charged as incurred for any passenger arriving on a private charter plane that is delayed by more than 15 minutes.
Illegal Substance Abuse Policy
Illegal Substances, Alcohol & Passenger Conduct
The possession, sale, distribution, or use of illegal drugs, unlawfully possessed controlled substances, or other prohibited or dangerous materials is strictly forbidden in all 1776CLT vehicles. Any violation may result in the immediate termination of transportation service, and applicable deposits, payments, fees, and other charges may be forfeited. 1776CLT reserves the right to refuse or terminate service whenever a passenger’s conduct, possessions, or behavior creates an unsafe, unlawful, threatening, or disruptive situation.
1776CLT does not sell, supply, or provide alcoholic beverages. Passenger-supplied alcohol is permitted only when allowed by applicable law and by company policy. Alcohol laws differ between North Carolina, South Carolina, and other jurisdictions, particularly regarding open containers and passenger consumption. Passengers are responsible for following all applicable laws, and alcohol consumption must stop whenever required by the laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the vehicle is traveling. Additional information regarding passenger-supplied alcohol, including the differences between North Carolina and South Carolina, is available in our Alcohol & BYOB FAQ.
All passengers possessing or consuming alcohol must be 21 years of age or older, and identification may be requested when necessary. Minors are strictly prohibited from possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or unlawfully possessed controlled substances in any 1776CLT vehicle. Alcohol is not permitted on youth or prom transportation. 1776CLT may also refuse or terminate service when a passenger becomes excessively intoxicated, disorderly, aggressive, threatening, destructive, or otherwise creates an unsafe environment for the chauffeur, other passengers, the vehicle, or the public.
Passengers may not distract, obstruct, threaten, touch, or otherwise interfere with the chauffeur while the vehicle is being operated. Passengers are also prohibited from tampering with, damaging, or improperly operating vehicle controls, electronic equipment, safety devices, doors, windows, or other vehicle components. If transportation is refused or terminated because of illegal activity, unsafe or threatening behavior, excessive intoxication, passenger misconduct, or a serious violation of company policies, no refund will be provided for the affected service, and the person who made the reservation may remain responsible for applicable charges, cleaning costs, damage, and other expenses incurred.
Reservations, Deposits & Payment Terms
All vehicles are subject to availability at the time a reservation is made, and receiving a quote does not hold or reserve a vehicle. Rates may change without notice until a reservation has been confirmed. Deposit requirements, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and minimum rental periods vary depending on the type of transportation being reserved.
Regular Transportation: Standard airport transfers, point-to-point transportation, corporate service, city-to-city trips, and other regular transportation generally do not require a deposit. A valid major credit card is required to secure the reservation, and the card may be authorized or charged before the vehicle and chauffeur are dispatched. Standard transportation reservations cancelled less than two (2) hours before the scheduled pickup time may be charged the full reservation amount in accordance with our cancellation policy.
Weddings: Wedding transportation requires a 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve the vehicle and secure the requested date and time. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the scheduled wedding date. Wedding reservations are subject to separate cancellation requirements because the vehicle and chauffeur time are specifically committed to the event. Wedding transportation may also be subject to minimum rental periods depending on the service requested.
Proms: Prom transportation requires a 50% non-refundable deposit to reserve the vehicle and secure the requested date and time. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the scheduled prom date. Prom reservations are subject to a six-hour minimum, and standard transportation cancellation terms do not apply. Because prom dates are high-demand periods with limited vehicle availability, the vehicle and chauffeur time are specifically committed to the reservation once it has been confirmed.
Child Car Seat Reservations: Reservations requiring child car seats receive more flexible booking and cancellation terms. No deposit is required specifically because child car seats are requested, and child-seat reservations are not subject to our standard cancellation charge. There is also no cancellation charge when an airline flight is cancelled, diverted, redirected, or missed. Families should provide the child’s age, height, and weight when making the reservation so the appropriate child seat can be prepared before pickup.
Lost & Found / Personal Belongings
1776 Black Car Service is not responsible for personal belongings that are lost, misplaced, or left behind in a vehicle during or after transportation service. Passengers are encouraged to check the vehicle carefully for phones, wallets, luggage, keys, electronic devices, and other personal items before exiting. If an item is discovered in one of our vehicles, we will make a reasonable and sincere effort to identify the owner and arrange for its return.
