Headed to Sea-Tac Airport for Spring Break? Plan Ahead!

April 7, 2017 By News Comments Off

If you’re leaving town for spring break this year, planning ahead could save you time and headaches. Usually, the height of spring break vacation days means long lines at Sea-Tac Airport, so get organized now and plan ahead for a smooth flight out.

Our best tip? Skip airport traffic and ride Shuttle Express! We drive you to the airport or anywhere with friendly, safe transportation you can trust. Shuttle Express has convenient private airport service with town cars, SUVs, vans, even coaches, as well as our dependable share ride service. Our friendly chauffeurs make sure you arrive safely and on time, no stress needed. And it’s easy to use us: book online at shuttleexpress.com, then we arrive at your door, handle your luggage, and get you to your flight on time.

Here’s more great advice from the folks at the TSA and Port of Seattle:

  • Check weather and airline issues: Flight delays can happen due to unexpected computer or weather problems. Don’t get stuck at the airport without checking weather in Seattle and your arrival city along with your flight status first.
  • Arrive early: Consider adding time in your travel plans for traffic, parking, rental car returns and airline check-in. Arrive two hours prior to your flight departure time for domestic travel and three hours for international flights.
  • Check airport monitors for checkpoint times: Monitors in the ticketing area show which checkpoints have the shortest wait times. A brief walk may save time in line.
  • Include your Known Traveler Number in your airline reservation: If you have enrolled in TSA Pre✓®, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, be sure you include your Known Traveler Number in your airline reservation. This will make you eligible for TSA Pre✓® on a consistent basis. TSA Pre✓® passengers flying on any of 30 participating airlines do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets at airports nationwide. TSA at SEA operates a dedicated security checkpoint for TSA Pre✓® passengers. Look for it at checkpoint 4, behind the Alaska Airlines ticket counter.
  • Tweet or Message AskTSA: Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Questions about security screening procedures? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 5 a.m. PDT to 7 p.m. PDT and weekends from 6 a.m. PDT to 4 p.m. PDT. You can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
  • Prepare for security: Have a valid ID and boarding pass readily available, and remove large electronics, including laptops and liquids bag from carry-on baggage. Avoid over packing your carry-on bag. Consider checking bags when feasible.
  • Follow the liquids rule: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all containers must fit inside a single quart-size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for carry-on baggage screening. This includes sun block and tanning lotions.
  • Call TSA Cares: Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.

Safe travels from Shuttle Express!

Shuttle Express: Safe Transportation You Can Trust

April 5, 2017 By News Comments Off

Playing the Driving Game? Choose Safety First!

When booking your ride, make sure you’re choosing a safe, reputable company that puts your safety first.

As Seattle’s local transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free.

  • All drivers are trained, drug screened, and background checked.
  • All vehicles are well-maintained and adhere to state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Shuttle Express is fully insured for your protection.

So skip traffic and ride Shuttle Express! We drive you anywhere with safe, friendly transportation you can trust. Shuttle Express has it all–sedans, SUVs, limos, vans, plus coaches for group transportation. Book online and save 5%.

PSA produced by the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).

What to See in Seattle on a 24-hour layover

If you’ve got a 24-hour layover at Sea-Tac Airport and want ideas on how to spend it, we have suggestions. Our Shuttle Express team has nearly 30 years of experience helping travelers get places safely and on time both to/from the airport and around town, so we know the greater Seattle area well.

Located about 13 miles from Sea-Tac Airport, Seattle is under 30 minutes away if traffic is kind to you. This is a good time to mention it—factor in extra time for traffic. For easy, private transportation, book black car service with Shuttle Express. We’ll take you to your attractions and get you back in time for check-in.

Here are our suggestions, which aren’t “off the beaten path,” but are the main attractions you shouldn’t miss as a new visitor.

Seattle Waterfront

Whether rain or drizzle (possibly even shine!), taking in the Seattle Waterfront is a must. Enjoy iconic restaurants such as Ivar’s, Elliott’s Oyster House, or Six Seven for waterfront dining. But before dining, take a spin on the Great Wheel — it’s the west coast’s largest observation wheel and towers 175 feet tall above Pier 57. Open year-round, you’ll enjoy a 10- to 15-minute ride high above the pier with outstanding views of the city, Elliott Bay, and beyond.

Pike Place Market

Since its opening day in August 1907, Pike Place Market has been the heart of downtown Seattle, drawing the community together with its famous market, vibrant shops, and eclectic mix of cultures. The Market is a must-see/must-experience for a visitor looking for a true Seattle vibe.

Space Needle

Perhaps the number one attraction in the city, the Space Needle offers 360 degree views from 500-feet above ground in the Observation Deck. Enjoy the 41-second ride up the elevator and take in the views of the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, Elliott Bay, and the busy city below your feet.

