JustAirports
Sep 8th, 2006, 10:19 PM
#22
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We used Just airports once this summer and they were not there upon arrival. A phone call after 15-20 minutes of waiting produced a promise of a pickup in 5 minutes. We called again 30 minutes after that and our driver finally showed up 10 more minutes later.
Might be just a fluke but I get airport pickups 5 to 10 times a year and this is the first time I have not had a prompt pickup. The delay caused no major problems as we were coming into London but it would have bothered me greatly if we were leaving London on a transatlantic flight and worried about getting through security and making our flight. I do not find an hour delay in pickup acceptable.
Might be just a fluke but I get airport pickups 5 to 10 times a year and this is the first time I have not had a prompt pickup. The delay caused no major problems as we were coming into London but it would have bothered me greatly if we were leaving London on a transatlantic flight and worried about getting through security and making our flight. I do not find an hour delay in pickup acceptable.
Sep 9th, 2006, 07:17 AM
#23
I would expect to pay more (and have) for a conciege arranged car service. But the quoted rate of £125 was outrageously high.
The conciege's comments regarding JustAirports OP were unprofessional.
Sarvowinner, you got a real lemon of a driver. The price for picking up at the airport already *includes* parking. I agree with Neo. Hope you and mjs reported your experiences to the company.
The conciege's comments regarding JustAirports OP were unprofessional.
Sarvowinner, you got a real lemon of a driver. The price for picking up at the airport already *includes* parking. I agree with Neo. Hope you and mjs reported your experiences to the company.
Sep 10th, 2006, 07:19 AM
#24
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Neo
I didn't complain to JustAirports because I was disappointed about their response to my question about the high price for he NYE's fare. If they had quoted that fare on New Years Eve perhaps the high tariff would be excusable, but they gave me that rate prior to Xmas and any talk of a strike. As I said we called Eagle on NYE and they gave a great fare and were very nice.
We travelled around the world in a month, I came home to complet a major project and then received redundancy, set up own business etc. so complaining to a company who had been less than receptive in the past was on on the top of my to do list.
I'm sure everyone else has had a good experience and ours was out of the ordinary.
I didn't complain to JustAirports because I was disappointed about their response to my question about the high price for he NYE's fare. If they had quoted that fare on New Years Eve perhaps the high tariff would be excusable, but they gave me that rate prior to Xmas and any talk of a strike. As I said we called Eagle on NYE and they gave a great fare and were very nice.
We travelled around the world in a month, I came home to complet a major project and then received redundancy, set up own business etc. so complaining to a company who had been less than receptive in the past was on on the top of my to do list.
I'm sure everyone else has had a good experience and ours was out of the ordinary.
Sep 10th, 2006, 08:18 AM
#26
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There are two separate issues here. The high quoted price by them for New Year's Eve was not acceptable to you and that is understandable. We all have different prices we are willing to pay. Many people here continue to recommend another shuttle firm that charges almost double the rates just from Heathrow to central London. If they are happy with it, so be it. And you have every right to refuse their high price, especially if you found a better one.
But not letting them know that one of their drivers tried to "rip you off" is another matter. They have absolutely no way of knowing if any of their drivers are being dishonest, impolite, or poorly representing their company unless customers tell them. I realize you were busy, but it would still be nice to drop them an email to let them know that you had a totally unacceptable driver.
But not letting them know that one of their drivers tried to "rip you off" is another matter. They have absolutely no way of knowing if any of their drivers are being dishonest, impolite, or poorly representing their company unless customers tell them. I realize you were busy, but it would still be nice to drop them an email to let them know that you had a totally unacceptable driver.
Sep 10th, 2006, 08:31 AM
#27
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Neopolitan makes a very good point. JustAirports in comprised of independent drivers. The first time we used them, the driver added waiting time when we were well within the covered time. This was quickly and pleasantly resolved. But, I agree that unusual sitations should be reported so they can straighten out or terminate the driver.
Sep 10th, 2006, 01:08 PM
#28
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So basically, what I glean from this discussion is that you will not know whether you are going to have a "good" driver with Just Airports or not. It is sort of like taking potluck depending on who you get as the driver.
It is discussions like this that always sort of advise me to take public transport into town and, if needed, a cab from the public transport terminius in town.
It is discussions like this that always sort of advise me to take public transport into town and, if needed, a cab from the public transport terminius in town.
Sep 10th, 2006, 01:20 PM
#29
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Hate to wade in here, but I did have a less than professional experience with JustAirports. Not with a driver, as we didn't end up actually using the service. My contact was with two different people in the office.
The first was when I made my reservation the day before our morning flight home. A woman with JustAirports gave me a pickup time at our hotel that was just an hour before I wanted to arrive at Gatwick.
