Village Airport Van Service Has Become Poor

[Tomterrif]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight

[Dana1963]

Drive yourself you’ll be better for it. There is a whole world outside The Villages

[Babubhat]

Sadly this has been the case for more than a year. Would rather drive and park car. Don’t need an endless tour of TV

[Brad-tv]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight



What company do you recommend?

[swooner]

Drive yourself you’ll be better for it. There is a whole world outside The Villages
Yes indeed

[JMintzer]

What company do you recommend?

I've used Workman's, several times. No issues...

[tophcfa]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight

We came to the same conclusion about three and a half years ago after two very bad experiences with them. Their poor service is nothing new. We use Workman if it’s only one person, otherwise it’s a private driver.

[N44125]

We’ve been using Workman’s for years…never had a problem…always on time. Love the home pickup / drop off option.

[Vikingjunior]

One time I spent more time in the Village airport van than the actual plane ride. Now I have a Uber driver who does it on the side for $50 door to door.

[Rwirish]

Totally disagree. On a recent trip the service from and to the airport was simply outstanding.

[Two Bills]

If we have a flight to catch, we rent a car from Enterprise at SS one way to the airport.
Then we are in control of all timings and not reliant on others schedules.
Works for us.

[arbajeda]

If we have a flight to catch, we rent a car from Enterprise at SS one way to the airport.
Then we are in control of all timings and not reliant on others schedules.
Works for us.

As do we. Check the cost of one-way rental from Enterprise to MCO against two or more via shuttle. The rental leaves when you are ready, and you can return it the day after you return as long as it's within 24 hours.

[wamley]

I did the same thing, but rental proces have changed with all the openings to travel across the country.

[STEVENMERL]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight
Stopped using them years ago for the same reason. I’m surprised they’re still in business.

[nob77@comcast.net]

One time I spent more time in the Village airport van than the actual plane ride. Now I have a Uber driver who does it on the side for $50 door to door.
Care to share his info?

[Ken D.]

If we have a flight to catch, we rent a car from Enterprise at SS one way to the airport.
Then we are in control of all timings and not reliant on others schedules.
Works for us.
When was a last time you rented a car for that purpose?

[jbrown132]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight
It started getting bad 8 or 9 years ago. They picked me up at the airport and it took me almost four hours to get home. Drop offs everywhere. Then about a year later I’m waiting at the airport and the said the pick up would be late by about 45 minutes. I walked inside, rented a car one way from Enterprise and dropped it at Sumter Landing. Last time I ever took the van. Started using the Shuttle where I could arrange a taxi to both pick me up and drop me off at Brownwood and take the shuttle to the airport.

[La lamy]

Totally disagree. On a recent trip the service from and to the airport was simply outstanding.

I bet you live in south of TV. If you're in north end it's SOOOOOOO LONG. They need to revamp the system to have a south and a north service.

[ProfessorDave]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight

100% AGREE - will not use Village Van Service again. If you live in the newer section of The Villages - they are fine. If you are on the Northern side - it is tough luck. First picked up - last dropped off. Over the years - I was a great customer for them. Past 3 trips were not good - but the LAST (and I also mean the LAST) was this past one. For a 1:30 flight - they picked me up at 9:20. At 11:25 - we finally left The Villages after a stop to meet another Villages Van at Finney.

They serve 800 to 1,100 neighbors to the airport every day - so they are making a fortune. But - I'm now one less.

[BrianNotFromNYC]

Last week, they picked us up at our home. drove around the speed limit. Dropped us off on time. Polite driver, grabbed luggage etc., no issues. Will use again.

[ProfessorDave]

Who is your UBER driver - door to door!!!!

[Tomptomp]

Try Broome. They have been servicing the villages for a couple of years.
352-539-9664.
They had problems with covid but they are door to door, a bit cheaper and reliable.

[JMintzer]

When was a last time you rented a car for that purpose?

Yes, rentals have gotten just a bit "spendy", of late...

[Two Bills]

When was a last time you rented a car for that purpose?
March 2020.
Would have second thoughts now, with the cost of rentals.
Give it time for dust to settle, and rental inventory to get back to normal, and it should be a competitive option again.

[JIMLUPO77]

We have used capri transportation (325-268-2609) the last few times to/from the airport.

At $99 a trip it's a no brainer if you're traveling with 2 people. Professional drivers, nice clean vehicles and always on time.

Give them a try !!!

[mrf0151]

Private services like Dave's Airport Transportation are the way to go. Door to door service for just a few bucks more. More than worth it.

[Ski Bum]

Who is your UBER driver - door to door!!!!

