I can't decide on transport, Manhatten to JFK on Wed 15 Dec for a flight at 23.15

We will probably get Supershuttle from the Airport to Avalon Hotel as flight doesn't land until 21.25

On the Internet, Supershuttle is $34 (for 2) and will pick up at 19.20 and New York Airport Service are quoting $38 and picking up at 19.40. (For an International flight)

I was going to go for the Supershuttle option but have read stories about them not turning up or the driver getting lost and people only just making flights.

Does anyone have any advice. Also would you book over the Internet or just wait until I am there and book 24hrs before?

Are you saying the private shuttle (is that what NY Airport Service is?) is $4 less than the group shuttle? If so, why ever consider the group?

Or are you asking for the best choice? If so, at that hour I would go for either a cab or a car service - esp if you have any quantity of luggage. IMHO the fastest and most convenient - and the cost not much higher than a shuttle.

I only said 'for2' so you knew how many were travelling. I assume both will be picking other people up at Hotels.
We will only have 1 case and 1 bag, a cab would be on the Meter approx $65 I believe, so nearly double.
I was just wondering whether any one ad experienced Supershuttle or New York Airport Service to JFK and how reliable they were after hearing a few dogy stories

At that time a cab on the meter is more likely to be about $45 - perhaps $56 or so with toll and tip. I would never waste time driving around to pick people up from other hotels - and risk being late to the airport - for $20 (that won;t even get you into the movies!)!

But, obviously it's your choice.

nytraveler is right: Cabs are more like $45 and a shuttle by definition means you might be picked up o time, but by the time you pick everyone else up on the many stops en route, will you make it to the airport on time?

If you are mostly worried about reliability, try a car service. They are reliable, and many are about the same price as a cab (I recently paid $45 for mine, same price as a cab). If for some reason the car doesn't show up, you can always just take the taxi as a backup plan.

But, like nytraveler said, it's your choice. Just make sure you get the shuttle super early so you plan for all those stops in between!

If you only have a small amount of luggage and want to be economical, I'd take the train. You are so close to Penn Station from the Avalon you could walk if your bags have wheels, or take a short cab ride or a quick crosstown bus on 34 st.

Otherwise, I'd book a car service. Carmel charges $44 plus toll & tip but has coupons for $4 off which pays for the toll. With an $8 tip that's $48.

Last year we checked out of the New York Times Square Hilton, rolled our bags half a block to Port Authority and took the airport bus directly to JFK for about $11 each. Couldn't have been easier for us, and I think the bus goes every 20 minutes or so. Of course, you'd have to get there from further away.

Unless you are on a rock bottom budget, take a car service. I just used Tel Aviv, very reliable, on time, and it cost me about the same as a taxi. When you call them to book the car, they'll tell you how much it is. If there is traffic, you still pay the same flat fee, which makes it superior to a cab in my opinion. Plus the cars are much nicer and more comfortable than a cab.