Warning: keep your wits about you when flying into FLL

[CwS1967]

A word of warning.  Took a HAL cruise, mid January, which meant flying into FLL, I would like to warn others of some very shady and dishonest taxi services operating at the airport. On arrival, at around 6:30 pm, it was a complete madhouse with dozens of people waiting for Uber rides. It took about 25 minutes just to locate a driver and the app said it would be another 20-25 minutes for arrival. I decided to take a taxi instead. Making my way to the taxi stand I was directed to a taxi and before i knew it my suitcase was in the trunk and door held open for me. It was crowded, and I was tired from the flight and early wakeup. Once moving I suspected something was wrong and at the hotel the driver did not pull up to the front door but stopped in a dark area off to the side, citing congestion at the entrance. He then said the fare was $112.00. After some screaming at him and him obviously not wanting to attract attention, he took the $60 I threw at him and he quickly left.  Another couple related their experience and the $120 fare they paid. 
I felt stupid and ashamed ( easy mark, with suitcase and a walker) that I let this happen to me as I travel a lot but it all happened so quickly.. just telling you this to warn you to be careful..The Uber, due to time and need,  would have been $45.00. The hotel was about a 20 minute drive from the airport in rush hour traffic.

[Suzanne123]

I’m so sorry that this happened to you. I have had more than a few “bad” taxis in FLL, so I wait for an Uber or book a shuttle.  I think you’re correct.  They prey on older solo travelers.  No need to feel ashamed or embarrassed.  You are not the problem. 😊

Thank you for the warning.

[Pyrate13]

That's just awful, but it's not the first time I've heard of this at FLL. I can't understand why the city and/or the airport are letting this go on. Seems to me there would be ways to put a stop to this.

[Cienfuegos]

Fort Lauderdale's taxi situation at several terminals has been a problem for years, maybe decades. It is a stain on an otherwise reasonably well run airport.

 

Many other, busier airports with multiple terminals have mastered the supervision process. Newark Liberty, for example, has a taxi holding area. Taxi cabs are sent to the "taxi line" at each terminal. The taxi starters hand each passenger a card with the taxi's number on it, and typical meter charges to various areas in the region.

 

It's not difficult to resolve, but many things in Florida seem resistant to practical, safe solutions.

[nhraformula00]

You should of grabbed your luggage and called the police. Take a picture of the cab and liscense plates and make him wait.

[Cienfuegos]

10 hours ago, nhraformula00 said:

You should of grabbed your luggage and called the police. Take a picture of the cab and liscense plates and make him wait.

The original post said the luggage was in the trunk. That would give the driver an upper hand in discussions about the fare, etc

 

Pulling over into a dark area near the hotel certainly sounds like an effort at intimidation.

[CwS1967]

10 hours ago, nhraformula00 said:

You should of grabbed your luggage and called the police. Take a picture of the cab and liscense plates and make him wait.

 

[CwS1967]

It happened so quickly and there were two people involved.. i use a walker and they-took advantage of that. I got in the taxi because I felt like he would take off with my suitcase if I didn’t. I also made an attempt to take a photo of his license but instead of putting back in the cup holder he placed it around his neck.  He showed me the airport ride fee and would not give me an approx cost….   By this time he was already in traffic.

[CwS1967]

The other party were two ladies and they were charged $120… they paid it . I, on the other hand, went a little ballistic on the guy.. He finally said give me $80 and I threw $60 at him.. we were starting to draw attention from a nearby outdoor restaurant at the hotel so he just wanted to be gone. 

[horseymike]

This is totally unacceptable. It should be reported to the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs. 
It may take a little time , but my experience is that they follow through on any price gouging that takes place at any time.