Super Shuttle- LAX - New Policy
 

We have been using Super Shuttle for years. Their previous policy was limited to three stops per shuttle. On Friday, we were the first passengers loaded at LAX. For over an hour, the driver circled the airport looking for passengers to fill the van. When the van was completely filled with nine passengers, including the seat next to the driver, he left the airport. He then proceeded to drop off passengers which was a lengthy process since the passengers' destinations were at some distance from each other. We were dropped off second, and only because I pointed out that we were about three miles from our house, he was a bit disgruntled since he had intended to drop someone off in the other direction first which would have added at least another 30 to 40 minutes to our drop off time. I can't imagine how long the other passengers took to arrive at their destinations, since we arrived home at least 2 1/4 hours after we were picked up at the airport. The driver had five more stops to make after us!!

I know gas prices have increased, and so have Super Shuttles' prices, but the new policy at least at LAX makes using them very unpleasant.

Comments please. (I'm beginning to think a taxi would be preferable.)

Something similar to that happened to us in Denver one time. We were the first on, and then he proceeded to let everyone else off, even though he could have gone a different shorter direction. We're done with them. and this was several years ago--not because of gas.

A taxi is ALWAYS "preferable" IMO if your main goal is to get to a place as soon as possible.

How much MORE does it cost?

IS it WORTH the additional expense?

if it is, then stop fiddling with shuttles; if it isn't, suck it up.

This is precisely the way SuperShuttle has worked for years at NYC-area airports, and precisely why many posters here will strongly advise against using SuperShuttle in NYC. I experienced a very similar ride to yours the first time I used them and vowed, "Never again!"

I had a similar experience at DFW. Precisely 45min after I got into the shuttle to my hotel we arrived.

No, we didn't arrive at the hotel in 45min, but rather right back at the starting point after circling around through all terminals to pick up more pax.

Next time it's taxi.

I just called a taxi service to inquire about the fare difference between Super Shuttle and the taxi service. It's about a $20-25 difference. I had not realized it was so little. I think it will be a taxi service for us next time round. Super Shuttle's new policy (at least in LA) of more than three passengers per van (and in our case it was seven stops last Friday) is no pleasure!

Super Shuttle does this in NYC all the time - and between that and traffic it can take hours to get to your hotel. Everyone recos against using it - and frankly, for 2 or more people it really doesn;t save much versus taxi.

One of the reasons we quit taking Super Shuttle many years ago and they didn't make as many stops as today. It took us hours to get home. We now take a limo service and we are the only ones they pick up and we get home quickly. Also much better drivers than Super Shuttle. The price is not that much different either. Well worth it.

Interesting thread annetti as Super Shuttle use to be great here but from talking to neighbors that have used them their last couple of trips (going to Sacramento airport) they too were very displeased. They both said they will use taxi's in the future. I haven't compared the prices but when I next take a trip I will pay more and use a the taxi if there isn't a huge difference.

The last time I took Supershuttle home from SFO was enough. Was put on a shuttle for the Sunset even though I kept telling the dispatcher it was too far out of the way. Needless to say I was the last one dropped off an hour and 20 mins later. I still take it to the airport on occasion as getting to BART is a major hassle involving taking MUNI, but I now take a cab home.

Precisely why we've quit using Super Shuttle, or to be fair any shuttle, to/from SFO. Also Sydney, but that's a thread for another board.

Thanks everyone for your responses. I don't know where I have been since I read Fodor's frequently, but I had no idea that so many people had negative experiences with SS. I find it interesting that in a post like this that NOT one person (yet!) has defended Super Shuttle or at least is talking about positive experiences. SS used to work out well for us. Our last experience was Sept 2007 and we had no problems then.

Also, as Cali pointed out the drivers are not that great.Our driver took a few too many chances. He crossed back and forth over to the diamond lane, ignoring the double yellow line and even worst was when someone cut him out, he sped ahead and passed the offending vehicle. Bad driving.