I realized later that was insufficient time, and called JustAirports late the night before my flight. The fellow couldn't promise me that the driver could be there any earlier, but said that he would "try". I really was not comfortable with this lack of certainty.
I called another transport company who could easily confirm availability at the requested time. Then I called JustAirports to cancel. At that point the fellow became very argumentative with me, asking why I was cancelling when he had told me he would change the time. He then told me that the woman I had previously spoken with has been with the company for two years and could not have quoted me the one hour transport time she did. He ended by telling me in a nasty tone of voice "I'll let you out of the reservation this time". He sort of had to, seeing as they had told me it was cash only and I'd paid no deposit nor given a credit card #.
I might use the company in the future, as they did have a very good rate. However, we usually use a train/cab combination. We used a car service this time, as we had an atypical amount of luggage, which was more than I wanted to schlep around on a train at 5:30 am.
The first was when I made my reservation the day before our morning flight home. A woman with JustAirports gave me a pickup time at our hotel that was just an hour before I wanted to arrive at Gatwick.
I realized later that was insufficient time, and called JustAirports late the night before my flight. The fellow couldn't promise me that the driver could be there any earlier, but said that he would "try". I really was not comfortable with this lack of certainty.
I called another transport company who could easily confirm availability at the requested time. Then I called JustAirports to cancel. At that point the fellow became very argumentative with me, asking why I was cancelling when he had told me he would change the time. He then told me that the woman I had previously spoken with has been with the company for two years and could not have quoted me the one hour transport time she did. He ended by telling me in a nasty tone of voice "I'll let you out of the reservation this time". He sort of had to, seeing as they had told me it was cash only and I'd paid no deposit nor given a credit card #.
I might use the company in the future, as they did have a very good rate. However, we usually use a train/cab combination. We used a car service this time, as we had an atypical amount of luggage, which was more than I wanted to schlep around on a train at 5:30 am.
Sep 10th, 2006, 01:39 PM
#30
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Faux Ste. Marie, actually you have just as much change getting a "bad" taxi driver I suppose. Even though they are highly regulated in London, I have heard of rude ones and some who even "begged" bigger tips complaining about the traffic or distance.
And even public transportation doesn't guarantee that you won't have a bad employee. Have you ever heard a bus driver speak to a customer asking simple directions or asking how much the fare was like they were a total idiot? I have and it's embarrassing to watch. Even in friendly San Francisco, I listened as a cable car conductor (a female one, no less) tell a woman who asked what the fare was that she didn't have enough sense to leave her hotel room if she didn't have enough sense to find out the fare before getting on.
Sure, it is always possible that a company could have a bad employee -- where or when is that not true? That's why I raise the issue of importance of reporting a bad one. I doubt the company would keep a driver who received any such complaints -- or certainly not if it happened again. Every user shares in the responsibility of keeping a company in check.
And even public transportation doesn't guarantee that you won't have a bad employee. Have you ever heard a bus driver speak to a customer asking simple directions or asking how much the fare was like they were a total idiot? I have and it's embarrassing to watch. Even in friendly San Francisco, I listened as a cable car conductor (a female one, no less) tell a woman who asked what the fare was that she didn't have enough sense to leave her hotel room if she didn't have enough sense to find out the fare before getting on.
Sure, it is always possible that a company could have a bad employee -- where or when is that not true? That's why I raise the issue of importance of reporting a bad one. I doubt the company would keep a driver who received any such complaints -- or certainly not if it happened again. Every user shares in the responsibility of keeping a company in check.
Sep 10th, 2006, 01:59 PM
#31
noe, I don't know why you'd hesitate to "wade in" with a negative report. Positive word of mouth on JA is why I initially used them and why I've recommended them here and off the forum. But if a company that has routinely provided great service isn't doing so any longer, I'm as interested in the next person in knowing that.
Faux, spend your cash however you'd like. You seem really invested on hammering home some point the rest of us get but don't consider relevant to the discussion.
Faux, spend your cash however you'd like. You seem really invested on hammering home some point the rest of us get but don't consider relevant to the discussion.
Sep 10th, 2006, 02:39 PM
#32
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The point is that when a service provider gets mixed reports--and Just Airports has been very controversial for some time--it is easier to rely on public transportation. When you arrive in London from the US--generally in the morning rush hour--you might be better off taking the Tube or spend slightly more time on a bus that will get you close to your destination and then take a taxi rather than hnaging around for a driver who might show up way late. I have always wondered why anyone would use one of these services--with all of the uncertainty--rather than just taking a taxi. It does seem to add a level of complication and anxiety to people's land arrangements once they have arrived at the airport.
Sep 10th, 2006, 02:55 PM
#33
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Well, I see it a different way.
