I was really debating on attempting the AirTrain from JFK to get to Manhattan, but I really didn't want to deal with the stress. Both hotels I was staying at offered car service but they were up in the $200+ range. After searching online-and finding nightmare reviews-I finally discovered Ridelux. I booked this pretty late; days before my trip, and everything seemed good to go. I did have a minor issue where I selected the car, it stated tax, tolls and tip was included all for a low price, however the email confirmation said tip was NOT included. I did the online chat and was informed it WAS included, but I was wary of this.
Requested a 'luxury sedan', but on my confirmation invoice, it said Escalade which is a whole different category, therefore price point. However, it appeared as though this was not charged the higher rate, so I was grateful for that. Maybe that is all that they had available on my Sunday arrival?
Ended up landing much earlier than my time of 3:30p (Jetblue allegedly runs late so I wanted to make sure I had enough time) and I ended arriving almost an hour earlier. Ridelux does keep track of flights naturally, and I wanted to make sure I wouldn't be charged late fees since I was still 'earlier' than my confirmed time. Driver had texted me and I was a little frustrated (due to my phone, not him) since I didn't seem to get the text notifications. I had to call the company and they said he was still in the area (Thank God). He did text again and I confirmed the plate on the Escalade outside Terminal 5 near the TWA hotel.
Drivers name was Eduardo, and he was friendly. Gatorade-red, my favorite-was offered, and I settled in for a smooth ride. This was a long drive, and he was pleasant to speak with, and I got to use some of my terrible Spanish with him. We mostly discussed food, some World Series talk (neither of us fans), but it was a good trip. I was so excited to see the skyline once we 'crossed over'. Only thing was once I arrived, no one got the door for me (maybe he thought the doorman would, vice versa but this isn't enough to count against them). I did tell him I was told the tip was included, but I gave him a little extra anyway.
There were some bumps regarding the vehicle type, arrival, and confusion of tipping, but I would recommend Ridelux for the most part! read more