Warning Prime Time Shuttle@ LAX- safety and fraudulent charge
Mar 27, 2008, 10:33 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1
PrimeTime Shuttle service from LAX
I am so angry with this horrible company that I contacted the Travel Editor at the LA Times to see if I could interest them in writing an article about their terrible service and abuse of their customers. I would walk to LAX before ever considering using Prime Time for transportation. Buyer BEWARE!
Mar 28, 2008, 11:12 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA, USAir, UA
Posts: 868
FlyAway service from LAX to Van Nuys, UCLA, and Union Station.
Free shuttle service to the Metro Green Line (G Shuttle)
Free shuttle service to the transit center in parking lot C (C Shuttle), where on can catch over 10 different METRO bus routes....plus buses from Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, and Torrance Transit.
While there is no direct rail connection at the airport, that's NOT the same as "no public transit."
...what about PAX from the Costa Mesa/Huntington Beach area?
If you want to take public transit, let's try a sample routing...
From Adams and Magnolia (picked at random) in Huntington Beach, you could take the Orange County Bus 33 (FULLERTON PARK&RIDE) heading north to Magnolia & Westminster, transfer to the Orange County Bus 60 ( DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH) heading west to the Long Beach Transit mall, then transfer to METRO BUS 232 to LAX Lot C, where you'll ride the shuttle in to your terminal.
Yes, it will take 2-3 hours... But there *IS* public transit if you want to ride it.
For your own case...try www.metro.net which has a route planner. (although you may need to break it up into several stages as it isn't good at routes of more than 2 busses or trains)
Last edited by mlshanks; Mar 28, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Mar 29, 2008, 1:12 pm
#18
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
I am so angry with this horrible company that I contacted the Travel Editor at the LA Times to see if I could interest them in writing an article about their terrible service and abuse of their customers. I would walk to LAX before ever considering using Prime Time for transportation. Buyer BEWARE!
Cheers.
Mar 30, 2008, 11:53 pm
#19
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: UA Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 453
For whatever it's worth, here is my one and only experience with Prime Time in January or so of this year.
I needed to go downtown from LAX (with much luggage at a late hour, so FlyAway + Metro was not convenient), and I provided the driver with the cross streets instead of the actual address. He insisted on the actual address (I made one up that is close to the intersection I needed) and entered mine and every other passanger's address into his GPS. He reprogrammed the GPS after every stop, adding at least 2-3 minutes to every stop. Finally, he requested a fare that was higher than what was quoted to me by the dispatcher at the airport, explaining that he needs a tip.
So, not a horrible experience, but not a pleasant one either. I likely will not travel with Prime Time again any time soon.
On the other hand, my several experiences with SuperShuttle have been good. The drivers seem to know where they are going and charge exactly the quoted price (which is also published online) and allow the customer to choose to tip.
I needed to go downtown from LAX (with much luggage at a late hour, so FlyAway + Metro was not convenient), and I provided the driver with the cross streets instead of the actual address. He insisted on the actual address (I made one up that is close to the intersection I needed) and entered mine and every other passanger's address into his GPS. He reprogrammed the GPS after every stop, adding at least 2-3 minutes to every stop. Finally, he requested a fare that was higher than what was quoted to me by the dispatcher at the airport, explaining that he needs a tip.
So, not a horrible experience, but not a pleasant one either. I likely will not travel with Prime Time again any time soon.
On the other hand, my several experiences with SuperShuttle have been good. The drivers seem to know where they are going and charge exactly the quoted price (which is also published online) and allow the customer to choose to tip.
Mar 31, 2008, 2:36 am
#20
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: UA gold
Posts: 264
I've had one non-experience with SuperShuttle. I usually use Flyaway and the Gold Line to get back to Pasadena, but my flight was supposed to arrive at 11 PM and I didn't think I'd make the Gold Line before they closed for the night. So instead I made a reservation on SuperShuttle.
Well, that day (January 4, 2008 I believe) it was raining in LA and my flight (for other reasons) was delayed such that I arrived around 2AM. By the time I made it out of the terminal, the rain had slacked off and there was maybe a drizzle, if that. Waited around with 4 other (unrelated) people for a Pasadena Super Shuttle for 30 minutes. Finally, we called them and were told that due to inclement weather conditions they had canceled all Pasadena service.
Luckily the 4 of us split a cab fare and it cost about the same, but it was a while before I got home. They did apologize after I filed a BBB complaint, issued a refund, and sent a $25 gift certificate. Maybe if I'm ever arriving late again I'll use them.