And just for the record, I've never used Just Airports. Until recently I've always used Swiss Cottage Cars and never, ever had a single problem with them. It operates just like Just Airports with individual drivers driving their own cars. But I'm not sure why you say Just Airports been "controversial for some time". I've seen dozens and dozens of reports of them here, and with only one or two exceptions, I've never heard of them not being there when scheduled or any other problems.
You can't understand why anyone would do a service instead of a taxi? Probably because most of us would much rather pay 30 or 35 pounds than 80 or 90. Simple answer. If I didn't care what it cost me, then I'd probably just take a taxi too. But I do, very much.
I have never regarded waiting for a car service as "all the uncertainty" as I've never had one late, but I suppose it can happen. But waiting for a bus or shuttle, getting to some point and transferring luggage and finding the way and then usually waiting in long lines to get a taxi (the connection at Paddington from Heathrow Express is a good example of this) IS what I'd call a lot of uncertainty.
On the other hand, I'm fortunate that the flat I rent is only a block's walk from the Covent Garden tube station -- which even has elevators and is a straight shot from Heathrow. So for me, that is an ideal way to get there. Not so if the trip involves change of lines or change of modes of transportation.
And just for the record, I've never used Just Airports. Until recently I've always used Swiss Cottage Cars and never, ever had a single problem with them. It operates just like Just Airports with individual drivers driving their own cars. But I'm not sure why you say Just Airports been "controversial for some time". I've seen dozens and dozens of reports of them here, and with only one or two exceptions, I've never heard of them not being there when scheduled or any other problems.
You can't understand why anyone would do a service instead of a taxi? Probably because most of us would much rather pay 30 or 35 pounds than 80 or 90. Simple answer. If I didn't care what it cost me, then I'd probably just take a taxi too. But I do, very much.
I have never regarded waiting for a car service as "all the uncertainty" as I've never had one late, but I suppose it can happen. But waiting for a bus or shuttle, getting to some point and transferring luggage and finding the way and then usually waiting in long lines to get a taxi (the connection at Paddington from Heathrow Express is a good example of this) IS what I'd call a lot of uncertainty.
On the other hand, I'm fortunate that the flat I rent is only a block's walk from the Covent Garden tube station -- which even has elevators and is a straight shot from Heathrow. So for me, that is an ideal way to get there. Not so if the trip involves change of lines or change of modes of transportation.
Sep 10th, 2006, 02:58 PM
#34
Sure there is some degree of uncertainty when booking Just Airports but there is with any mode of transportation. When we arrived in London the Terminal 4 tube stop was closed which meant that you took a bus from the terminal to the next tube stop. On either of those methods of transport a problem could have occurred. Once when we were on the tube someone was sick so we all had to get off and wait for the next train. Since you don't give a deposit to Just Airports you have the advantage of being able to leave and use another mode. We all examine info provided on this board and others to make decisions not only for transport but hotels, restaurants, etc.
Sep 10th, 2006, 03:04 PM
#35
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My point here is that the "Just Airports argument" on various threads has been going on for years. The pro Just Airports faction argues the whole business to the point where they tend to throw doubt on the truth of what the anti Just Airports faction says. The argument made so vigorously that one wonders about the pro Just Airports faction. Do they own stock in the company"? It is conceivable that someone could have, after all, a different opinion about a car hire service. But, the pro Just Airports faction does not seem to concede that a negative experience is even possible. That is, quite frankly, nuts because each person's experience is different and each person's experience is just as valid. There is no definitive opinion about anything on a message board. There are just opinions (and hopefully honest ones and ones not made simply to stir up the board over and over again on the same issue).
And, if you really want to save money, you take public transport. Since I generally stay near Russell Square and one of the airport buses has a drop off point there, that is certainly an easier decision than evaluating a car service that has had people fighting about it for years on various message boards.
And, if you really want to save money, you take public transport. Since I generally stay near Russell Square and one of the airport buses has a drop off point there, that is certainly an easier decision than evaluating a car service that has had people fighting about it for years on various message boards.
Sep 10th, 2006, 03:14 PM
#36
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Oh please, dozens and dozens of people report having good experiences with a company. A couple report bad ones. So now if anyone says something good about the company and recommends them based on their overall good reports, we must have "stock in the company". Give me a break. That is so lame.
Those who wonder are free to search Just Airports and count the good reports as opposed to the bad.
I fail to find where any of us here are indicating a doubt that someone had a bad experience. In fact most of us have been very upfront is stating that of course that is always a possibility -- with Just Airports or anyone else. Hey I was once riding in a taxi and it broke down, so I had to get out and go find another one. "Stuff" happens and we all know that. Are you not able to get that from the posts. Now you're really twisting words. Please point out where anyone is suggesting that the reported incidents didn't really happen?
Those who wonder are free to search Just Airports and count the good reports as opposed to the bad.
