Shuttle Express Celebrates 31 Years of Friendly, Safe Transportation

Shuttle Express launched its guest service-focused transportation business 31 years ago with just a handful of traditional shuttle vans, pioneering the share ride service model in the Puget Sound region.

Founder and owner Jim Sherrell had a vision back in 1987: to treat travelers with the highest level of guest service and safety. He owned San Juan Airlines at the time, which had the reputation as the safest, most professional commuter airline in the country, and he believed he could transfer that same culture to his start-up transportation company. With that vision, he founded Shuttle Express on safety, integrity, respect, and care, and the same core values still drive the company today.

Shuttle Express has traveled many miles and covered a lot of ground since those early days. Here’s a quick look at the how they’ve grown!

  • Expanded their fleet to include a Luxury Share Ride Family of Vehicles, including luxury Mercedes-Benz vans, new model black cars, and SUVs
  • Added professionally-trained Business Partner Chauffeurs who bring high levels of service and care to every ride
  • Launched Business Class airport service, perfect for busy people who value their time and love outstanding service
  • Created a convenient new APP so guests can book share ride and car service in seconds, track their trips, and monitor their receipts
  • Added full-service mini- and motor coach services for groups of any size

With all the changes through the years, one thing has stayed constant: Shuttle Express’s commitment to friendly, safe transportation service. The Business Partner Chauffeurs are a perfect example. These professionals are the cornerstone of Shuttle Express service, delivering caring and safe transportation for every guest. When you ride with Shuttle Express, you can trust who arrives to pick you up: each chauffeur is hand selected, background checked, drug tested, and trained to offer safe, timely service!

Thanks to our many loyal guests over the decades, we appreciate you! We look forward to driving you for many years to come.

Gorgeous Christmas Light Displays Near Seattle

Millions of holiday lights are now twinkling throughout Puget Sound, lighting up neighborhoods and locations from north to south each night! If you’re searching for a Christmas light display near you, here’s a run-down of a few of the most popular ones to enjoy this month. If you have a group going together and you’d rather not drive, call Shuttle Express – we’ll take your party, large or small, out for the night to enjoy the show. So, sit back with your hot chocolate and let us drive!

  • Winterfest – Seattle Center, Seattle
    Nov. 24 – Jan. 1
    Check website for specific events and times
  • Garden d’Lights – Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue
    Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, 4:30 – 9:00 pm
  • Holiday with Lights – Wild Waves Theme & Water Park, Federal Way
    Select days, Dec. 3 – 31
  • Ivar’s Clam Lights – Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Renton
    Dec. 1 – Jan. 1, 5 – 9 p.m.
    Free admittance and free parking.
  • Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park, Spanaway
    Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, 5:30 – 9 p.m.
    Check site for admission fees
  • Zoolights – Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma
    Nov. 24 – Jan 1, 5 – 9 p.m.
  • The Lights of Christmas – Warm Beach Park, Stanwood, WA
    Dec 3, 7-10, 14-17, 19-23, 26-30, 2017; 5 – 10:00 pm

 

Shuttle Express drives you to the airport or anywhere with our private hourly service, even Christmas light displays! Shuttle Express is best known for our popular airport van service, but we have it all—town cars, limos, coaches, and private luxury vans and shuttles.

Our professional, friendly chauffeurs arrive on time and deliver you safely to your destination—no stress, no hassle, no problem. So, if you need airport or hourly service, relax and let Shuttle Express handle the traffic and parking! Book now at shuttleexpress.com or call 425-981-7096 to talk with our friendly agents.

21 Brilliant Ways to Use Shuttle Express Transportation

Getting where you need to go isn’t always easy, especially in Seattle where traffic congestion has reached epic levels and parking spots are elusive.

