Flying into LAx early morning (7:00) after a 15 hrs flight from MEL, never been to US and dont travel that often. Was wondering if someone could clarify following
I am travelling with my wife and have 3 good size bags plus 1 carry on, as i am renting from hertz i`ll be taking the shuttle i guess, if it a big isse carrying these many bags on the shuttle ? if it is an issue, how complicated is to drive from hertz back to LAX arrival terminal and which parking should i use ?
For someone who has never driven in US and on "wrong side of the road" from my perspective :) is it too much of hassle ? i`ll be staying in beverly hills and driving around.
Lastly my flight out of LA is at 9:am to JFK. I like to get to airport and check in at least 2 1/2 hrs before. Keeping in mind traffic conditions what time should i leave beverly hills to get to LAX on time ( i have to drop of car at hertz to)
Would appreciate any help
azepine00
Mar 23, 11, 7:53 pm
Getting large bags on Hertz shuttle is not a problem sometimes driver helps sometimes not but there is plenty of space - those are large buses.
Driving is not too difficult (i had no problem driving in SYD or AKL after flights in the other direction) but personally I would consider taking a taxi to BH and renting a car locally the following day. I assume your hotel parking is not cheap either. A combination of rush hour, jet lag fatigue and wrong side of the road can make it tricky.
The return should not be a problem if you plan to be at LAX by 7 am as you'll be ahead of any major traffic - leaving at 6 will be sufficient IMO (and you'll be very bored at LAX).
trooper
Mar 23, 11, 8:06 pm
1. As already suggested you shouldn't have any trouble on the shuttle.. sometimes they fill up prior to getting to your stop... but you won't have long to wait for the next so don't sweat it too much...;)
If the driver loads/unloads the bags for you you can pratice tipping for the first time on the trip! :D
2. Driving on the OTHER side (there is no "right" and "wrong"!!:D) of the road is IMO pretty easy ... and you'll find yourself adapting very quickly I bet...
Only things to really concentrate on IMO are:
a. Roundabouts. If you are used to them here then you will find them quite strange in the US... Not sure LA actually HAS any so that may not even be a concern...
b. Left turns at intersections. Remember it is the equiv of a right turn here.. you must go out into the intersection THEN turn.. otherwise you'll be asking yourself "Why are all those folks on the wrong side of the road?":D
In contrast right turns are great... Unless specifically prohibited by an appropriate sign, turning right on a red light after stopping is legal everywhere...
Wish we had that for left turns down under!
Ukhant
Mar 24, 11, 6:45 am
Thanks guys, appreciate the response. :)
smartinez
Mar 24, 11, 9:51 am
just one more thing - you have to be at the right place to catch the rental car shuttles. When you get your bags, load them up on a cart and go outside. There is a small 2 lane pickup area you cross to get to another island (don't cross the big street, you will end up in the parking lot). On these islands there are overhead signs, one will say it's for rental car shuttles. Don't cross over to the islands until you find the right one, it's hard to get between them. The Hertz shuttle cannot stop for you if you aren't in the right place, it's against the rules for them. The Hertz busses come by themselves, you don't have to call them.
When you are on the right island, just wave at the driver when they approach, they will stop and wait for you to load. Sometimes the drivers help, if they do, especially both on and off, I tip them. I would give them $2 or $3.
There is lots of tipping expected in the US. Most people in jobs like this get less than minimum wage as they are supposed to "make it up" in tips. So don't feel like it's an extra bonus for them.
I would also consider renting a GPS with the car, it will make the driving so much easier!
azepine00
Mar 24, 11, 12:02 pm
.. Most people in jobs like this get less than minimum wage as they are supposed to "make it up" in tips. ..
but that most certainly does not apply to hertz bus drivers...
smartinez
Mar 24, 11, 12:14 pm
but that most certainly does not apply to hertz bus drivers...
Maybe, maybe not. Either way I imagine it's not a great living. Certainly the dollar means a lot more to them than it does to me relatively. And anyway, where else can you be a hero for a buck?
I was speaking more generally since in Australia, they don't tip as a rule. Many of my Australian friends are taken aback when I explain how a waiter may make only $2 an hour because they are expected to make it up in tips. You should see the tips they leave after that!
azepine00
Mar 24, 11, 12:34 pm
Maybe, maybe not. Either way I imagine it's not a great living. Certainly the dollar means a lot more to them than it does to me relatively. And anyway, where else can you be a hero for a buck?
