I'm flying to DCA this Wednesday at the crack of dawn (6:25am). The check-in opens at 4:30am. I will have four luggages (three to check in, one to carry on) plus a pillow and a small "purse" for books.

I'm not sure which is better - a taxi or Super Shuttle (which is more reliable). On one hand, taxi is direct and I don't have to share with anyone, but are they reliable (showing up on time? I'm deaf, so there's a likehood they won't answer my calls through relay, and many brands to choose from)? And, it's $20 from my university to DCA, plus they may charge more for the "excess" luggage.

On another hand, SuperShuttle is cheaper (only $12), and won't have a problem with all my luggage, but we'll be making a few stops to pick up others, which can take more time, and luggage can get mixed up. AND, should I call them and have them pick me up, or make a reservation beforehand?

I'm torn. Which is better? More reliable? Especially so early in the morning.

Thanks and let me know asap of your opinions.

Andrew

PS - the reason I'm so awakard with this is because I just realized that each time I've gone to DCA (which's been quite a few times), I just used the metro, and my flights were all afternoon/evening.

I won't use Super Shuttle in or out of DCA ever again. Twice I have made a reservation for arrival late in the evening (around midnight) and even though I have a confirmation number and I have prepaid, I had extreme trouble getting any of the drivers to honor the companies committment. I understand they don't want to drive to Montgomery County with just one person but hey, the company already agreed and I already paid.

I recommend using a taxi. They are reliable. Besides, SS is going to get you to DCA a good 2 hours before the check in desk opens and there is NOTHING to do at that time.

If I were you I'd spring for the Taxi.

I've had supershuttles ask me to allow 2-3 hours to get to the airport, to allow for all the pickups. And who knows if they'll show up either?

At least the taxi is yours alone.

Also, I'm not sure that the supershuttle will allow you that much luggage. Are you?

Thanks for the quick replies so far - keep them coming!

To old_vine_zin, I'm sorry to hear about your not-so-good experience with SS... but I'm from NE DC, so it shouldn't be a problem since it's so close?

To remyontheroad, I actually did call SuperShuttle to check and make sure 4 luggages were ok, and the lady said that would be fine.

However, I AM open to other ideas, too, so keep 'em coming!

Taxi! They should answer the phone. Try telling relay not to announce they are relay, before dialing. If you've got a VP it will be easier and faster than text relay.

My one time on Super Shuttle was awful beecause the driver got lost looking for other pick up, then taking the long way to the airport. The return taxi ride showed me that is a much better option.

One time many many years ago our family took Super Shuttle (or some variant of it) home from DCA. The driver picked up a guy in Bethesda before driving all the way out to our house in Gaithersburg to drop us off. The guy was very angry at the shuttle.

For a 6:30am departure I would go with a taxi in a heartbeat.

Andy,

Why don't you schedule the taxi the day before? Perhaps have a friend make the reservation for you if you are concerned about the relay issues?

With such an early flight, Super Shuttle might be too unreliable...

I would definitely arrange a taxi the day before and would let them know that the passenger is deaf and will have extra luggage. That way, there are no surprises.

William

Agree - i might take Super Shuttle from Airport home but would not take it to the airport. They pick up excessively early because if they are ever late to the airport of course people would go crazy and want them to pay for plane flight, etc. etc. etc.

Wirelessly posted (My IV to the Net: BlackBerry7250/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I have not taken SS in DC, but have taken Shuttles in Boston and NYC. I only take the Shuttle when I have lots and lots of time. I am willing to pay more (even if there is an additional charge for luggage) for a taxi to make sure I arrive on time.

I would call the day before to schedule a pick-up. If you are concerned about the relay, then maybe have a hearing friend call for you with your concerns written out so they can ask them (read them off) and get them answered by the taxi company while they are scheduling the pick-up.

Good luck!

I tried SuperShuttle twice, here in NYC, going to/from JFK.

The first time was going to the airport and they didn't show up at the time I booked the pickup. When I called, the woman that answered the phone was snotty and had the nerve to lecture me about rush hour traffic. I had allowed plenty of time, but when it was starting to cut it too close, I ran out and hailed a cab.

The second time was leaving JFK to go home to Manhattan. I didn't feel like spending the $45+ for a cab and the SuperShuttle was right there. Big mistake. Wd drove round and round the terminals for an hour and when we were finally leaving the airport, the driver got a call to go back for someone. Took me three hours to get home, almost as long as my entire flight.

SuperShuttle - never again!

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Washington,D.C. Forum.
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

I would take a taxi - and use Red Top Taxi out of VA instead of one of the DC firms for the pick up. Call the day before (not too late, as they do fill up) and make your reservation. I haven't had a problem with a cab not showing up with the very early times. They are usually set up with the drivers the evening before. With red top, tell them if you want to be called when the driver arrives - as I can't see my parking lot, I prefer it but you might want to tell them not to do so (it has a question that you need to respond to or it assumes you no longer want the cab).

The DC firms are all zone fare based, no meters. You risk the chance of being ripped off when you leave the zone unless you negotiate the rate with the driver beforehand or they follow their own rules about charging based on mileage (they have a chart).

As recommended by all above - take the taxi. Super Shuttle in this are is very unreliable. A couple of years ago they no-showed for an early morning pick-up of Mrs. gre and did not even bother to call. She called them and they simply stated that their driver had not come to work. They did not seem to think that they had any obligation to inform the people they were stranding.

Also as set forth above, have a friend make a reservation within 24 hours of pick-up then call 12 hours before pick-up and confirm.

Finally, I guarantee that you will be charged a bit extra for the extra bags.

Hey all,

Sorry I didn't respond more quickly - been busy working and packing up all day (in a way, I'm moving, because I'm going home for the summer from my university, and since my university doesn't offer storage, I have to pack everything up).

I checked Red Top Cab and they look like a decent company. I called and made an appointment, and in addition, they're providing me a minivan at no additional charge. Nice, huh?

I'm surprised at the resistance of SuperShuttle- I thought that would be what most of you would recommend... I guess not, but thankfully I read those posts before actually making appointments!

Enjoy your summer. See you in September.