Pioneer Square

Established in 1852, Pioneer Square is considered Seattle’s original neighborhood—stroll around, there’s much to see and experience. Don’t miss the parks: Waterfall Garden Park, Pioneer Park, and Occidental Square Park. Visit King Street Station and enjoy the recent renovation that revived this architectural beauty.

As Seattle’s local transportation experts, we’re best known for our trusted Sea-Tac Airport van service, but we do so much more—luxury cars, large and small coaches, private vans. We partner with corporations, hotels, meeting planners, or anyone who needs reliable, comfortable transportation with a friendly attitude.

Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.

 

 

Stay Safe: 5 Best Travel Tips

March 28, 2017 By News Comments Off

Traveling safely doesn’t need to be complicated, and in most cases, it’s a matter of using common sense and staying aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re traveling for business or for pleasure, check out our top tips to stay safe:

  1. Know Your Transportation Company
    When choosing airport transportation in a new city, do your homework and choose a reputable company. Before getting into a vehicle, check that it is in good condition with working seat belts. Shuttle Express, Seattle’s transportation experts for 30 years, is a great example of a safe bet. They make your safety the number one priority with trained, drug-tested and background-checked drivers, well-maintained vehicles, robust insurance, and safety procedures for every situation.
  2. Keep a Copy of Your Passport
    Your passport is critical when traveling internationally, so ensure you have a copy: scan it, e-mail it to yourself, and even take a photo of it with your mobile phone. When it’s secured in your hotel safe, you’ll still have access to your information and replacing it will be simpler in case it is lost or stolen.
  3. Verify Guests
    If someone knocks on your hotel door claiming to be hotel staff, call the front desk before you open the door to verify the housekeeping or maintenance staff needs access to your room.
  4. Protect Your Valuables
    Secure your laptop with a lock. Choose clothing with discreet compartments where you can carry cash, a bank card, and other essential items you can’t afford to lose or have stolen. Special travel pants with hidden zippered pockets and travel pouches worn under your jacket are good options.
  5. Fake It
    It may seem overboard, but consider carrying a “decoy” wallet, especially when traveling internationally in areas known for higher crime rates. Use an old wallet stashed with a small amount of cash, some old IDs, and an expired credit card. Have it easily available to hand over in case you’re robbed.

As Seattle’s local transportation experts, our professional, friendly drivers have been getting people where they need to go for nearly 30 years, safely and on time. We’re best known for our iconic Sea-Tac Airport van service, but we do so much more—luxury cars, large and small coaches, private vans.

We partner with corporations, hotels, meeting planners, or anyone who needs reliable, comfortable transportation with a friendly attitude. Whether your company needs VIP black car service, or group transportation for 40 of your favorite colleagues, our experienced, caring team will make it happen. Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.


 

Best Seattle Concerts and How to Get There

March 22, 2017 By News Comments Off

Seattle’s music scene is hopping again this year, with top acts coming to town including U2, Santana, John Legend, and Lady Gaga. Shuttle Express’s private transportation coordinators pulled together a few of their favorite artists, concert series, and venues for you, just to make sure you didn’t miss anything!

We coordinate private car, limo, and coach reservations for numerous clients going to events like concerts, sporting events, and special nights’ out. Our trusted black car service gets you there safely and on time, with professionally-trained, insured, and drug-tested chauffeurs who’ve been thoroughly vetted by our safety team. Make sure you enjoy your concert—skip the traffic, parking nightmares, and teetotaling—we’ll drive so you can relax.

Here are our recommendations:

  • U2
    U2 is back on tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their legendary Joshua Tree album and the 40th year as a band. See them at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, on May 14, 2017.
  • Summer Concert Series at Chateau Ste. Michelle
    The Summer Concert Series at Chateau Ste. Michelle has been delighting audiences with live performances for 50 years, and this year it promises not to disappoint with Santana and John Legend topping the line-up.
  • Lady Gaga
    Lady Gaga embarks on her world tour in 2017, performing at the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, August 5, 2017.
  • Marymoor Park Concerts – Sturgill Simpson
    Don’t miss this annual concert series, featuring Grammy-winner Sturgill Simpson on Sept. 30, 2017.
  • Seattle Symphony
    If you haven’t taken in a performance lately, check out their concert dates, pick a few, and book your tickets. Enjoy their world-class music in downtown Seattle’s Benaroya Hall, one of the world’s finest concert halls.

Add chauffeured, luxury transportation to your special night. Shuttle Express offers black car/limousine service and private charters for any event; our professional chauffeurs are trained, insured, and drug tested for your safety and security. Reach us for personal booking assistance at sales@shuttleexpress.net.

