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LAX Transportation

Do not use 24-7 RIDE to go anywhere from LAX. We were quoted $76. We were charged $211. They calculate the quote based upon traffic at 4 am. Mid day cost us an additional $43. We were also charged for early pickup which we did not request. We communicated with the driver about where to meet him. He said he was nearby and could pick us up early, never telling us that the early pickup would be an additional $93. The company says all this information was in the electronic order. It was not in the reservation agreement or anything we received before the trip. And they threatened us with an additional $50 charge if we protested to our credit card company. And you cannot speak to anyone at the company by phone. Calls are answered with a prerecorded message. I have arranged transportation from airports around the world and never be treated this shabbily.

It sounds like you had a very frustrating experience with 24-7 RIDE at LAX, and unfortunately, what you described is not uncommon with some airport transportation services that use dynamic pricing or hidden fees. Here’s a detailed breakdown and guidance for avoiding similar situations and addressing your issue:

Problem Summary:

  • The initial quote ($76) did not match the final charge ($211).
  • Additional costs included mid-day traffic ($43) and an “early pickup” fee ($93) that you did not request.
  • The company threatened an additional $50 if you disputed the charge through your credit card.
  • There is no phone support—only prerecorded messages, making it difficult to resolve disputes.

Key Lessons:

  • Always check whether the quoted price is fixed or dynamic. Some services calculate quotes based on expected traffic, time of day, or surge pricing.
  • Confirm all fees, including early pickup or late arrival charges, before booking. If the platform does not show this clearly, consider it a red flag.
  • Keep documentation of the quoted price, reservation confirmation, and any communications with the driver. Screenshots are helpful if you need to dispute charges.

Options for Resolving the Issue:

  • Contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Provide screenshots, emails, and any documentation showing the quoted price versus the charged amount. Do not be intimidated by threats from the company.
  • Submit a complaint with consumer protection agencies. In the U.S., you can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s Department of Consumer Affairs.
  • Leave a detailed review on platforms such as Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot. This can warn other travelers and sometimes prompts companies to respond.
  • For future LAX transportation, consider these alternatives:
    • Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) which are usually transparent with pricing.
    • Airport shuttles with fixed rates listed clearly on their website.
    • Rental cars if you are comfortable driving, which allows more control over cost and schedule.
    • Other private car services with verified reviews and transparent pricing.

While it’s upsetting to encounter this kind of surprise pricing, the safest approach is to rely on verified services with clear, upfront pricing, especially in busy airports like LAX. For your dispute, documenting everything and contacting your credit card provider is usually the most effective way to get a refund or adjustment.

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