Revisiting transport options

[JessNewbs]

Just hit single digit weeks today we have decided that taking extra bags over is going to cost more than the bags cost themselves so we are just taking two for part of the trip. This opens up the option of cabs or shuttles for our transfers. This seems so confusing, I have researched how much a cab will be but have read it can cost more for the 3rd and 4th passengers. Just wondering what the best and most economical way of tackling airport transfers is ?

 

[JessNewbs]

I should add the transfers in question are to and from NOLA, NYC and L.A..!

 

[Marlea98]

Just hit single digit weeks today we have decided that taking extra bags over is going to cost more than the bags cost themselves so we are just taking two for part of the trip. This opens up the option of cabs or shuttles for our transfers. This seems so confusing, I have researched how much a cab will be but have read it can cost more for the 3rd and 4th passengers. Just wondering what the best and most economical way of tackling airport transfers is ?

We are planning on taking 3 (well I am, DH reckons 2 ) and doing most of our shopping before we fly home, when we get back to LA. Then we will just go to WalMart and buy our extra bags there. That will save us money on baggage fees on our other internal flights.

 

[JessNewbs]

That is our exact plan too Marlea, except I will be putting one suitcase inside another so we will actually be carrying 3! Are you booking transfers to/from the airport or just getting cabs?

 

[PrincessInOz]

JessNewbs - I'm no help because we tend to hire cars on this one. But congrats on hitting single digits on the weekly countdown.

Having said that, I have used cabs from NYC airports to transfer.

Perhaps you could try the transport section of the boards?

 

[JessNewbs]

Thanks Princess I will hunt that section down now!

 

[Minniemum]

Yay! A single digit week celebration. We are a car hire family too so no help on connections either. Good luck!

 

[aussietravellers]

I booked and prepaid for a return journey at JFK. Had the in terminal greeting too on arrival as many have you call when you get there.

I think I would be happy to take a taxi though to be honest. I am pretty sure that they are a set price from the airport into the city.

At LAX, I have used a variety of options on arrival most recently was the DL Express. I was really happy with that and would use it again in a flash. It was reasonably prices, easy with pick up, drop off and the same with return.

I have also done a prebooked limo from LAX several times. Of course that was great. Driver meets you, helps with your bags, but it is not the most economical option with just a few passengers. If/when we go again, I will use the DL express bus (which I prebooked and paid from home)

 

[Busy Busy]

Hi Jess,

We have used the Disney Express from LAX to Disneyland and back again. Both times it was really easy. You just leave the terminal, breathe in the fumes, cross one road, breathe in the fumes, stand at the bus stop, breathe in the fumes, see the gorgeous Tinkerbell bus come around the corner, breathe in one more lung full of fumes and then find yourself at your hotel!

On the way back it was even easier (less LAX breathing)!!

Of the times that we have landed at JFK, we took a cab with 2 of us, then 4 of us another time and it was very easy. The price was the same no matter how many of us were in the cab, and there is a guy who controls the line and he gives you a ticket to make sure that the driver only charges you the flat airport to Manhattan rate - I think it's $55 at the moment.

Once we booked an SUV to pick us up. It was great, the guy had the sign with our name on it and the car was lovely, (he also played Michael Buble music)! Obviously it was more expensive, but great after a loooong flight. Although, our friends were on a different flight arriving that night - the flight was late and their car never came - even after multiple phone calls...ugh.

This time, DS15, DD8 and I will be arriving at JFK at 5.00pm, I will take a cab with the kids into the city - it's really easy and leaves more $$$ for shopping!! Although, knowing my hubs (who will already be in NYC) he might book us a car because he thinks that his dizzy blonde wife will need the relief after 20 hours travelling with 2 kids!!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

I can second the cab from JFK was super easy using the official taxi line-can't remember the cost - I think in 2011 it was $45 but it was a set rate.

LAX to Anaheim use the Disney Express-its easy and OK priced for the 3 of us - cheaper than a shuttle and you can often get a discount voucher from Orange County tourist centre or Mousesavers on line and printed off before you leave.

 

[shushh]

I'm not sure if the other NYC airports have set fares for cabs to Manhattan. We flew into LGA and because we travelled with the masses I organised a private transfer. Same goes for LAX. Either that or we've hired a car.

 

[Marlea98]

That is our exact plan too Marlea, except I will be putting one suitcase inside another so we will actually be carrying 3! Are you booking transfers to/from the airport or just getting cabs?

We are staying at the Marriott at the LAX and it says they have a free shuttle so we will make the most of that. I haven't worked out what we'll be doing for Orlando - hire a car from the airport for the week or get a private shuttle to our accom and hire a car from there. We need to go to the port for our cruise so it's probably better hiring away from the airport to reduce airport fees. I really haven't thought that far yet to be honest. I have to research the pros and cons of a shuttle or a cab from LAX to Times Square though.

Good luck

 

[australiankaren]

easy peasy...they rock up every 10 mins or so...just toddle out to where it says shuttle buses and when you see it just start to wave.....easy!

we got a limo lax to DL.....$119 but worth every penny.....DH was so chuffed and after a delayed flight of 13 + 3 hrs....we were knacked so was great not to worry about buses...

got disneyland express bus back from GCH to LAX...took us from pick up to airport about 1.5 hrs...very slow, waiting for a long while at DLH....so dont use if in a hurry...cost $22 pp one way.....

 

[JessNewbs]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice I am unfortunately not going to DL at this stage but will probably use cabs to/from our airport in LA, NOLA and NYC. We have a hire car in Orlando and was going to in LA as well but am thinking it might be cheaper to just get one for one or two days as parking is around $30/night at our hotel in Santa Monica Would love a ride in a limo but am not sure about the extra cost

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

We have always had private transfers in NYC. I would be so nervous to take a taxi in case it wasn't a flat rate, there is some crazy traffic in that city especially around peak times. We thought it was nice having someone there waiting for us.

With that said in Washington and Boston we caught cabs because on TA, that was what was recommended and that worked out fine.