Well, that day (January 4, 2008 I believe) it was raining in LA and my flight (for other reasons) was delayed such that I arrived around 2AM. By the time I made it out of the terminal, the rain had slacked off and there was maybe a drizzle, if that. Waited around with 4 other (unrelated) people for a Pasadena Super Shuttle for 30 minutes. Finally, we called them and were told that due to inclement weather conditions they had canceled all Pasadena service.
Luckily the 4 of us split a cab fare and it cost about the same, but it was a while before I got home. They did apologize after I filed a BBB complaint, issued a refund, and sent a $25 gift certificate. Maybe if I'm ever arriving late again I'll use them.
Apr 9, 2008, 8:02 pm
#21
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: ex-AA EXP, DL GM, ex-1k SPG Plat
Posts: 109
Apr 10, 2008, 7:36 pm
#22
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 558
I had an issue with Supershuttle on 3/29. I prepaid via priceline and the driver tried to make me pay again0 DOUBLE what I was charged on priceline! He said my prepaid recepit was not prepaid (it WAS) and was holding my luggage hostage until I got the help of an Anaheim police officer. The driver took my printout voucher and would not give it back, luckily I had another copy on me! Nothing about the fees came up until we got Anaheim hotel location from ONT. It was past midnite (3am my time) and I was dead tired! Driver went down the wrong way on a one way and also was stopped for swerving during trip!
On the return to the airport, I used Primetime and they were great. Driver was very nice and friendly. Charged just as promised (although I will be watching card for any other activity).
I was told that the supershuttle drivers are independent drivers and contract and some are very awful! I wonder if Primetime is the same way....
On the return to the airport, I used Primetime and they were great. Driver was very nice and friendly. Charged just as promised (although I will be watching card for any other activity).
I was told that the supershuttle drivers are independent drivers and contract and some are very awful! I wonder if Primetime is the same way....
Jan 1, 2010, 1:47 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2
prime time
DO NOT USE PRIME TIME!
My advice to anyone looking to go to, or get picked up at LAX, is under no circumstances use PrimeTime Shuttle!
I had booked a pickup at LAX and was it was charged on my credit card, but when I got into the shuttle the driver told me I had to pay more money than they quoted me and charged me. He said that it was his shuttle and he won't drive me for the agreed upon money. Then he kicked me out of the van after cursing at me.
It took PrimeTime Shuttle 1 1/2 hours to get me another shuttle.
Seems that PrimeTime Shuttle doesn't own their shuttles and the drivers can do whatever they want.
DO NOT USE PRIME TIME!
My advice to anyone looking to go to, or get picked up at LAX, is under no circumstances use PrimeTime Shuttle!
I had booked a pickup at LAX and was it was charged on my credit card, but when I got into the shuttle the driver told me I had to pay more money than they quoted me and charged me. He said that it was his shuttle and he won't drive me for the agreed upon money. Then he kicked me out of the van after cursing at me.
It took PrimeTime Shuttle 1 1/2 hours to get me another shuttle.
Seems that PrimeTime Shuttle doesn't own their shuttles and the drivers can do whatever they want.
DO NOT USE PRIME TIME!
Jan 1, 2010, 11:40 pm
#24
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SNA / South OC
Posts: 304
I've had hit-and-miss experiences with PT and SS. One good service is Karmel Shuttle, they tend to be oriented to Orange County but not exclusively so. Also they are locally owned and not a national franchise. My previous employer used them and nobody had a bad experience. (Now that I've said that I'm sure a bunch of horror stories will come flooding in!) 
Flyaway Bus service started about a month ago (Nov 09) from the Irvine Amtrak station to LAX. There are 6 daily buses and OW fare is $25 which is a bit pricey IMO. It's less expensive from the south to take the train all the way to LA and use that Flyaway bus instead ($9 and runs 24 hours). Of course the Irvine service allows a cheaper option for South OC residents compared to a shuttle; long term parking is allowed at the station which is in a pretty safe office park. (We're talking about Irvine after all) Funny that startup of the Irvine service seemed imminent in the earlier posts almost 2 years ago!
Flyaway Bus service started about a month ago (Nov 09) from the Irvine Amtrak station to LAX. There are 6 daily buses and OW fare is $25 which is a bit pricey IMO. It's less expensive from the south to take the train all the way to LA and use that Flyaway bus instead ($9 and runs 24 hours). Of course the Irvine service allows a cheaper option for South OC residents compared to a shuttle; long term parking is allowed at the station which is in a pretty safe office park. (We're talking about Irvine after all) Funny that startup of the Irvine service seemed imminent in the earlier posts almost 2 years ago!