I come in and out a lot servicing my rental properties. I have two Uber drivers:

Alexis - 407-759-9560 He charges $100, but lately I have been giving him $120. Very little english, (he's from Venezuela) but text works fine. Found him the first time by using the app. Cash only

Hiram - 210-683-2269 Suburban $150, smaller car I think $125. You should confirm. He is semi-retired military. He sometimes works as a contractor out of the country, his wife handles the driving then. Cash or credit (confirm that he has his credit card reader). He was a 4 month renter while his house was being built.

Mention me, just say the guy on Golden Grove.

[vagent711]

What company do you recommend?

Jerry’s Deluxe Car Service. Private. Your door to airline check in and baggage claim to your door. Used this service since 2013 and never a bad experience

[Goldenrule480]

Can you share his contact information

[Rocket6789]

I used to be a driver for village airport Van I am now a customer. On a recent trip back from the airport I was sitting up front beside the driver and we were talking about the service, prior to the pandemic they had a full complement of drivers today you can't hire drivers no one wants to work just notice all the signs around the villages and outlying areas for businesses wanting to hire workers. That being said I will tell you this no other service gives a free trip after ten completed trips and they never expire, only one other service will take you right to your airline gate like village airport Van does Workman leaves you in your bags off at ground transportation and then you have to get yourself and your bags up two levels to get to your departing gate. And they like all other service people in Florida that cater to visitors and residents largely depend upon gratuities, and I will tell you this that the largest amount of people in The villages are very cheap tippers I could continue on but I think you get the gist of the main concern.

[daca55]

I bet you live in south of TV. If you're in north end it's SOOOOOOO LONG. They need to revamp the system to have a south and a north service.
You are so right, they need to do something. I live in Buttonwood and I use to be one of the first ones to be dropped off returning from airport. Now because of the expansion I am in the Middle.

[Iowabuddy]

Driven by Scott is dedicated to MCO airport transportation for the southern villages. SUV Door to door service, with no strangers riding with you. Get picked up at your home and be at MCO in 1 hour. Professional & Reasonable priced.

DrivenbyScott.com

[Padro]

I was looking at their website to see times from the airport to The Villages as we are looking for late night pickup for our guests. Before they would show a schedule I had establish an account (I’m ok with that) but then was asked to enter my credit card info. Not ok with that. Anyone else have this happen to them when trying to see their schedule?

[NoMoSno]

I used to be a driver for village airport Van I am now a customer. On a recent trip back from the airport I was sitting up front beside the driver and we were talking about the service, prior to the pandemic they had a full complement of drivers today you can't hire drivers no one wants to work just notice all the signs around the villages and outlying areas for businesses wanting to hire workers. That being said I will tell you this no other service gives a free trip after ten completed trips and they never expire, only one other service will take you right to your airline gate like village airport Van does Workman leaves you in your bags off at ground transportation and then you have to get yourself and your bags up two levels to get to your departing gate. And they like all other service people in Florida that cater to visitors and residents largely depend upon gratuities, and I will tell you this that the largest amount of people in The villages are very cheap tippers I could continue on but I think you get the gist of the main concern.
What do you consider a proper tip for a single bag?

[MrFlorida]

Just used Workmans for the first time, no problems right on time.

[Two Bills]

You are so right, they need to do something. I live in Buttonwood and I use to be one of the first ones to be dropped off returning from airport. Now because of the expansion I am in the Middle.

You should try the van if you live in Alhambra
Take food, and water.
Some have died on journey home!:icon_wink:

[JEM0715]

Driven by Scott is dedicated to MCO airport transportation for the southern villages. SUV Door to door service, with no strangers riding with you. Get picked up at your home and be at MCO in 1 hour. Professional & Reasonable priced.

DrivenbyScott.com
Are they commercially insured and licensed for the airports? The private car service we use showed us their commercial insurance, piece of mind knowing they also are a 16 vehicle fleet versus a 1 car service non-insured.

[La lamy]

I was looking at their website to see times from the airport to The Villages as we are looking for late night pickup for our guests. Before they would show a schedule I had establish an account (I’m ok with that) but then was asked to enter my credit card info. Not ok with that. Anyone else have this happen to them when trying to see their schedule?

I always pay with cash so never gave my card info. The person who answers the phone can give you more info.

[cbmerl]

One time I spent more time in the Village airport van than the actual plane ride. Now I have a Uber driver who does it on the side for $50 door to door.

Please share your Driver's name and phone number. Thank you very much.

[rherb55]

Who is your UBER driver - door to door!!!! would you mind giving name & phone number???

[Vikingjunior]

If you want the Uber guy for $50 PM me, I really don't want to give out his number on the forum.

[LouG@619]

Jerry Schwartz. Lives right in the villages

[sullys]

One time I spent more time in the Village airport van than the actual plane ride. Now I have a Uber driver who does it on the side for $50 door to door.

can I get his info?

[Hifred]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight

We love Groome transportation to the airport. It was only $30 from Charlotte to MCO. The driver picked me up at home, was professional and provided an awesome experience.