We’ve got 21 ideas on how to make life better – and none involve you driving. Shuttle Express has been around for three decades, getting busy people to where they need to go, safely and on time. Our reliable airport shuttle service gets travelers to Sea-Tac and back 24-7, and our private hourly service offers something for everybody—black car service with town cars, SUVs, and limos, private vans and shuttles, and coach service for groups.

Just to show how versatile we are, here are 21 ways our service can make your driving stress a thing of the past:

  1. Elegant town car service for two for dinner and a show in Seattle.
  2. Share ride shuttle to get your family to Sea-Tac and back – children ride FREE!
  3. Private 10-passenger van to haul you, your bike box, golf clubs, and luggage to the airport.
  4. SUV private service for the office team of five to go out for lunch. No parking hassles!
  5. Mini coach service for 28 staffers to attend training 50 miles away. One vehicle for all.
  6. Motor coach service for a conference, from Seattle to Spokane. We go anywhere!
  7. Town car service to and from your favorite party spot – we’re your perfect designated driver.
  8. Private van or car service to the Big Game.
  9. Limo or car service for an afternoon of wine tasting in Woodinville.
  10. Luxury service for a weekend of wine tasting in eastern Washington, with lots of room to store purchases.
  11. Limo for your teen’s special prom for safe transportation all night.
  12. Private 10- to 55-passenger service to the ski slopes. Bring all your friends!
  13. Coach service for your church’s annual trip to … anywhere.
  14. Mini coach service to get your kid’s soccer team to/from all their games.
  15. Commuter program for your company – keep your employees happy with shuttle service between public transportation hubs and the office.
  16. Town car service for fast, easy private airport transportation.
  17. Coach service for your group to visit Leavenworth during the holidays.
  18. Private service to the Tulip Festival in the spring, just a few friends or the whole gang.
  19. Town car service to your favorite music venue, no worries about traffic or parking.
  20. Private limo service for a stress-free, safe “girls’ night out.”
  21. Luxury limo service for the wedding party.

So, whether you’re working hard or playing hard, make life easier with transportation by Shuttle Express. Contact our sales team at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096 and see how we can help!

4 Dangerous Washington Hikes

It’s not too late for an invigorating trek through a few of Washington’s more challenging hiking spots! Check out MyNorthwest’s top four dangerous hikes and the best way to get there (hint: Shuttle Express drives anywhere, getting you and your group there safely and stress-free, no danger involved).

From rain forests to mountains to lakes, rivers and grassy meadows, it’s no wonder Washington is a hiker’s paradise. In fact, according to Washington Trail Association’s hiking guide, the state is home to nearly 3,400 trails, any of which might offer some fresh air, spectacular scenery and a good day’s exercise.

If you’re looking for a little more than a walk in the park, the state is home to several hikes waiting to challenge the adventure junkie. These four trails will have your heart pumping — both from exertion and adrenaline.

Muir Snowfield, Mt. Rainier National Park

If you’ve always wanted to tackle Mt. Rainier but haven’t any climbing experience, Muir Snowfield might just satiate your curiosity. Camp Muir — the endpoint of this spectacular hike — is as high as you can go on the mountain without a climbing permit. Beginning at Paradise, this trail is 8 miles round trip, but don’t plan on making quick progress. Until August, the trail is generally covered in snow, and with an elevation gain of nearly 5,000 feet, you’ll be huffing and puffing by the time you reach the camp. Save some energy for the last 250 vertical feet, which Washington Trail Association calls “interminable, even for strong climbers.”

Lake Constance, Olympic National Park

If you’re an avid hiker, you’re no doubt familiar with Olympic National Park, home to some of the region’s most beautiful trails. Widely known as the hardest and steepest hike in the park, the Lake Constance Route offers no mercy to novice hikers. A 5-mile hike with an elevation gain of nearly 3,500 feet, the trail can be very steep at times. Hikers will enjoy beautiful views of Constance Creek, Lake Constance, waterfalls and mountains and is best used from June to October.

