Lansky / FKA DK's Livery DO NOT RECOMMEND!

[egritz]

Originally I loved DK's Livery/Go Lansky when we hired them last December. Unfortunately this week's trip has me emphatically urging all parents to not consider their service if you are expecting them to provide a safe car seat for your child.

Let me premise this review with I am upset with MYSELF for allowing my children to be transported by this company. I should have dealt with the inconvenience (and most likely missed flight) and not risked my children's safety. I get that I had responsibility in this situation, but they should have never put me in that position. Now I'm home and have done some research to discover multiple safety AND legal issues with the seats provided.

History: They agreed that they would provide 2 convertible car seats, one for my 3 year old (forward facing) and one for my 4 month old (rear-facing)

We were picked up on Saturday at LAX. The driver had 2 car seats. The first was a booster seat with a 3 point harness that is only legal for children who are 4 years old AND 40 pounds. My 3 year old meets neither requirement. The second seat was a convertible seat - great, except the driver didn't understand how to install the seat and when I tried to explain that it needed to be reclined, he didn't understand. We drove the entire distance from LAX to the DL Resort area with me holding my 4 month old's head back because it flopped forward otherwise because the seat wasn't reclined. That was a stressful trip praying that we didn't get in an accident.

I emailed the company with the problems, this was their response:
I really apologies any inconvenience for you.
I trained drivers every month but sometimes they made mistakes.
I really appreciated your comments .... very important for our business.
I will provide 2 car seats (5 point) on Friday.
I really apologies again.
I will give you 1 way free ride for your next trip to Disneyland resort.
Thank you.

So I falsely thought today's return trip to the airport would be fine. It was not. The toddler seat provided was a 5-point highback booster, not the best option, but perfectly legal. EXCEPT for the fact that the seat was expired. The manufacture date was August 2008 on a Cosco highback booster. Cosco car seats expire 6 years after the manufacture date. In addition, a quick internet search on the highback booster shows an article from consumer reports that recommends not using Cosco highback boosters manufactured before 2011 because they can crack in simulated frontal-impact crash tests

We had the same issue with expiration on the convertible seat provided except this one was manufactured in June 2006 - it has been expired for nearly 2 1/2 years!

If that wasn't bad enough, the driver (a different one that our first trip) again clearly had NO CLUE how to install EITHER car seat. This time we took control of the installation and my husband and I had to figure out proper installation (it took 4 installation attempts on the convertible seat toget it right), the highback booster was a bit easier to install, but again the driver didn't know how and we had to do it. So the claim that the drivers get trained monthly is a bunch of hooey.

I will look for my original post recommending them and link to this post amending the recommendation.

 

[jory29]

Egritz, that is a very informative posting you have compiled, and it will benefit a lot of DISboard members with small children.

You may wish to edit your title, because I initially felt (before opening the thread) that you were a first time customer, etc. The fact that you have dealt with this company in the past does speak volumes, since you had commended them, but, obviously, after this experience, you personally are unable to do so. That part might be more 'read' on the boards if DISboard members realize you are commenting on a previous thread of yours... (I know you plan to include the thread, and that will be beneficial.)

This is a quick fix for the company, (purchase new, updated, efficient car seats) and all should be well.

I no longer have small children, but I know others on the DISboards will want to know about this.

 

[egritz]

Egritz, that is a very informative posting you have compiled, and it will benefit a lot of DISboard members with small children.

You may wish to edit your title, because I initially felt (before opening the thread) that you were a first time customer, etc. The fact that you have dealt with this company in the past does speak volumes, since you had commended them, but, obviously, after this experience, you personally are unable to do so. That part might be more 'read' on the boards if DISboard members realize you are commenting on a previous thread of yours... (I know you plan to include the thread, and that will be beneficial.)

This is a quick fix for the company, (purchase new, updated, efficient car seats) and all should be well.

I no longer have small children, but I know others on the DISboards will want to know about this.

I'm not understanding, you think the title of this thread should be different? How so? I want to be as clear as possible for other DISers. (And also how do you change the title? I looked to change my original review and didn't see a way to change the title).

