Shuttles from airports

It sounds appealing, doesn't it? Let a hotel or parking agency pick you up at the airport with a shuttle. It might even be free.

The way it has worked -- at least every single time for us over the last decade -- is anything but easy.

Airport shuttles cost you many minutes, and even though they are often free or at a nominal charge, it would almost always be faster for you to use public transit if available, or call a taxi.

I've never seen a shuttle run on time or function like the web site promises.

First, there is often - closer to always - confusion about where you should stand outside the airport to be picked up. Each airport shuttle has a designated spot where it picks up passengers.

Second is the wait. Even when you call the hotel or parking agency and you are assured that the driver is on the way, there seem to be reliable communication problems between the hotel and the driver, and the driver is not on the way.

I rank airport shuttles even with baggage claim in terms of excellent ways to waste a profound amount of time.

If you're not in a hurry and it sounds convenient, by all means plan for the airport shuttle. But be aware that it will delay you at least 30 minutes, and you might wait an hour or more. If you're OK spending that time curbside instead of starting your vacation or getting on the road home, go ahead.