Group shuttles are often marketed as an economical alternative to a private transfer, but the difference in price doesn't come close to making up for the difference in time, comfort, convenience and overall value.
Picture this. Once you hop off your flight and collect your luggage, you can either:
- Be greeted by your professional, courteous driver and escorted directly to your accommodations with complimentary gifts and insider tips. Or,
- Search through the crowds for your group shuttle, squish into the back seat of a 12-seater, idle in the parking lot for 40 minutes, then hop between hotels before finally starting your vacation tattered, tired and car sick.
Not to mention the journey back. Travellers who book private airport transfers can enjoy more time in their destination and avoid an unnecessarily long car trip to and from the airport.
Realistically, the cost difference between a shared airport transfer and a private shuttle is quite marginal. If you budget an additional $30 or so per passenger, you'll have an exponentially better start to your getaway.
“I am a huge fan of private transfers,” says Jessica Pong, Flight Centre product expert and former flight attendant. “Why don't more people do this?”
If you're like most Canadians, your vacation is one of the most important times of your year. So invest your time wisely and get the most out of your destination.