Super Shuttle vs Karmel

[siskaren]

I'm trying to decide between these two shuttles for my trip in December. Karmel is $20 more, which isn't a deal breaker, especially since I'm going solo. But is it worth $20 more or should I save a little money and go with Super Shuttle?

 

[BadPinkTink]

I have used SuperShuttle for the last few years with no issues. This year I looked into Karmel as I have seen them mentioned on DIS. Supershuttle have their own curbside check in kiosk at the arrivals level at each terminal at LAX. Karmel dont, you have to text or call them when you arrive and then wait for pick up instructions.

For me this was a deal breaker, as an international visitor I turn off data and dont text or receive or make phone calls when in USA.

After flying 10 hours transatlantic, just being able to go direct to the Supershuttle kiosk and check in with a Supershuttle employee is far far easier than have to try to arrange a pick up location myself by phone with Karmel

 

[siskaren]

This year I looked into Karmel as I have seen them mentioned on DIS. Supershuttle have their own curbside check in kiosk at the arrivals level at each terminal at LAX. Karmel don't, you have to text or call them when you arrive and then wait for pick up instructions.

Interesting - I didn't know that. Since I'm not an international traveler like you, I don't have the same issues with data or using my phone, but I do prefer the idea of checking in with an employee at the airport as opposed to calling or texting to let someone know I'm there. Thanks!

 

[ADLFAN]

We have always used Super Shuttle, with no problems. I have read complaints of erratic driving and texting drivers, and we may have experienced a bit of both, but I never personally felt unsafe. I like that the check in process is easy, and pick up is even easier as you can track your van and they let you know when they will arrive.

I appreciate their prices, also!

Is Karmel the one that allows a grocery stop? That could be an advantage, though maybe not for a solo traveler.

 

[bumbershoot]

Supershuttle have their own curbside check in kiosk at the arrivals level at each terminal at LAX. Karmel dont, you have to text or call them when you arrive and then wait for pick up instructions.

I was told to checkin online for SS so they knew I was there. We still had to wait a solid half hour for our shuttle once we physically got to the shuttle people.

With karmel we texted after we got off the plane and they were there waiting for us.

 

[felice]

Be careful if you are using SuperShuttle on a shared-car basis. They don't just take tourist visitors from LAX; they also take locals too. Whilst the locals are lovely people, some of the areas they are dropped off at can feel a little unsafe.

Whereas with Karmel, they only (as far as I know) take tourist visitors, have genuinely decent staff drivers who provide a good welcome to LA and Anaheim.

Yes, with Karmel you have to call them when you arrive but this can be done from the payphones at the arrivals area in LAX, without too many difficulties. Waiting is dependent on traffic conditions within the airport as a whole, but overall they don't keep you waiting that long.

If the international visitor who posted above is traveling from the UK, may I suggest that he/she looks into getting a sim card from 3 (Three) as their traveling deals are worth using.

 

[siskaren]

I was told to checkin online for SS so they knew I was there. We still had to wait a solid half hour for our shuttle once we physically got to the shuttle people.

With karmel we texted after we got off the plane and they were there waiting for us.

Be careful if you are using SuperShuttle on a shared-car basis. They don't just take tourist visitors from LAX; they also take locals too. Whilst the locals are lovely people, some of the areas they are dropped off at can feel a little unsafe.

Whereas with Karmel, they only (as far as I know) take tourist visitors, have genuinely decent staff drivers who provide a good welcome to LA and Anaheim.

Yes, with Karmel you have to call them when you arrive but this can be done from the payphones at the arrivals area in LAX, without too many difficulties. Waiting is dependent on traffic conditions within the airport as a whole, but overall they don't keep you waiting that long.

OK, now I'm thinking that extra $20 for Karmel might be worth it for less waiting, especially since it sounds like they're already at the airport when you contact them.

 

[felice]

Yep, with Karmel the meet and greet is possible, though it will cost a bit more than the standard service.