I was speaking more generally since in Australia, they don't tip as a rule. Many of my Australian friends are taken aback when I explain how a waiter may make only $2 an hour because they are expected to make it up in tips. You should see the tips they leave after that!
I agree with tipping and that the benefits for similar job are most likely better in Australia, Canada, Europe etc etc - just saying that Hertz drivers definitely make more than minimum salary here and not expected to generate a meaningful income from tips the way waiters, valets, bellhops etc do.
Still, dragging large suitcases deserve tipping.
bzcat
Mar 24, 11, 12:54 pm
The only thing that trips me every time when I switch sides driving is that for the first day or two, I keep getting the wipers when I need turn signals :D
Most Japanese cars are like that - they switch the turn signal and wiper stalk depending on which side the steering wheel is located; European cars tends to stay on the same side i.e. left stalk for turn signal/right stalk for wipers no matter which side the steering wheel is located.
tonerman
Mar 24, 11, 1:29 pm
Maybe, maybe not. Either way I imagine it's not a great living. Certainly the dollar means a lot more to them than it does to me relatively. And anyway, where else can you be a hero for a buck?
I was speaking more generally since in Australia, they don't tip as a rule. Many of my Australian friends are taken aback when I explain how a waiter may make only $2 an hour because they are expected to make it up in tips. You should see the tips they leave after that!
I have a friend who 10 years ago drove the Avis bus (full size bus not a oversized van.) and was making $20+ an hour.Of coursed this was at ATL and LAX maybe a whole different ball game. Certainly noy grand theft dough but not bad for driving in circles all day. And for sure not a tip dependent job.
OskiBear
Mar 24, 11, 1:58 pm
A couple of other things:
1. We don't have a thing such as a "Melbourne Hook Turn" in the US so if you trying that when making a left turn here, you'll like get pulled over. I was absolutely fascinated by this maneuver last year when I was in MEL.
2. On the way back to LAX, check with your hotel bellman/concierge. Depending on where you are located in Beverly Hills, it might be quicker/easier to take surface streets instead of getting onto the 405 freeway.
SoManyMiles-SoLittleTime
Mar 24, 11, 4:08 pm
1. Tips for the driver: Never have done that, and never seen it done (for rental shuttle). Done it for others though.
2. Time from BH to LAX: 35-45 mins to Hertz lot. Give yourself another hour just to check in car, wait for shuttle, load up, drive to airport, then circle until your terminal.
3. Then give yourself another 45 mins for checkin plus security.
So...leave BH 2.5 hours prior to takeoff. You'll be ahead of rush hour traffic, and can enjoy the wonderful delights of LA's terminals. :D
azepine00
Mar 24, 11, 5:06 pm
..
1. We don't have a thing such as a "Melbourne Hook Turn" in the US so if you trying that when making a left turn here, you'll like get pulled over....
or more likely die when an oversized SUV slams into your car...
But with traffic here you'll be slowly following other cars pretty much all the time so no worries.
FlyMeToTheLooneyBin
Mar 24, 11, 11:07 pm
There will be ample signage and loud annoying announcements, but to save you time, rental car shuttles are under the PURPLE sign.
sk3
Mar 24, 11, 11:41 pm
...a. Roundabouts. If you are used to them here then you will find them quite strange in the US... Not sure LA actually HAS any so that may not even be a concern...
I've lived in the area since the 70's and only know of one tiny roundabout in a residential area in West Hollywood..... FWIW
Hope you enjoy your visit. :)
bzcat
Mar 25, 11, 5:25 pm
I've lived in the area since the 70's and only know of one tiny roundabout in a residential area in West Hollywood..... FWIW
Yes! I forgot about that one. I take the bus and it goes through it every time I get back from the airport.
sk3
Mar 25, 11, 6:48 pm
I had been considering the area in question to be around BH since that's where the OP is staying.
Us quibbling Angelenos aside, the main point for the OP's purposes is that "roundabouts" will not be anything to be concerned with.
Driving amongst oblivious SUV owners who seem completely unfamiliar with the concept of yielding the right of way, (IME!), would be of greater concern. ;)
Ukhant
Mar 25, 11, 10:25 pm
just one more thing - you have to be at the right place to catch the rental car shuttles. When you get your bags, load them
When you are on the right island, just wave at the driver when they approach, they will stop and wait for you to load. Sometimes the drivers help, if they do, especially both on and off, I tip them. I would give them $2 or $3.
There is lots of tipping expected in the US. Most people in jobs like this get less than minimum wage as they are supposed to "make it up" in tips. So don't feel like it's an extra bonus for them.