Granite Mountain, Snoqualmie Pass

No one ever plans to wind up in a mountain avalanche, but if you’re traversing Granite Mountain, you’d best be prepared. In fact, Washington Trail Association recommends hikers have experience with travel in avalanche terrain before attempting the trail, which runs 8.6 miles round trip and gains 3,800 feet – nearly 1,000 feet per mile. Hikers will navigate large boulders and rocky hillside as they climb higher on the trail. Those who reach the summit will be richly rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, Kaleetan Peak and Crystal Lake.

Mailbox Peak, Snoqualmie Region

Yes, there’s a mailbox at the summit. No, it’s not easy to get to. Historically, Mailbox Peak was a hike for ultradaring (and possibly masochistic), hikers, but after massive erosion and countless injuries, the trail was rebuilt — though not for the novice. Gaining 4,000 feet in less than 5 miles (the hike is 9.4 miles round trip), you’ll huff and puff your way through nearly 4 miles of steep switchbacks. To get to the summit, you’ll traverse 960 vertical feet in only a half mile, making that mailbox a welcome sight.

Getting there

With hiking the state’s unofficial favorite pastime, you can count on these heart-pumping trails to be busy during the summer and early fall months. Parking spots can be scarce, so beat the road traffic and get on the trail as soon as possible with Shuttle Express service. With casual van service for up to 10 hikers plus gear, coach service for groups of 14 to 55 and even overnight service for weekend hikes, you can relax and enjoy your outdoor experience without worrying about traffic, parking and leaving your car. For more information, visit www.shuttleexpress.com.

Frightfully Fun Family Day Trips in October

Scare-tober in the Seattle area is chock full of family-friendly events, fun places to visit, and cool activities for groups large and small. Our sales team came up with their personal favorites to give you some ideas for your group of family or friends. Don’t want to drive? Shuttle Express takes the hassles of driving, traffic, and parking off your plate. We have vans, cars and coaches to fit any group, so don’t let Seattle’s traffic stop you from getting out and enjoying events around the Sound this fall.

Apple Fest – Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm

Plan a trip to the country and enjoy Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm’s Apple Festival in Olympia, WA! Beginning Sept. 28 and running every Saturday and Sunday in October from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Lattin’s offers something for everyone in the family: fresh-picked apple samples, bluegrass music, kids’ animal train, face painting, petting farm, pony rides, and wagon rides to their pumpkin patch.

Admission is free, but parking is $5.00 per vehicle. Planning a group visit to the farm? Book a Shuttle Express private van or coach bus so everyone can go together, plus you’ll save parking fees!

Remlinger Farms

Remlinger Farms in Carnation, WA, kicks off fall with their Fall Harvest Festival, offered every weekend in October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Experience a “Full Farm for the Full Day” and enjoy all park rides, live entertainment and attractions, tractor-drawn hay rides, and more. Before heading home, search the U-pick pumpkin patch for that perfect size for carving.

This festival is the largest in the area, with a treat menu featuring tasty options like mini donuts, pizza, burgers, hot dogs and brats, caramel apples and kettle corn. Admission is $19.75 plus tax – check out their website for all the details.

Kinderfest at Oktoberfest Northwest

Oktoberfest Northwest, an authentic Oktoberfest celebration complete with German beer, brats, entertainment, and games, features a robust kids’ fest, too. Bring the whole family the weekend of October 7-8 to Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup to experience and participate in the Kids ½ Mile Rootbeer Run (Oct. 8), games, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin decoration, airbrush tattoos, authentic May Pole dancing lessons, and authentic arts and craft projects provided by the Tacoma German Language School. Check out their website for all the details. Plan easy, safe transportation with a chartered bus or private van with Shuttle Express.

Cascade Kennel’s 5th Annual Haunted Puppy Town Family Event

Want to include your four-legged family members in the fun? Check out Cascade Kennel’s 5th Annual Haunted Puppy Town family event on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Woodinville, which not only promises fun and excitement, but also benefits local pet rescue and animal sanctuary organizations.

