Can someone recommend the best private car service from JFK or Newark flying in on a Friday at 5p.m.(horrible time I know!)

We'll have two people, luggage AND 4 medium boxes. Don't mind paying extra to have someone waiting inside to "help" and extra space for boxes.

Thanks much!

Try www.dial7.com. It's one of the more dependable services in the city.

You should realize that even with "meet and greet" service you will have to wait at the curb with all your stuff while the driver goes to the lot, gets the car and brings it back to pick you up (which may take 20 minutes or more) - since there is no parking immediately adjacent to the terminals.

Also - tell the car service you have boxes you want the driver to move. Some are happy to do this for an extra big tip and others simply don't want to be porters - at any cost.

Carmel is also OK for the budget - rather than business-oriented - car services.

dial7 and carmellimo.com are the most recommended basic services. If budget is not an issue, you might want to spring for a higher caliber service with meet and greet (I don't think dial7 or carmel are very good with meet and greet-they're used to cheap and cheerful). Bermudalimo.com or Allcountylimo.com are more business passenger oriented.

If you do go with dial7.com, pay extra for their luxury service.

I've heard these services end up being cheaper or the same price as a cab. Is that true?

Carmel and Dial7, yes. The flat taxi rate from JFK is $45. When tip and toll (most of the time $4, sometimes none) is added it's $55-60 total. You can check prices on their websites

carmellimo.com
dial7.com

From Newark, I think sometimes the car services are actually cheaper than a taxi. Tolls from Newark are about $8 I think.

Also try limolink. We've used them and SIL who lives in Manhattan uses them frequently. Very good service.