Last edited by kenish; Jan 1, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Jan 9, 2010, 12:30 am
#25
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,839
I find it hilarious that this thread rather clearly is complaining about service and safety issues with PrimeTime and it has PrimeTime ads all over it.
With public transport issues, shuttles are a way of life for a lot of LAX PAX. One decent service is Roadrunner, which serves Ventura County. The only problems with them are 1) Cost (unless you are going away at least a week, you might as well drive), 2) Pickup times that are WAY too early (you will usually get to your domestic flight 2.5 hours early). Otherwise, they are pretty good and don't insist on the freeway all the time, knowing that PCH is WAY better at rush hour.
With public transport issues, shuttles are a way of life for a lot of LAX PAX. One decent service is Roadrunner, which serves Ventura County. The only problems with them are 1) Cost (unless you are going away at least a week, you might as well drive), 2) Pickup times that are WAY too early (you will usually get to your domestic flight 2.5 hours early). Otherwise, they are pretty good and don't insist on the freeway all the time, knowing that PCH is WAY better at rush hour.
Jan 12, 2010, 8:11 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA, USAir, UA
Posts: 868
The CITY OF LOS ANGELES does have public transit to their airport. Not only are Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach not in the City of Los Angeles, they aren't even in the same county.
Costa Mesa is roughly 40 miles from LAX, while it is next door to John Wayne Airport. Not surprisingly, the local governmental agencies fund public transport to the latter...not the former.
Jan 16, 2010, 2:56 am
#27
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 6,769
Ummmm....
The CITY OF LOS ANGELES does have public transit to their airport. Not only are Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach not in the City of Los Angeles, they aren't even in the same county.
Costa Mesa is roughly 40 miles from LAX, while it is next door to John Wayne Airport. Not surprisingly, the local governmental agencies fund public transport to the latter...not the former.
The CITY OF LOS ANGELES does have public transit to their airport. Not only are Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach not in the City of Los Angeles, they aren't even in the same county.
Costa Mesa is roughly 40 miles from LAX, while it is next door to John Wayne Airport. Not surprisingly, the local governmental agencies fund public transport to the latter...not the former.
Mar 14, 2010, 7:28 pm
#28
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: The OC ca usa
Programs: BA Blue forever!
Posts: 633
Just saw this last response. Sorry.
The only government funded public transportation from HB/Costa Mesa to SNA [John Wayne Airport] is on OCTA, the public bus. It stops at Macarthur, one looong block from the airport. You are supposed to then wait for another bus to take you that one block. What's wrong with this picture?
The only government funded public transportation from HB/Costa Mesa to SNA [John Wayne Airport] is on OCTA, the public bus. It stops at Macarthur, one looong block from the airport. You are supposed to then wait for another bus to take you that one block. What's wrong with this picture?
Jan 7, 2011, 8:04 am
#29
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 3
shuttle2LAX.com - cheaper than Flyaway
Saw someone mention the Flyaway. Good service - yeah, but isn't it $25? And you still have to have someone drop you off or pay for parking.
There's a brand new service called shuttle2lax.com. I saw a billboard and just booked a reservation. $20 from your home (virtually anywhere) to LAX, $11 for additional passengers.
So I'm thinking $25 on Flyaway or $20 at my front door?!
I'll repost and let you know how it goes.
There's a brand new service called shuttle2lax.com. I saw a billboard and just booked a reservation. $20 from your home (virtually anywhere) to LAX, $11 for additional passengers.
So I'm thinking $25 on Flyaway or $20 at my front door?!
I'll repost and let you know how it goes.
Jan 7, 2011, 8:07 am
#30
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 3
PrimeTime the best way to go - I'm with you
I had an issue with Supershuttle on 3/29. I prepaid via priceline and the driver tried to make me pay again0 DOUBLE what I was charged on priceline! He said my prepaid recepit was not prepaid (it WAS) and was holding my luggage hostage until I got the help of an Anaheim police officer. The driver took my printout voucher and would not give it back, luckily I had another copy on me! Nothing about the fees came up until we got Anaheim hotel location from ONT. It was past midnite (3am my time) and I was dead tired! Driver went down the wrong way on a one way and also was stopped for swerving during trip!
On the return to the airport, I used Primetime and they were great. Driver was very nice and friendly. Charged just as promised (although I will be watching card for any other activity).
I was told that the supershuttle drivers are independent drivers and contract and some are very awful! I wonder if Primetime is the same way....
On the return to the airport, I used Primetime and they were great. Driver was very nice and friendly. Charged just as promised (although I will be watching card for any other activity).
I was told that the supershuttle drivers are independent drivers and contract and some are very awful! I wonder if Primetime is the same way....