To be fair, they emailed back saying they didn't know car seats expire and they will purchase new ones, they even offered me a free round-trip on my next trip to DL, HOWEVER given the fact that BOTH drivers on this trip clearly had NO idea how to install the seats properly, I emailed back that i will not be a return customer. I'll be using the crazy slow DL Bus if we have the kids and just schedule grocery delivery. Bummer, but if we were in an accident and either of the kids hurt I would never be able to forgive myself compromising their safety for the mere convenience and saving time.

 

[bumbershoot]

You go into Edit and then Go Advanced or something like that, to edit a title. I don't know what you could add, though; the only impression I got from the title is that you had used them and don't recommend them.


Alas, using strange carseats is a tricky and dicey business. It's hard enough to install seats, to make sure yours are not recalled, not too old, and in good condition, let alone expect a business (where you have to know that many people using them will just seatbelt their babies or hold them) to keep track of it all. Installing is the worst. I could never rely on a driver to know how to install a seat. IMO that's our job. And, in fact, I'm surprised they *would* install them. If they install them, they could be looked to in case of an accident, as being even more guilty if harm came to the children because of the installation. If I were the owner of the service, honestly, I wouldn't allow my drivers to install them.

Could you just rent a car in the future? Even if you don't want to have the car the whole time, you could do two one-way rentals. Depending on where you usually stay there are plenty of agencies nearby. We've used the National (and Alamo) place on Katella that shares the Alpine Inn parking lot. They even have a shuttle.

If you rent a car then you bring your own seats, or if you want to brave the rental agency's seats, at least you would know you would be installing them yourself.

 

[Sherry E]

Yes, Molly/bumbershoot is right -- go into Edit and then click on the Advanced option and you can edit your title.

I don't see a problem with the title. I got the same impression from it that Molly did -- that the service was used and was a bad experience, and therefore Lansky's is not being recommended. I'm not sure what would need to be changed.

To be honest, over the years I have seen many, many, many other threads on this board with titles that are completely misleading and/or extremely vague. The title often makes it sound like one thing is being asked/addressed, and then when I open the thread I find that something else is actually the subject at hand. It drives me nuts, but I usually don't say anything about it. I don't get it because, in my twisted mind, I think that being as specific as possible with what one titles a thread will yield the best and most accurate results/responses.

I think the title of this thread is fine, though. It's straightforward and gets the point across.

 

[egritz]

Alas, using strange carseats is a tricky and dicey business. It's hard enough to install seats, to make sure yours are not recalled, not too old, and in good condition, let alone expect a business (where you have to know that many people using them will just seatbelt their babies or hold them) to keep track of it all. Installing is the worst. I could never rely on a driver to know how to install a seat. IMO that's our job. And, in fact, I'm surprised they *would* install them. If they install them, they could be looked to in case of an accident, as being even more guilty if harm came to the children because of the installation. If I were the owner of the service, honestly, I wouldn't allow my drivers to install them.

Could you just rent a car in the future? Even if you don't want to have the car the whole time, you could do two one-way rentals. Depending on where you usually stay there are plenty of agencies nearby. We've used the National (and Alamo) place on Katella that shares the Alpine Inn parking lot. They even have a shuttle.

If you rent a car then you bring your own seats, or if you want to brave the rental agency's seats, at least you would know you would be installing them yourself.

As a company that advertises a Disneyland package and that they provide car seats for children I would think the drivers are installing the seats several times every week so I would expect that they would be experienced with the seats they provide. Each type of seat installs differently so I would NOT expect the parents to know how to install the seat (unless the driver would be able to provide the instruction manual).

I don't know that we will want to travel with car seats (through the airports - car seats + stroller + diaper bag + carryon's may be too much for us), so our next trip we will either drive or take the DL Express Bus and do a grocery delivery order.

Yes, Molly/bumbershoot is right -- go into Edit and then click on the Advanced option and you can edit your title.

I don't see a problem with the title. I got the same impression from it that Molly did -- that the service was used and was a bad experience, and therefore Lansky's is not being recommended. I'm not sure what would need to be changed.

To be honest, over the years I have seen many, many, many other threads on this board with titles that are completely misleading and/or extremely vague. The title often makes it sound like one thing is being asked/addressed, and then when I open the thread I find that something else is actually the subject at hand. It drives me nuts, but I usually don't say anything about it. I don't get it because, in my twisted mind, I think that being as specific as possible with what one titles a thread will yield the best and most accurate results/responses.