This annual Halloween event and fundraiser includes a costume contest for both pets and their owners, carnival games, a haunted but pet-friendly maze, agility demonstrations and lessons by Dogs in Progress, where your dog can test his skills on obstacles including tunnels, A-frames, jumps, and teeter totters. Admission is free, but donations are suggested.

Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch

Carpinito Brothers U-Pick Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze kicks off its 25th year on Friday, Sept. 29 and is open for family fun through Oct. 31st. Whether you’re looking for the best and biggest jack o’ lantern you can find, or you can’t wait to hop on the hayride or get lost in the corn maze, you’ll find it all here. Carpinito Brothers offers a unique selection of pumpkins on more than 20 acres of farmland, two different corn mazes, a farm fun yard featuring farm animals and games, hayrides, a produce stand, and delicious treats like kettle corn, roasted sweet corn, lemonade and more. Check their website for admission information.

Getting There with Shuttle Express

Start the fun at your front door and skip traffic and parking hassles. Let Shuttle Express drive! Our private service offers something for everyone – luxury cars and SUVs, large and small coaches, and private vans. We’ve got plenty of room to haul pumpkins back home, too, so make the most of your day trips and family events and book easy, safe transportation with Shuttle Express. Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096.

 

Have fun!

8 Cool Northwest Festivals You Can’t Miss

Gathering to celebrate the best food, music, art, and everything wonderful and unique about the Pacific Northwest — that’s what our festivals are all about. We have our annual favorites, from Bumbershoot to Seafair, but here are eight culturally-rich and diverse gatherings you may not have heard about. Our Shuttle Express team offered their top festival picks coming up this fall, so you won’t miss a thing. We’ll even get you there!

Tumbleweed Music Festival
Sept. 1–3, Richland, WA
Head to Eastern Washington over Labor Day weekend and enjoy acoustic music on the banks of the Columbia River. Choose from more than 75 acts on five stages and experience hand’s-on workshops on instrument playing, songwriting and dancing.

Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival
Sept. 8-10, Mukilteo, WA
Considered Mukilteo’s biggest blowout party of the year, the Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival promises food and a beer garden, music, art displays, and two fireworks displays.

Rod Run to the End of the World
Sept. 9–10, Ocean Park, WA
Interested in engines? Check out this event, featuring classic cars from Model As to muscle cars, tearing up the streets of the peninsula.

Pendleton Round-Up
Sept. 13–15, Pendleton OR
If you’re a cowboy or cowgirl at heart, plan a trip to Pendleton and enjoy an authentic Western rodeo, with bull riding and other rodeo contests, parades and more. Round up a group of friends and charter a bus, we’ll drive!

Cache Dash Splash III – Behind Bars
Sept. 15–17, Long Beach Peninsula
Ever heard of geocaching? It’s a modern-day treasure hunt, and we’ve got the perfect place for you to start this fascinating activity: the Cache Dash Splash III on the Long Beach Peninsula will have you searching and finding “treasures” while enjoying the gorgeous location.

Pacific Northwest Brew Cup
Sept. 22–24, Astoria, OR
Enjoy more than 40 brews at this family-friendly event—taste beers, listen to live music, and bring the kids for activities planned for all ages.

Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival
Sept. 23–24, Leavenworth, WA
It’s always the perfect time to visit Leavenworth, including September, when the scenery boasts leaves turning in full color. This festival offers live music, pie-eating contests, a parade, and street dances in historic downtown Leavenworth.

Trailing of the Sheep Festival
Oct. 4–8, Wood River Valley, ID
This unique festival’s mission is to gather, present, and preserve the history and culture of sheep herding in Idaho and the West. Under the theme of all things sheep, you’ll enjoy concerts, workshops, presentations, and cooking classes during this culturally-rich weekend.