[Tomterrif]

what is SS...guess the cost is less than 80

[terrild53]

I had no issue previously with Villages Airport Van until a return trip from MCO to The Villages in April 2021. There were 7 other people in the van, which was pretty full compared with previous return trips. We stopped in 2 different RV parks off of 44 (not in the Villages) to drop a passenger in each park.THEN started dropping passengers in the southernmost part of the Villages, working the way toward the northernmost part where I happen to live (Hacienda). I was so carsick (prone to it in most vehicles unfortunately) because the air circulation was awful and the van was old and the ride very bumpy. I got dropped off at 2am. The van left MCO at 11:30 pm. I doubt I’ll use them again because 2 & 1/2 hours is way longer than I want to take getting home. It wasn’t like that in prior trips prior to my 2021 trip. If I want to I’ll pay the extra $ for a different company’s service. Hopefully the numerous other companies provide better vehicles and better service to The Villages. Just my experience.

[EdFNJ]

As do we. Check the cost of one-way rental from Enterprise to MCO against two or more via shuttle. The rental leaves when you are ready, and you can return it the day after you return as long as it's within 24 hours. Yep, 2 years ago we rented an Enterprise for $39 after all discounts except rental prices now are so absurd you could charter a helicopter for less money. (obvious hyperbole ..... maybe).

[DONS999]

Over the last 14 months my wife and I have taken 28 trips to and from THE VILLAGES to MCO , so I consider myself rather well versed on this subject. Here are all the different ways we have tried.
1 remote long term parking $5 a day
2 monthly rate parking $85 { unlimited in and out so it might cover 2 trips)
3 Groome Van service ( always good to airport but long walk to pickup area & sometimes long wait for ride home)
4 Village Airport Van ( last resort but they do run 24 hrs for late MCO arrivals)
5 Workman is OK if you have a neighbor to drop you off at Lake Sumter
6 Workman Door to Door is OK but pricey
7 Car rentals ( during the height of the covid deal you could get a car for $45 a week and keep it for our next trip back to MCO )
8 And finally the best is a reasonable Private Car service with airport pickup right outside baggage area ( ours is $80 plus tip)

Good luck to all who need to travel because the MCO to and from is going to be the hardest part for most of us. With the rising fuel cost none of this is going to be any cheaper. :pray:

[Aacosner]

What company do you recommend?

I used "Dave's Airport Transportation" in the fall of 2020 and couldn't have been more pleased. Door to door price then was $65 for one and $90 for two with no others in the car. They were at my door a few minutes before the appointed time. The contact is Dave Podskalan at davesairport@gmail.com.

[westernrider75]

They have home pick up and drop off? I thought they picked up from Brownwood?

[DaleDivine]

Over the last 14 months my wife and I have taken 28 trips to and from THE VILLAGES to MCO , so I consider myself rather well versed on this subject. Here are all the different ways we have tried.
1 remote long term parking $5 a day
2 monthly rate parking $85 { unlimited in and out so it might cover 2 trips)
3 Groome Van service ( always good to airport but long walk to pickup area & sometimes long wait for ride home)
4 Village Airport Van ( last resort but they do run 24 hrs for late MCO arrivals)
5 Workman is OK if you have a neighbor to drop you off at Lake Sumter
6 Workman Door to Door is OK but pricey
7 Car rentals ( during the height of the covid deal you could get a car for $45 a week and keep it for our next trip back to MCO )
8 And finally the best is a reasonable Private Car service with airport pickup right outside baggage area ( ours is $80 plus tip)

Good luck to all who need to travel because the MCO to and from is going to be the hardest part for most of us. With the rising fuel cost none of this is going to be any cheaper. :pray:

I want to know where you can get a car rental for $45 a WEEK. I can't find one for less than $50 a DAY.

:shocked::shocked:

[Russp]

Where did you part for 85 month ?

[linda@workmantravel.com]

Workman Transportation goes direct from The Villages to the airport 15 times a day. Safe and reliable. Departs from Lake Sumter or Brownwood.

[DaleDivine]

If you want the Uber guy for $50 PM me, I really don't want to give out his number on the forum.

Commercially licensed, bonded, and insured for hired use?
:pray:

[DaleDivine]

I bet you live in south of TV. If you're in north end it's SOOOOOOO LONG. They need to revamp the system to have a south and a north service.

I hate it when the ride to and from the airport is longer than the flight and costs more than the flight...
:bigbow::bigbow:

[vincefodera]

I've used workmen before however they canceled my ride to the airport three days before my departure and offered to get me a personal driver for $170 .00 and had to contact the credit card company to get refunded , workman can also be unpredictable !

[skiph3]

That service was always terrible.

[retfc2@yahoo.com]

There are several hotels around MCO that have a shuttle and you can leave your car in the there parking lot. So just spend the night at the hotel and shuttle to your flight.