5 Gorgeous Wedding Photo Spots in Seattle

March 13, 2017 By News, Newsletters Comments Off

When picking the perfect spot in Seattle for your all-important wedding photos you have many locations to choose from. As one of Seattle’s most trusted private black car services, we’ve taken part in hundreds of weddings, including getting the wedding parties to and from photo shoots, receptions, dinners, you name it.

Our wedding transportation coordinators pulled together their top suggestions for wedding photos, just to get you started.

  • Kerry Park – Kerry Park is extremely popular for professional shoots of all kinds, so beware, you may need to wait in line to get your shots. This small park, just over an acre, offers expansive views of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and Mt. Rainier.
  • Gas Works Park – You’ll get a beautiful backdrop of downtown Seattle at this historic park’s hill, located on the north shore of Lake Union. It’s located on the site of a gasification plant and features unique pieces of the old plant.
  • The Golf Club at Newcastle isn’t technically Seattle, but the views and vistas are incredible backdrops for your photos.
  • Washington Park Arboretum is 230-acres of trees, plants, and beautiful backgrounds, located on the shores of Lake Washington.
  • The Paramount Theatre, with its renovated plush interiors, is in downtown Seattle and is perfect for a glamorous, opulent background.

Bonus: Although not a specific location, areas from West Ballard up to Mukilteo offer a magnificent backdrop of the Olympics.

Planning wedding transportation? As Seattle’s local transportation experts, Shuttle Express has been a part of hundreds of weddings, transporting brides, grooms, and guests to venues all over the region for nearly 30 years. We bring transportation knowledge, professional service, and a caring attitude to your most treasured event to ensure nothing is missed.

Choose from our extensive fleet of black cars, limousines, and luxury coaches to handle each part of your wedding event. Contact us at sales@shuttleexpress.net to arrange a site visit to personally inspect our luxury fleet and to meet your coordinator.

Outrageously Good Coffee Combos

March 8, 2017 By News Comments Off

We’re always looking for new ways to enjoy our old favorites. Just for fun, our Seattle travel coordinators here at Shuttle Express went in search of some unique new coffee flavors to try. Here are the results. Enjoy!

  • Baklava Latte with honey syrup – Sweet and creamy. Yum.
  • Coffee with Bacon – Can’t get enough bacon in your life? Add it to your morning joe. Here’s an interesting bacon spice coffee recipe to try, if you dare.
  • Pineapple Coffee Combo – Okay, technically this is a cocktail, but it’s an interesting flavor combination that involves coffee. It qualifies!
  • Butter Pecan Coffee – Let’s face it, any ice cream flavor added to your coffee will probably make an outstanding drink.
  • Lavender White Mocha – We’re told the folks over at Bedlam Coffee on 2nd Avenue in Seattle make an amazing version. It’s a new flavor combo for us!
  • Poor Man’s Mocha – Mix black coffee with flavored hot cocoa, like mint or raspberry, or try throwing in some Nutella. Tasty, simple, and budget-friendly!

Need a ride to Sea-Tac Airport? Shuttle Express is here for you. As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free. So whether it’s driving you to Sea-Tac and back in a town car or private shuttle, or transporting your office team of 150 to a group event in well-appointed motor coaches, our experienced, caring team will make it happen. We’ll even stop for coffee.

Book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.


 

Seattle’s Best Kid-Friendly Hotels

March 1, 2017 By News, Newsletters Comments Off

It’s easy to find family-friendly hotels in Seattle, but with so many to choose from it’s nice to get recommendations. As Seattle’s transportation experts for 30 years, we’ve worked with hundreds of hotels, safely transporting families of all types and sizes to and from Sea-Tac Airport and around town.

Here’s a short list of five of our favorite kid-friendly hotels for families, with details to help you choose:

Alexis Hotel

  • Eclectic modern rooms large enough for cribs and extra roll-away beds
  • Kid equipment abounds here, including high chairs, booster seats, in-room child safety kits, movies, Nintendo, and nightlights
  • Babysitting services available
  • Located near kid-friendly attractions such as the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Art Museum

The Maxwell

  • Spacious rooms offer family-friendly amenities such as microwaves, mini-fridges, and sleeper sofas
  • Dogs are welcome
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Comprehensive kids program including coloring books, toys, games, and free loaner bike program
  • Near the Seattle Center and Space Needle

Mediterranean Inn

  • Comfortable, value-priced hotel close to Seattle Center
  • All rooms equipped with kitchenettes
  • 24-hour guest laundry available

Homewood Suites Seattle-Downtown

  • Features two-bedroom suites that sleep six and one-bedroom suites that sleep five
  • Offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi
  • Full kitchens in every suite

Silver Cloud Hotel Stadium

  • Great location when bringing the family for Seahawks, Mariners, or Sounders games
  • Large king suites mean plenty of room for everybody
  • Heated rooftop pool and Jacuzzi tub are both kid-friendly

As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free since 1987. We’re family-owned and family-friendly, offering shared or private service to fit your needs—and children 2 and under ride free, one for each paying adult, on our shared service!