I would also consider renting a GPS with the car, it will make the driving so much easier!
Thx, i didnt read this before i landed this morning, got the car alright, tipped the lady a 5 (bus driver) who didnt or couldnt help much as i took care of bags, took a tomtom with me from aus, there was one in car too, driving had me stumped all day, no major dramas or near misses but least enjoyable part of the day after the mcdonalds dinner i had because didnt have the energy to change to anything decent :D i still cant believe at&t sells prepaid sims without data access, Will try tmobile tommorow
sk3
Mar 25, 11, 11:28 pm
...driving had me stumped all day, no major dramas or near misses but least enjoyable part of the day after the mcdonalds dinner i had because didnt have the energy to change to anything decent..
Welcome to LA!
Sorry to hear about the McDonalds meal, that's no way to begin a trip! ;) There are many fast food/take out/casual/inexpensive options that are far healthier/better etc.
You said you're staying in BH, there's a bunch of places on South Beverly Drive south of Wilshire. If you like Middle Eastern food there's a place I was just reading about that is "committed to using the finest seasonal and organic ingredients, including local and sustainable produce, hormone free meats and poultry, fresh fish, unique spices, fragrant herbs and exquisite olive oils". It's called Momed. Here's the link:
http://atmomed.com/
Here it is on Google maps, 233 South Beverly Drive:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=233+south+beverly+drive+beverly+hills+CA+90 212&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=&hnear=233+S+Beverly+Dr,+Beverly+Hills,+Los+Angeles ,+California+90212&z=16
Down this street is another good place, Urth Caffe. There's now a few of these I guess, the original one is on Melrose in West Hollywood (they shoot the show "Entourage" there alot). Very healthy and tasty sandwiches/salads/desserts, great coffee. Here's its website:
http://www.urthcaffe.com/
Here's its menu:
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/urthcaffe/take-out-menu-2011.pdf
Also on this street are the chain restaurants California Pizza Kitchen and the more cafeteria like Koo Koo Roos. All infinitely better than McD's and equally casual.
Here's a link to the free parking structures in Beverly Hills:
http://www.beverlyhills.org/services/parking/parkingstructures.asp
Regarding the SIMs with data, unfortunately I have no first hand info but there's a TMobile up the street, at 447 North Beverly Drive (just south of Santa Monica Blvd):
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=447+N+Beverly+DrBeverly+Hills+,+CA+90210&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=&hnear=447+N+Beverly+Dr,+Beverly+Hills,+Los+Angeles ,+California+90210&z=16
And you can park across the street in the free underground parking structure next to the store Crate and Barrell (driveway ramp just north of the store).
tothetrail
Mar 26, 11, 8:58 am
Flying into LAx early morning (7:00) after a 15 hrs flight from MEL, never been to US and dont travel that often. Was wondering if someone could clarify following
I am travelling with my wife and have 3 good size bags plus 1 carry on, as i am renting from hertz i`ll be taking the shuttle i guess, if it a big isse carrying these many bags on the shuttle ? if it is an issue, how complicated is to drive from hertz back to LAX arrival terminal and which parking should i use ?
For someone who has never driven in US and on "wrong side of the road" from my perspective :) is it too much of hassle ? i`ll be staying in beverly hills and driving around.
Lastly my flight out of LA is at 9:am to JFK. I like to get to airport and check in at least 2 1/2 hrs before. Keeping in mind traffic conditions what time should i leave beverly hills to get to LAX on time ( i have to drop of car at hertz to)
Would appreciate any help
I didn't see your post in time to help you this time, but in the future, here's another option that can save a bit of time:
Have one person stay and wait for the bags, and the other takes the rental shuttle to pick up the car. As long as the one waiting for the bags can get them all out to the curb, this works well. Then, after picking up the car, just follow the signs back to arrivals, and pick up your companion who has the bags at the curb.
Of course, this is much easier if you have phone communication to see if your companion is ready with the bags. If not, it could be difficult to get the timing right. Also, if you need to sign up both drivers, it will be a little harder. But, getting in and out of the shuttle with no bags is so much easier. Once you get to the rental lot, you can just jump out and be first in line to pick up the car.
You can also use this method at the end of your trip, dropping one person off with all the bags. They can just wait at the curb for you to come back on the shuttle, or, if possible they can go in, check in for their flight, check in the bags, etc., while you are returning the car. Then, all you have to do when you return is walk up and check in.
Have fun this week, hopefully the rain will let up for you guys.