 

Charter a Bus to Anywhere

As Seattle’s charter bus experts, Shuttle Express offers trusted, safe, and reliable group transportation for business or pleasure, for groups large and small. We’ll get your group anywhere in the region, whether it’s across the Sound or across the mountains. We maintain an expansive fleet of clean, comfortable mini and motor coach buses, private vans, sedans, and SUVs, perfect for day trips, overnight excursions, corporate events, family celebrations, and special occasions.

To plan your charter to your favorite festival, group event, or business meeting, contact our team at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096.

Celebrate Safely, Washington: Plan Ahead, Plan Your Ride!

Shuttle Express is proud to join forces with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) as part of its Target Zero plan to end highway deaths and serious injuries. The goal? Zero deaths and injuries caused by impaired drivers by the year 2030, because even one is too many.

Drunk, Drugs or High, It’s a DUI

Driving drunk or high is the most common factor in deadly and serious traffic accidents in Washington State, according to the WTSC:

  • 25% of drivers in fatal crashes from 2012 to 2014 were drug positive.
  • 19% were impaired by alcohol.
  • 8% of drivers were both impaired by alcohol and drugs.

Because of our commitment to safety and serving our community, Shuttle Express is helping get the word out to “plan ahead, plan your ride” in a special Labor Day promotional campaign aimed at keeping drunk or high drivers off the roads.

How to Celebrate Safely

A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can be incredibly costly—add up legal fines, attorney fees, lost work wages because you’re sitting in jail, skyrocketing insurance costs and license issues, not to mention the emotional distress, and you owe a lot of money for that one poor decision.

The best way to celebrate safely? Plan ahead, and plan your ride. If you’re going out with a group of friends, determine who will stay 100% sober and hand over the keys. This could backfire if your designated driver backs out of the deal and indulges, so the safest route is to rely on a professional service:

  • Shuttle Express Black Car Service is available any time for comfortable, reliable sedan, SUV, and limo service for any event.
  • Our professional chauffeurs are drug tested, fully insured, and discreet for your safety and peace of mind.
  • For mid- to large-sized groups, book a 10-passenger van, mini or motor coach.

Shuttle Express is Driving

Make your night out or celebration completely stress-free—leave the driving to us.

  • Book and track your car service on our new APP, quickly and easily.
  • We get you to your event or party and back home again, safely and worry-free.
  • Shuttle Express offers black car/limousine service and private charters whenever you and your friends want to kick back and enjoy yourself without worrying about driving after indulging.

Let Shuttle Express take care of the driving, traffic, and parking hassles! Reach us at our Shuttle Express sales office or call 425-981-7000.

Cheers!

Crushin’ on Washington Wine

From Vine to Wine

For winemakers and wine lovers alike, “Crush” is that magical time of year when winemakers pick the perfect time to pluck their grapes from the vine. The term usually means harvest time in the United States and refers to when the grapes are brought in from the vineyards, sorted, and then gently broken up to release the juices, which are then allowed to macerate with the skins before and during fermentation.

Crush season at wineries throughout the state, from the Rattlesnake Hills area to Woodinville Wine Country, open their doors to eager wine enthusiasts, fans, and supporters who volunteer at the wineries’ “wine camps,” to help with tasks such as sorting, stemming, and bottling. Traditional “grape stomps” are sometimes part of the fun, although most wineries now use automated crushing machines to do the work. Contact your favorite winery to see how you can help!

Washington Crush Events and Festivals

Crush events are often full-on celebrations for many wineries across Washington State including traditional grape stomps, dinners, live music and wine tasting. Check out a few of the state’s crush celebrations this year:

  • Catch the Crush Oct. 14-15, 2017
    Wineries in the Rattlesnake Hills celebrate crush with Catch the Crush, an annual event in which each winery offers its own celebration with grape stomps, harvest and crush activities, tours, live music, and wine tasting.
  • Lake Chelan Crush Oct. 7–8, 14–15, 2017
    Join the wineries in the Lake Chelan Wine as they celebrate with the annual Crush Festival. You’re invited to taste, stomp and dance your way through two wine-filled weekends, and experience a harvest party or a winemaker dinner and share in the experience of harvest season.