Book online now at shuttleexpress.com.

5 Tasty Breakfast Places at Sea-Tac Airport

Hankering for breakfast while waiting for an early-morning flight out of Sea-Tac Airport? Here are our recommendations, all conveniently located in the airport’s Central Terminal.

  1. Great American Bagel Bakery
    If you’re looking for quick stop for fresh bagels or baked treats, check out this place. You’ll find several other locations throughout the airport, and breakfast is served all day.
  2. Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
    Don’t miss Beecher’s Handmade Cheese—indulge in this artisan food company’s delicious cheeses and gourmet dishes, including their famous mac and cheese (yes, for breakfast!), hot breakfast items, grilled sandwiches, and Caffé Vita espresso.
  3. Dish D’Lish
    Stop here and enjoy outstanding breakfast fare such as savory stratas made with rustic bread, eggs, and cheese, freshly-baked breakfast goodies, and a variety of hot-pressed sandwiches.
  4. Bigfoot Food and Spirits
    If you’re in the mood for a hefty brekkie before you board, check out Bigfoot’s Lumberjack Omelets, loaded with your choice of fillings. Top it all off with a Bigfoot Energy Shot.
  5. Qdoba Mexican Grill
    Qdoba Mexican Grill is an affordable option that offers fresh, healthy choices made in-house daily. The breakfast burrito is the breakfast standard, but Qdoba’s fresh menu items taste good any time of day.

Need a ride to Sea-Tac Airport? Shuttle Express is here for you. As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free. Whether we’re driving you to Sea-Tac and back in a town car or shuttle, or transporting your office team of 150 to a group event in well-appointed motor coaches, our experienced, caring team will make it happen. Book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.

Traveler’s Guide to Carry-on Essentials

If you pack lightly for airline travel, you already know that traveling “carry-on only” is the way to go—no worry that checked bags won’t make it to your destination when you do, less waiting in lines, fewer airline baggage fees. While the friendly drivers at Shuttle Express in Seattle handle your luggage for you when taking you to the airport, usually you’re on your own.

Here are some tips and tricks for packing a carry-on bag that you can live with, without sacrificing too much.

Choose the right carry-on bag.

Know the size and weight requirements for carry-ons with the airlines you travel on most, especially the smaller carriers, since they typically have less room.

Once you find a bag you like, make sure it will be comfortable to haul around and easy to get in and out of overhead bins. Backpacks and rolling duffel bags are  good options.

Choose your liquids and clothes carefully.

The one-quart plastic bag has never looked so small. So, when you’re packing your carry-on, get ruthless about what you actually need, since every single liquid item must fit in it. Some ideas:

  • Decide what you can live without—body wash, mouthwash, for example.
  • Buy the essentials at your destination, if possible—shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, sunscreen.
  • Invest in a few multi-purpose items, such as shampoo/conditioner combos.
  • Find non-liquid versions like make-up wipes versus liquid remover and bar soap instead of liquid wash. You can even find quality solid shampoos.
  • Use the hotel’s complimentary items.
  • Last resort: take a vacation from the many products you use.
  • If you’re traveling carry-on only, heed the long-standing advice to bring multipurpose clothing that can be layered and worn 20 different ways until Sunday.
  • Plan to wash clothes often.

Carry-on’s Most Wanted List:

Even if you’re checking luggage, here are items essential to a well-packed carry-on bag:

  • Cell phone and electronic device chargers
  • Earphones, e-reader, notepad and pen, anything to keep boredom at bay
  • Snacks like nuts or easily-packed fruit like bananas that can tide you over until you land
  • Lozenges or gum to ease any ear pressure or dry mouth
  • Face wipes and toothbrush to help refresh you during a long flight
  • Change of clothes if you’re checking luggage in case of lost bags or long flight delays

Need a ride to Sea-Tac Airport? Shuttle Express is here for you. As Seattle’s local airport and private transportation experts, our professional, friendly team has been at the wheel for nearly 30 years, keeping our guests safe, on time, and stress-free. So whether we’re driving you to Sea-Tac and back in a town car or shuttle, or transporting your office team of 150 to a group event in well-appointed motor coaches, our experienced, caring team will make it happen. Book online at shuttleexpress.com or connect with us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.