Airport transportation (fit in, rental, credit card)

[motown mary]

Does anyone know of an inexpensive car service that can take me & my kids from Metro Airport to Clarkston in a minivan? I called a "luxury" transp. service and it was $135. Looking for a little cheaper but don't know who to call.

I don't want to rent a car because of the headache of that extra step at the rental office when I am already traveling alone with three kids under 5! Agghhh!

[Coldjensens]

Renting would be cheaper. With a tip, you will be lucky to get to Clarkston for less than $150. If you rent the car in advance, then you just have to go pick it up. It will be no more involved than the effort of calling, finding and boarding a shuttle service or taxi.

[motown mary]

I know you're trying to be helpful but.....
I am guessing you have never traveled solo for 6 hrs. with three kids under 5, one on your lap!
I agree renting would be cheaper, but it is not as simple as you describe, in and out. Boarding the shuttle is only the BEGINNING of the process.
In my experience, it is more like this: start with 2 agitated kids in double stroller, incapable of running around plus one staggering nearby, close to tears. Now haul luggage & kids out to the curb....wait for shuttle - fold up double stroller & load kids on...get to rental place, unfold double stroller, unload kids... haul luggage and kids to the counter & wait in line...stand at the counter and fill out papers....haul luggage and kids to car...fold up double stroller again, install three carseats (while children climb all over you and fight with each other) and load luggage. Drive an hour to Clarkston and unload it all there....
The things we do to be home for the holidays!
I am wanting to cut out some of that hassle & find the absolutely cheapest company to get the job done & get me to C-Town!

[trinkit]

What about having a family member from Clarkston pick you up?

[motown mary]

They don't have a van. We have the three carseats, so I wasn't sure if they would fit in one row across the backseat of an Impala. I think it could work - I just don't want to be down at Metro & find out it doesn't! Know what I mean? I know I am a neurotic planner!!!

[windword3]

Dear Mary: I found Shores Airport Ride to be very reliable and offer the lowest price
for airport service, they use mini vans, this company has given us great service. They accept major credit cards, and give discounts to seniors. Their telephone number is (586)744-3168.

[ImaMichigander]

I feel your pain. I went with 3 last year the Tuesday before Thanksgiving from DTW to Orlando. But I had 7, 4 and 2, so everyone had their own seat!

I don't know about 3 across the back on an Impala... I have to WORK it, and I mean WORK it, to get 2 carseats and a highbacked booster in the 3rd row of my mini-van. Make sure that you get widest measurements of all the seats and then the car before you even attempt. But just because they are less width than the backseat doesn't mean that they will "sit" properly when installed. And there may or may not be 3 sets of anchors, so you might have to use seatbelts and it is HARD getting that middle one installed/wedged in. Strangely the 09 Chrysler Town and Country only has 2 sets of anchors in the third row and if using them, you make the 3 person row only available for those 2 carseats.

God Luck and enjoy your visit!