Take Me to the Crush!

Need a designated driver? Make your Crush celebrations completely stress-free—let us drive. We’ll get you to your event and back home again, safely and worry-free. Shuttle Express offers many services, from black car/limousine service to private charters for wine tasting or any event. You can enjoy yourself without worrying about driving after tasting a few of those award-winning Washington wines! Reach us at our Shuttle Express sales office for more info.

4 Traffic-free Getaways in Washington

Need to get away? Visit these Washington towns for peace, quiet, and plenty of fun.

If you’re dreaming of a lazy summer day without a traffic jam in sight, plan to visit one of these small towns that are within driving distance of Seattle. You’ll find charm and calm with tree-lined streets and gorgeous views. But if things get a little too quiet, check out the family-friendly events, outdoor activities, shopping, and food adventures each has to offer.

Most are easy to get to and are within a few hours’ drive of Seattle. If you are planning a group excursion or would rather not drive, Seattle’s Shuttle Express has options for charter buses and car/van service, too.

Zillah, WA

Located in the Yakima Valley, Zillah is the home of the historic Teapot Dome Gas Station—a perfect photo opp when tooling along First Avenue in this quiet, rural town. The refurbished teapot-shaped gas station was created in 1922 as a visual reminder of the Teapot Dome oil scandal that erupted during the Harding administration in the 1920s. It’s located just off I-82 in a well-maintained city park next to a firefighters’ memorial. After you’ve visited Zillah, explore the nearby Rattlesnake Hills area, which is peppered with outstanding wineries and scenery.

  • Things to do: Visit Teapot Dome Gas Station historical landmark; taste wine and tour cellars at the many wineries near town, including the popular Two Mountain Winery, Dineen Winery, and Cultura Winery.
  • How to get there: From Seattle, Zillah is a two-and-a-half-hour drive via I-90E and I-82E. Don’t feel like driving? Chartered coach service is a great option for groups of up to 55 passengers, with restroom on board the larger coaches and roomy seats. Settle in and enjoy the trip, the wine, and the peace and quiet.

Langley, WA

The quaint little town of Langley on Whidbey Island is a 20-minute ferry trip away, featuring unique and charming bookstores, antiques shops, and clothing boutiques. This small town of just under 1,100 residents offers beautiful views along with its calm vibe.

  • Things to do: Take in the many cultural and art events, such as the Island Shakespeare Festival, the various performing arts, and the art walks
  • How to get there: Just an hour north of Seattle, it’s an easy 15- to 20-minute ferry ride to Whidbey Island via the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal.

Packwood, WA

Delve into the heart of volcano country with a trip to Packwood, a remote little town surrounded by forest and just minutes away from Mount Rainier National Park to the north, with Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to the south. Packwood is nature’s playground, offering many activities for the outdoor enthusiast for every season—the perfect setting where you can relax and refresh.

  • Things to do: Visit the national parks nearby and enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and camping; check out the White Pass Country Historical Museum and see the town’s historical collection of mining and agriculture artifacts. Destination Packwood gives a run-down on the many activities for visitors.
  • How to get there: Packwood is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle via WA 410E. Don’t feel like driving? This road trip is ideal for a day trip for a group or family outing, so charter a coach to fit your group instead of sitting at the wheel. An overnight stay with our charter bus is a great option, too, giving you more time to explore the national parks nearby.

Winthrop, WA

Visit Winthrop and feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to the Old West. Winthrop is located on the North Cascades Scenic Byway in the spectacular Methow Valley, and while at times can get a bit busy during peak season, it’s usually a laid-back town where you can experience more than 120 miles of cross-country ski trails and hiking trails. Not to mention, festivals and cultural events abound here throughout the year.