If a chauffeur is required to personally deliver a lost item, a delivery fee may apply. The delivery charge will be based on our standard airport transfer rate to the requested delivery location, plus 20% chauffeur gratuity and any applicable tolls or additional transportation expenses. Whenever practical, customers may contact 1776 Black Car Service to discuss alternative arrangements for retrieving a lost item.
Vehicle Request Policy
1776 Black Car Service reserves the right to upgrade or change a vehicle request to accommodate a client’s reservation at no charge to the client if deemed necessary.
One Transfer (CLT AIRPORT) And Multiple Flights
We see this from time to time. A client wishes to book a vehicle to pick up from the CLT Airport, but they are on one flight and they are meeting a party that is coming in on another flight. In this case we have an automatic 2 Hour Minimum for the vehicle. There are so many delays and changes in flight schedules that one may land early and the second may land late. Our vehicle and driver are committed to the wait time in this case and as such the we have a 2 Hour Hour Minimum.
Vehicle Capacity
For the safety of our passengers and chauffeurs, 1776 Black Car Service vehicles may never be occupied beyond their designated passenger seating capacity. Every passenger must have an approved seating position and available seat belt. The maximum number of passengers permitted in each vehicle is determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer-rated seating capacity and applicable safety requirements. Standing, sitting on another passenger’s lap, sharing a seat, or exceeding the vehicle’s authorized passenger capacity is not permitted. Customers are responsible for providing an accurate passenger count when making a reservation so that an appropriately sized vehicle can be assigned to the trip.
Affiliate Transportation Providers
1776 Black Car Service may, at its discretion, arrange transportation through a trusted affiliate transportation provider when necessary to fulfill a reservation. Affiliate services may be used within the Charlotte region or in other cities and destinations throughout the United States. When an affiliate is used, 1776 Black Car Service makes every reasonable effort to select a professional, properly licensed and insured transportation provider that meets our expectations for safety, reliability, vehicle quality, and professional chauffeur service. Because affiliate companies are independently owned and operated, vehicle makes, models, amenities, and operating procedures may differ from those of 1776 Black Car Service.
Uncontrollable Acts, Acts of God and / or Acts of Mother Nature
1776 Black Car Service makes every reasonable effort to provide safe, reliable, and on-time chauffeured transportation. However, we cannot be held responsible for delays, service interruptions, or circumstances beyond our reasonable control. These circumstances may include, but are not limited to, severe weather, traffic congestion, vehicle accidents, road closures, construction, airport congestion, flight delays or cancellations, government or emergency restrictions, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, ice, snow, and other natural or unforeseen events that may affect travel conditions.
Passenger and chauffeur safety always takes priority. During severe or extreme weather, 1776 Black Car Service reserves the right to delay, modify, reroute, or cancel transportation service when road or weather conditions are determined to be unsafe. This is particularly important during winter weather when snow, ice, freezing rain, fallen trees, or untreated roads may make travel hazardous.
While our professional chauffeurs plan routes carefully and allow appropriate travel time whenever possible, travel times cannot be guaranteed when conditions outside our control affect the roadway, airport, or transportation network. 1776 Black Car Service will make reasonable efforts to communicate with affected customers and complete scheduled transportation whenever it can be performed safely. However, we will not require a chauffeur to operate a vehicle when conditions present an unreasonable risk to our passengers, chauffeurs, vehicles, or the public.
Termination of Contract
1776 Black Car Service reserves the right to refuse or immediately terminate transportation service when a chauffeur, dispatcher, or company representative reasonably determines that a passenger’s conduct creates an unsafe, threatening, or unlawful situation. Service may be terminated if a customer or any member of their party threatens or endangers the chauffeur, passengers, vehicle, other motorists, or the general public, or engages in behavior that prevents the chauffeur from safely performing their duties.
Transportation service will also be terminated if passengers are found to be in possession of illegal drugs, illegal substances, unlawful materials, or other prohibited items while traveling in a 1776 Black Car Service vehicle. When service is refused or terminated because of illegal activity, threatening behavior, dangerous conduct, or a serious violation of company policies, the reservation may be charged at the full contracted amount and no refund will be issued. The safety of our passengers and professional chauffeurs takes priority. 1776 Black Car Service will not continue transportation when doing so would create an unreasonable safety risk or require a chauffeur to knowingly permit unlawful activity in a company vehicle.
Special Events & Peak Demand Rental Times
Special events and peak demand periods both locally and in other markets may dictate premium pricing, higher hourly minimums and in some cases multi-day minimums, additional notice for changes and cancellations. Vehicles are generally in more limited supply for the higher demand and often times supplemental vehicles are required to accommodate this demand.