I think the title of this thread is fine, though. It's straightforward and gets the point across.

OMG Sherry, that is a pet peeve of mine and I bite my tongue so many times when I see a stupidly vague title or one that is completely different than the question. I too try to provide the most descriptive title so that other members will easily know whether it is a thread they may be able to contribute to or read or not.

 

[geergirl]

You go into Edit and then Go Advanced or something like that, to edit a title. I don't know what you could add, though; the only impression I got from the title is that you had used them and don't recommend them.


Alas, using strange carseats is a tricky and dicey business. It's hard enough to install seats, to make sure yours are not recalled, not too old, and in good condition, let alone expect a business (where you have to know that many people using them will just seatbelt their babies or hold them) to keep track of it all. Installing is the worst. I could never rely on a driver to know how to install a seat. IMO that's our job. And, in fact, I'm surprised they *would* install them. If they install them, they could be looked to in case of an accident, as being even more guilty if harm came to the children because of the installation. If I were the owner of the service, honestly, I wouldn't allow my drivers to install them.

Could you just rent a car in the future? Even if you don't want to have the car the whole time, you could do two one-way rentals. Depending on where you usually stay there are plenty of agencies nearby. We've used the National (and Alamo) place on Katella that shares the Alpine Inn parking lot. They even have a shuttle.

If you rent a car then you bring your own seats, or if you want to brave the rental agency's seats, at least you would know you would be installing them yourself.

I don't think it has to be that difficult or dicey at all. If a company advertises to families claiming to be able to provide car seats they should at least be able to provide legal seats! If they bought all the same brand of each type (booster, convertible ff and rf) it's not that hard to learn to install them. My understanding is that CA car seat laws are quite strict. It's the company's responsibility to properly train their drivers. It's not actually that difficult.

To avoid all this we hauled along our girls' Diono Radians and used them on the plane. They're super heavy and inconvenient to lug through the airport but this story is exactly why I will not rely on any car service, cab, or car rental company to provide adequate seats.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

I'm really sorry this happened. As somebody with small children, I completely see why you're so upset by this. I did want to clarify one thing though - in CA to go to booster it's 4 yrs or 40lbs. The only "and" law is 1 yr AND 20lbs to forward face, although I believe that one will be changing to 2 yrs soon. That said, from a safety standpoint, I agree with reaching both criteria.

As for the car seat issue, this is why I always advise to bring your own when traveling. You never know the condition, history or safety of one you borrow. It really sucks that you had to experience that.

 

[egritz]

I'm really sorry this happened. As somebody with small children, I completely see why you're so upset by this. I did want to clarify one thing though - in CA to go to booster it's 4 yrs or 40lbs. The only "and" law is 1 yr AND 20lbs to forward face, although I believe that one will be changing to 2 yrs soon. That said, from a safety standpoint, I agree with reaching both criteria.

As for the car seat issue, this is why I always advise to bring your own when traveling. You never know the condition, history or safety of one you borrow. It really sucks that you had to experience that.

Thanks for the clarification, I thought it was both. Not that I plan to take her out of her nice Recaro seat any time soon (I hope to take it to the max weight/height limits). I kept her rear-facing until 2 and even then I hated to turn her around, but the seat she is in is safer for our car to be forward facing.

 

[lovebug33]

What did you use on the airplane? All kids should be in a car seat on the airplane, so you should have had yours with you. And anybody that will recommend car seats will say not to use any car seats you don't know the history of.

 

[LalaCoop]

@ lovebug33, airlines don't require car seats for toddlers/small children, in fact under 2 doesn't need a seat at all. We travel with the CARES for our preschooler, as her car seat is waaaay too cumbersome to even consider carting through an airport. We choose to check our car seats (we always rent a car), and airline will do that for free. HOWEVER, the last time we flew SWA they made us sign a damaged release, never had that happen before in the 10+ flights we've taken since my daughter was born. That made me (slightly) concerned for the amount of abuse the safety seats could go through.

 

[lovebug33]

No, they don't require it. However, if you ask on a car seat safety board, nobody will recommend a child be in an airplane as a lap child. They become a projectile in cases of turbulence or a crash.

