I will be flying out of SJC (mileage runs) while staying at an area hotel that does not have a shuttle.

According to its web site, VTA (San Jose's light rail transit system) allows you to park at certain stations for up to 7 days for FREE, and take the rail from the station to the airport. This will save me from paying the $9-$15 per day at SJC public and private long term parking lots.

My question is this: is the VTA a hassle? Is it quick and convenient to get to/from the airport? Which VTA stations (that allow airport parking) are the safest or are in the best neighborhoods?

I will only have one peice of luggage to carry. (If I wind up with more luggage, I will go to the airport first, put them in a locker, and then drive the car at a VTA station.)