[davem4616]

unfortunately bad help is easy to find....

We usually used Workmen's...but their schedule didn't work for some visitors that are coming down...so I went with Village Airport

We used them once and the van was rear-ended a few miles from MCO when the driver, who wasn't paying attention to the road had to suddenly jam on the brakes to avoid hitting a truck in front of us

[DONS999]

Where did you part for 85 month ?

PARK & FLY 7653 Narcoossee Rd, Orlando, FL 32822

[DONS999]

I want to know where you can get a car rental for $45 a WEEK. I can't find one for less than $50 a DAY.

:shocked::shocked:

Like I said it was the height of the covid scare summer of 2020 . We did it 3 times at Economy Car and Priceless Car . Now it is closer to $350

[DonnaNi4os]

Last two trips, one returning, one leaving both unsatisfactory. The one leaving picked us almost 5 hrs before flight… reason pickups outside the Villages… last two returning trips… after waiting 45 min at Airport… Van had two drop offs outside the Villages. Never had these before… impression is they no longer care about timely service to the Villages … too bad but for me bye bye Villages Van… please change your name by the way . Now using private transportation.. for the two of us costs 20% more but no waiting and we leave for the airport only about 3 hrs before flight

I couldn’t agree more. The last time I used their “service” was when I decided it would be the very last time. Sitting and waiting at a hotel outside TV to pick up people who hadn’t even arrived there yet was the last straw. I nearly missed my flight. I cancelled my return trip and got a car service. If you want to be crammed in a vehicle like a sardine, then maybe it’s for some. It definitely is no longer for me. It’s really a shame.

[Kathryn Putt]

I had a great experience 2 months ago

[Iowabuddy]

Yes, Driven by Scott has commercial insurance. Several of the other services mentioned in early threads also carry commercial insurance

[Vikingjunior]

I wasn't expecting so many requests for my driver. I tried to respond to all of them but if I missed you DM me again.

[jojo]

We've been major users of the Villages Airport Van for at least 8 years. My last trip home from the airport was my last - over 2 1/2 hours and we had to help the driver who was hopelessly lost. I tried Groome and they failed to pick me up at 3 a.m. I ended up driving myself and barely made the plane. I am monitoring TOTV closely for other suggestions.

[JEM0715]

Commercially licensed, bonded, and insured for hired use?
:pray:

I'm sure we all know that answer about his Uber driver "doing it on the side", we'll stick with Dave's Airport Transportation, they actually have their insurance posted on their business page there on NextDoor Neighbor website. We like that they only transport us and do not add anyone else to their vehicles, nice to know they have 16 vehicles in case there was ever an issue. 352-223-4696

[jimhurtt@twc.com]

Please! What the heck is MCO?

[Two Bills]

Please! What the heck is MCO?

Orlando Int. Airport.

[Quixote]

Most of the complaints seem to stem from Village Airport Van being a shared service, meaning only one person can be the first pickup or drop off. Sure, a private car service is going to be more pleasant and involve less time.

But … I was once left stranded at the airport by a private driver whom I had booked in advance. ‘How will I get home?’ I called Village Airport Van, shared my story, and was told to go to their waiting area, and they would fit me into the next departing van, which they did.

This is ‘customer service’ one does not forget….

[jojo]

It is Orlando International Airport. The original was McCoy airbase, hence MCO.

[Tomterrif]

True.. the point being in tbe last they did not… or at least I never experienced stops outside the Villages and they literally ran every thirty minutes… the stops outside the villages and I expect less drivers has greatly increase their ride tine…. We are returning to Ohio for a month on an early morning flight… private pick up time 5Am… Villagee Van pickup time 4 Am… I do use them as back up but has not been an issue

[delima2000]

We just used the service last week with the villages airport van. I will say our ride to the airport was ok.the driver saw I was having a hard time with our luggage as my husband had a stroke and was walking with a cane. He came to the door and helped me. Then he had to pick up some people at the hospital parking lot near the turnpike and my husband had to go to the bathroom. He waited for us to use the bathroom. But on the way back we had a horrible trip. The van pulled up and waved to me to bring the luggage to the back of the van. My husband was in a wheel chair. Didn’t offer to help. Then we had to wait over 45 minutes. For another couple finally showed up stopped at the plantation to drop then off, then to our place in the villages. The driver left our bags at the end of the drive way while my husband went to unlock the door I had to take the luggage. The driver took off didn’t wait to see if we got in. Plus I got my legs tangled in the luggage that I,fell on my back. Finally got up and had to help my husband to open the door as his hands are very shaky. At least the driver could have helped us like the first driver did. Our plane landed at11:30 pm and got to the van around midnight and didn’t get home until 2:45 am and there was only us and another couple on the van. No more.