 

[2tinkerbell]

I am sorry that you had this experience. Personally, I have found Lanskys to meet my needs and I still recommend them. It seems that they are trying to make it right, just missing the mark. If they are going to advertise having car seat available, they better raise their standard to, at the very least, be legal.

Personally, I always traveled with my DD's car seat. I wanted her to have her own seat (with the car seat) on the airplane during takeoff and landing. It made it easy for her to sleep, as she was good at sleeping in her car seat. I always scheduled flights around nap time. I also had the comfort of knowing the history. Also, I NEVER would check in my DD's car seat. I've seen what they do to luggage, and I didn't want my DD's car seat to suffer the same.

 

[GOLANSKY]

I really apologizes inconvenience for you.
We tried to make our client to happy all the times.....please understand i really don't know about the car seat expire. because, we are not child seat rental company. We provide child seat without charge for our client convenience. Also, i mentioned not provide infant seat. We replaced all old seat for valid. We not make same problem again.
I apologizes again.

 

[MODBL]

Just wanted to add our recent experience. We travelled this weekend into BUR and out of ONT. The drivers were prompt and helpful. The vehicles were clean. The carseats were new and properly installed. We had a great experience and will be using them again. It seems that Lanksy has taken feedback to heart and made appropriate corrections.

 

[mlnbabies]

We used Lansky's on Dec. 9th and 13th. We were very pleased with both drivers. My dh who has used lots of shuttles since he is in the airline industry was very pleased.

Both drivers were very friendly and conscientious drivers. We got to DL without any problems and back to LAX.

We didn't need car seats so I can't so anything about that.

We will use them again if we are back in the LA area.

 

[DahliaRW]

We had a fantastic experience with Lansky's. After landing at LAX the driver met all 6 of us at baggage claim with a luggage cart. He took all our bags, wouldn't let us help, loaded them all in the shuttle. He loaded the kids and helped make sure they were buckled ok (we borrowed 3 booster seats which were all in good shape and not expired). I of course, as a responsible parent, did verify they were properly buckled too. Drove to the Desert Inn, no issues with his driving, and unloaded all our bags and carried them to the curb in front of the lobby. Even extended the suitcase handles!

On the day we were set to go back to LAX, same driver arrived a bit early. Texted me that he was there when we were ready. We were, so we headed down. Again, very courteous. Again, took complete control over the bags, which was nice, and unloaded them at the airport, setting them down with suitcase handles extended. He then went back and inspected the car to make sure we didn't forget anything!

Very professional and courteous. Highly recommend!

 

[egritz]

Just wanted to add our recent experience. We travelled this weekend into BUR and out of ONT. The drivers were prompt and helpful. The vehicles were clean. The carseats were new and properly installed. We had a great experience and will be using them again. It seems that Lanksy has taken feedback to heart and made appropriate corrections.

Glad to hear it, thought the installation still makes me nervous (may depend on the driver for proper installation)

 

[lalasmama]

Glad to hear it, thought the installation still makes me nervous (may depend on the driver for proper installation)

That's a many-sided issue (installation and usage). Lansky's, by providing car seats, is liable for what happens (installation and usage) to those car seats, so it would be in their best (legal) interest to ensure that their drivers know how to install and use the seats. I mean, honestly, all it would take is one accident--not even their fault--where a child riding in one of their provided car seats is injured, the distraught parent(s) sue(s), and Lansky's is out of business forever... That's why CPSTs (Child Passenger Safety Tech, or "car seat tech") isn't supposed to let a parent drive away with a car seat that the tech installed--because of the liability factor should something go wrong with it. Instead, they are supposed to teach/show the parent how to do it, and then have the parent re-install the seat correctly.

Of course, though, as a parent, I'm not going to trust anyone to provide or install a car seat that hasn't been properly trained in it. If it's already installed in a vehicle we will be riding in, I will check the installation, and then put my child in if it was done correctly, and then will assure that my child (well, now grandchild) is properly secured.

At any rate, it appears Lansky's took your feedback to heart, and did something about it. Good for them. And it sounds like you will be much more critical of your transportation options for your children's safety in future trips to Disneyland. Good for you. In the end, we all care about our world's children being kept as safe as possible, and it sounds like some valuable lessons have been learned.