I fail to find where any of us here are indicating a doubt that someone had a bad experience. In fact most of us have been very upfront is stating that of course that is always a possibility -- with Just Airports or anyone else. Hey I was once riding in a taxi and it broke down, so I had to get out and go find another one. "Stuff" happens and we all know that. Are you not able to get that from the posts. Now you're really twisting words. Please point out where anyone is suggesting that the reported incidents didn't really happen?
Sep 10th, 2006, 03:23 PM
#37
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Neopolitan: Didn't you say you have never used Just Airports? Then how can you even have an opinion as to whether they are any good? You can't. So why argue the issue with such vigor? It doesn't seem that you should be taking sides at all without personal experiences.
I haven't used them either and won't because I have read the arguments about them and, hey, if it is not 100% good I am hearing, why worry?
My point is that the pro Just Airport faction has reached the point where one does wonder about a personal interest--especially when some argue vigorously for them without any experience.
And, for the record, I have no experience with Just Airports and am basing my opinion on the limited information available on this board (as well as on previous similar threads on AOL). Neopolitan, if you do not own stock in Just Airports, could it be that you are just arguing for the sake of arguing? That sort of activity helps no one and helping is what we are supposed to be doing--at least that is what I thought.
I haven't used them either and won't because I have read the arguments about them and, hey, if it is not 100% good I am hearing, why worry?
My point is that the pro Just Airport faction has reached the point where one does wonder about a personal interest--especially when some argue vigorously for them without any experience.
And, for the record, I have no experience with Just Airports and am basing my opinion on the limited information available on this board (as well as on previous similar threads on AOL). Neopolitan, if you do not own stock in Just Airports, could it be that you are just arguing for the sake of arguing? That sort of activity helps no one and helping is what we are supposed to be doing--at least that is what I thought.
Sep 10th, 2006, 03:51 PM
#39
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I have never been to the top of the Rock in NYC either, but based on many, many posts, I can with confidence tell people that it should be a worthwhile experience. And when someone asks for a great view in New York, I have no hesitation to recommend the place based on OTHER'S opinions and experiences.
I have never stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in New York, but I can state with confidence (based on recommendations and general reading) that it would make for a magnificent stay and the views are wonderful.
So how can I recommend Just Airports? Because I know how the system works, I've used a similar one, and I base my recommendation on the recommendations of many who HAVE used it. Sorry if that rubs you the wrong way.
It is interesting that you won't use any company that is 100% good. When you find such a company -- one that has never had a complaint about it -- please let us know. I've spent much of my life looking for such companies.
It is incredibly funny, however, that you are being negative about a company that you have never used and yet you question how I can be positive about the same company which I have never used. Is it possible YOU are the one arguing for the sake of argument? Again, and I'll try to make this clearer this time -- if anyone wants to do a search on Just Airports and read ALL the reports, I'm sure most would find a whole lot more positive reviews than negative ones. I base my statements on majority, not minority. If you wish to focus on the negative, that's fine. I'd prefer to spend my life focusing on the positive.
I have never stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in New York, but I can state with confidence (based on recommendations and general reading) that it would make for a magnificent stay and the views are wonderful.
So how can I recommend Just Airports? Because I know how the system works, I've used a similar one, and I base my recommendation on the recommendations of many who HAVE used it. Sorry if that rubs you the wrong way.
It is interesting that you won't use any company that is 100% good. When you find such a company -- one that has never had a complaint about it -- please let us know. I've spent much of my life looking for such companies.
It is incredibly funny, however, that you are being negative about a company that you have never used and yet you question how I can be positive about the same company which I have never used. Is it possible YOU are the one arguing for the sake of argument? Again, and I'll try to make this clearer this time -- if anyone wants to do a search on Just Airports and read ALL the reports, I'm sure most would find a whole lot more positive reviews than negative ones. I base my statements on majority, not minority. If you wish to focus on the negative, that's fine. I'd prefer to spend my life focusing on the positive.
Sep 10th, 2006, 04:33 PM
#40
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It is not that Just Airports is not 100% good. From reading all the threads on fodors and on AOL, it is obvious that there are too many dissatisfied customers. Even, for example, DJKBooks, who has repeatedly raved about Just Airports, admits having had an unpleasant experience (althought she says the matter was amicably settled). There is just too much controversy for me to put myself in the middle of it. It could be that the Just Airports are making their case to the point where they expect us all to discount the negatives.
Quite frankly, Neopolitan, you know nothing because you have never used them. I would never endorse/not endorse a service or a hotel that I had never seen. How could I? On the basis of message board posts from people I do not know? Hardly. Who is to say any poster is entirely truthful?
Quite frankly, Neopolitan, you know nothing because you have never used them. I would never endorse/not endorse a service or a hotel that I had never seen. How could I? On the basis of message board posts from people I do not know? Hardly. Who is to say any poster is entirely truthful?