  • Things to do: Hike, bike, and cross-country ski, depending on the season; visit western-themed storefronts, art galleries, and restaurants; check out the Shafer Historical Museum for a peek into the town’s history; don’t miss the R&B Festival in July.
  • How to get there: Winthrop is about a four-hour drive from Seattle, with several route options, all of which lead to Hwy 20E that takes you into town. Charter a bus for an executive retreat or a group excursion, overnight or for the weekend.

Charter Bus to Anywhere

Shuttle Express offers trusted, safe, and reliable group transportation for business or pleasure, groups large and small. We maintain an expansive fleet of mini and motor coach buses, private vans, sedans, and SUVs, perfect for day trips, overnight excursions, corporate events, family celebrations, and special occasions.

To plan your next charter to the traffic-free spots and beyond, contact our team at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096.

5 Travel Hacks for Flawless Executive Transportation

Planning travel for your executive team is often a critical part of an administrative professional’s job, but it’s not always easy juggling complicated travel details for others. The executive transportation coordinators with Seattle’s Shuttle Express offered their top five travel hacks and tips for keeping your busy executive’s business travel stress free and organized.

Use a Travel Planning Master Checklist

Save time by creating a master checklist to use every time you plan travel—add to it when a new situation or question comes up, and you’ll soon have a complete checklist that covers your executive team’s specific travel needs. Make sure any planner in your company uses the same checklist.

To get you started, here are standard questions to include:

  • What are the executive’s flight and hotel preferences?
  • Where and when are meetings and events scheduled?
  • Does the executive require WiFi on board?
  • Does the executive prefer private car service?
  • What specific information does the executive need for each meeting or event?

Create a Master Itinerary

Once you’ve booked everything, pull together the information in one document. This brings order to numerous travel details, especially if it’s a complicated trip with several components. The best way to present this is usually chronologically: what happens first, second, third, and so on. Here’s our advice on creating a simple, clear master itinerary:

  • Import all travel information into the traveler’s calendar.
  • Assemble boarding passes, confirmations, and contact info in one itinerary document. You may need to scan these in or create pdfs of some documents and merge them into one.
  • Proofread it thoroughly.
  • Provide a printed version as well as a digital itinerary in case there’s a glitch in technology (no reception, dead battery, lost mobile phone, etc.).

Prepare a Corporate Travel Crib Sheet

Predict the needs of your traveler before they happen—what info will she/he need during the trip? Create a simple cheat sheet with extra information on things such as:

  • Background on the meeting topics
  • Bios on the people your executive is meeting/working with (Google each one, for example, or pull LinkedIn info for background)
  • Helpful info on the location, if applicable, such as weather forecast or events happening in the area.

Take the Pain Out of Meeting Reports

Simply your executive’s reporting process, if possible. For example, create a “call report” template she/he can use to quickly record information following the meeting or event.

Create an Executive Travel Packet

Merge everything you’ve created into an Executive Travel Packet designed to keep your executive on time, productive, and stress free. Here’s an overview of what to include:

  • Master Itinerary, including flight times, airlines, flight numbers; hotel reservation number, contact information, and check in/out times; private car service company info, reservation number, contact number
  • Meeting and event details, including times, locations, contact info for main meeting organizer, and appropriate attire
  • Corporate Travel Crib Sheet
  • Call Report template

 

Need Experienced, Reliable Executive Transportation?

Shuttle Express drives you to the airport or anywhere! We’re Seattle’s choice for corporate transportation, getting busy people where they need to go, safely and on time. Shuttle Express has it all—sedans, limos, coaches, and private vans.

Our professional, friendly drivers arrive on time, handle your luggage, and deliver you safely to your destination—no stress, no hassle, no problem. So, if your company needs executive transportation, both airport or hourly service, relax and call Shuttle Express at 425-981-7095 or go to shuttleexpress.com for information.