Let Us Be Your Airport Guide
August 17th, 2010 | 
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Airport Cabs – Understanding Your Options
Airport Cabs” width=”240″ height=”160″ />If you’ve decided to leave the car at home, and investigate airport cabs, there are a few things you should keep in mind depending on what airport you will be travelling to. Some airports licence their own specific taxis, others charge an airport fee for arriving or departing the airport, and many have set prices so you don’t have to worry about paying a huge amount if you get stuck in traffic or construction. Below we’ve highlighted some details regarding a few major airports in North America and Europe.
Pearson International Aiport (Toronto, Canada)
In Toronto, the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) has a fleet of cabs and airport limousines to serve the airport. There are 276 Limousines, and 360 cabs, that have met specific requirements to ensure passenger safety, as well as consistent rates. The rates themselves are predetermined based on the area of Toronto you are heading to. It is also important to note that taxis are unable to carry any luggage in the cabin of the vehicle. If you have more luggage than can fit in the trunk of the cab, you may be looking at using two vehicles, or a special van, for which a $12 surcharge is applied.
LAX (Los Angeles, USA)
Taxis can be found on the arrival level of the airport, with specific areas marked with a yellow ‘Taxis’ sign. Be sure you only use cabs with the official seal of the Department of Transportation, as they are the only vehicles that should be allowed at the airport. When approaching a cab you will be provided with information on typical fares to most major destinations within the city. There is a surcharge for arriving or departing the airport, and drivers are allowed to offer a set rate. So make sure to discuss your options before getting in.
Heathrow (London, UK)
Heahtrow airport suggests using the fully licenses services that are offered from their airport. There are private hire cars, and black cabs. The iconic black taxis you’ll find outside the airport are a great option, and will cost between 50-55 pounds, and can take from thirty to sixty minutes to get downtown depending on the traffic. For any trip within 20 miles of the airport, or in London, you have the option of an agreed upon fee, or metered service.
Private hire minicabs are also an excellent option, but must be pre-booked by telephone or online. Addison Lee is the largest company in London, and they offer fixed priced service to any destination. Your personal driver will meet you at the arrival areas of your flight.
The above mentioned airports are a very tiny glimpse of the different services that are offered at airports worldwide. The important thing to remember though is to try and find a service that the airport recommends. This way you are more likely to be guaranteed a reliable service, at a consistent and reasonable price. If there are any other airports you’d like to hear more about, don’t hesitate to let us know!
Airport Long Term Parking
So you’ve decided to brave the traffic and make your way to the airport using your own vehicle. Now you have to consider the often costly airport long term parking fees. However, there are ways to save some money, while still feeling sure that your vehicle will remain safe and secure while you are away. Take into consideration some of the following hints and tips for parking on a budget:
The first option to consider is to actually park at an off-site airport lot. The prices are often considerably less, and many ofthem offer a shuttle service that will bring you right to the airport. If you choose this option you’ll be saving money, and often times saving yourself having to drag your luggage across the large airport lots!
Many times online parking websites will provide discounts for purchasing your parking ticket in advance, or online. Taking advantage of these low online rates, or e-coupons for certain parking options, is another way to keep some extra money in your pocket.
If the option is available for you, try and travel during the week. You’ll not only save money on your airline tickets, but also your parking costs. Most parking lots have cheaper parking during the week than on the weekend.
Check to see if any memberships you have, such as AAA, offers any discounts on parking.
The final option to mention is to avoid dealing with airport long term parking altogether! Depending on the length of your trip, you may end up saving a considerable sum by taking advantage of airport taxis or limousine services. With these options you don’t have to deal with the traffic yourself, and you’ll be content in knowing that your car is parked safely at home!
When it comes to airport parking, it doesn’t always have to be an expensive and stressful endeavour. Consider some of the aforementioned tips to help cut costs, or if it’s convenient for you, avoid having to deal with it altogether.
LAX Transportation – Multiple Options
When it comes to LAX transportation you are presented with a wide variety of options. If you’re interested in finding out what’s best for you, then the information to follow should lead you in the right direction. We are going to take a look at hotel shuttles, taxis, public transportation, and also the Airport FlyAway buses.
If you’re heading to Los Angeles for vacation, or you’ll be spending your time there in a hotel, most hotels in the area offer a complimentary shuttle service. Not only do these shuttles offer service to the airport, but you may find many that also offer transportation to and from local attractions. If you’re staying in any of the high priced hotels in the LAX area you may even be able to take advantage of complimentary airport limousines services.
In terms of airport taxis, there are actually nine different companies that serve Los Angeles. It is important to only accept rides from those that have the Los Angeles Taxicab Seal, which means you’ll have a trained driver, that is insured. When arriving in LAX be sure to be aware of the surcharge that you will have to cover for originating from the airport. Within the city of Los Angeles taxi drivers are allowed to charge a flat rate from the airport to downtown, so be sure to agree on a price before departing.
Although public transportation is quite inexpensive, you may find yourself more stressed than if you drove yourself! There are in fact 2 bus systems, and five metro lines, but the system itself can sometimes take longer than dealing with the traffic yourself.
There are three different hubs for the Airport FlyAway buses: Union Station, Van Nuys, and UCLA in Westwood. These buses cost around five dollars, and run every half an hour between the above mentioned locations. Even in busy traffic you are often able to make it to the airport in about 45 minutes, which can be significantly faster than choosing another option.
These aren’t all the options of course, you could also opt for a rental car or the shared ride services that are available. If you are going to be driving in LA, make sure to take some time to look into the airport long term parking services that are available. The LAX transportation options are certainly many, so take the time to consider the options that are best suited for you.
Posted in LAX Transportation | 
Tags: airport cabs, airport guides, LAX transportation | 
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Airport Limousines – An Excellent Option
Hiring airport limousines is certainly a good option to consider when planning your trip to the airport. They also provide the feel good factor! Arriving at the airport, or heading home after vacation, in a limousine is often a great way to treat yourself, and isn’t that what having a vacation is all about? Not only that, it allows you to travel to the airport stress free, while the chauffeur takes care of your baggage, and getting you to the airport in a timely manner.
When returning from vacation, the thought of either standing in a long lineup for taxis, or dealing with the crowds in public transit, can often be daunting. If you have a larger family, or a larger group of travellers, you may well find the price comparable to getting several taxis, and definitely stress free when you and your family can simply get to or from the airport as a group. This leaves time for relaxation, and often feels as though your vacation starts the moment you step into the limousine.
Today, there are a great number of different limousine services available at most major airports. Since not all of them will be exactly what you’re looking for, it is important to take the time beforehand to research the different services available. This will give you plenty of time to make the correct choice for your needs, and budget. The internet is an excellent resource to use in terms of researching reviews, and services provided, by many of these companies. Also take a moment when booking your ride to discuss if they have certain discounts or promotional offers, which are becoming more and more common these days.
So don’t immediately brush off the idea of hiring a limo due to the stigma that they are too costly. With a number of different service providers available, the competition has forced the prices to lower to quite a reasonable amount. Although it may end up costing a little more than the airport cabs, airport limousines are often the stress free choice that many people don’t regret taking advantage of!
Transit Tips: Getting to the Airport
Some great tips on saving money, and getting to a number of airports in the US. It’s often great to avoid traffic altogether by skipping the airport cabs or limousines, and taking the transit. Save money, and time!
Posted in Airport Cabs, Airport Limousines |
Tags: airport cabs, airport limousines, airport tips |
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