A. Harrington Limousine Service

The New HLS NJ Event Directory Will Help Get Your Event Noticed!

2011-07-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Looking for fun things to do in NJ this Summer? Look no further than our facebook page www.harringtonlimo.facebook.com and follow us on twitter @aharringtonlimo

We'll be keeping you up to date with what's going on in New Jersey as we hear it from our friends and fans.

Hosting a NJ event? Share it with us! We'll add it to our directory ASAP. So why not let us know what's going on in YOUR neighborhood today!

Let Us Help You Plan the Perfect Evening This Valentines Day

2010-01-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

(click on image to enlarge)

Looking for a super easy way to WOW your Valentine?

Our friends at Martin & Son Jewelers took the work out of it for you!

Friday January 22, we will be at their beautiful new Metuchen location with our gorgeous 1979 Rolls Royce offering EXCLUSIVE discounts for your next "Night on the town"!

You'll also meet our friends from 2Chicks with Chocolate, Skin by Nicole Day Spa,

& The Traveling Vineyard.

What To Expect As The T.S.A. Tightens Up Airport Security

2010-01-04T11:48:00.000-08:00

The best way to prepare for the new security measures at the airport? Pretty much as you did for the old rules, experts say.

Here's what the NY Times had to say this New Years Day on the subject:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/02/us/02bags.html

So, until the Body Scanners arrive, (see video on WPIX) http://www.wpix.com/news/local/wpix-newark-scanners,0,3650633.story

Let's all be smart and follow the rules of 3-1-1 as explained by the T. S .A. on http://www.tsa.gov/311/

Here's an interesting article about body scanners http://http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/rightsandfreedoms/a/fullbodyscan.htm

Free waiting lot at Philadelphia International opens Friday 12-18-09

2009-12-19T03:57:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia International Airport Friday will officially open a new cell phone waiting lot, where motorists can park for free while waiting for arriving passengers.
The lot has space for 150 vehicles and costs about $500,000 to construct, which was paid for out of airport funds, not general tax revenue.
Motorist can get to the lot, which is on airport property, by entering the airport on the “Arriving Flights” roadway, then following the sign for Rental Car Return and then the sign for Return to Terminal which leads to the lot.
The lot will open at 1 p.m. on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Winterizing Your Car Tips (from my Wife! )

2009-12-18T06:35:00.000-08:00

So, my wife is on a mission to speak to the world (her new "thing"). Me being the smart husband, I welcome it! Our Blogs may seem to take on a whole new approach, put your seat belts on guys, she's no wall flower when she writes! Enjoy...

Winterize your car ??? You say? Harsh winter weather is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to prep your car for snow, sleet & all those cold and nasty conditions that are coming ready or not

Don’t get me wrong, this does NOT need to be an expensive task, and Ladies, straight from my helpful hubby…you don’t need to ask your husband for help!

Here’s the Must Do list before ‘ol man winter rears his less than pretty side:

1. Check your tire treads. Dull tires make slippery roads worse! If you live in “snow country” you already know this though.

2. Get your battery checked! Make sure that it charges correctly, and that the terminals are clean.

3. Do yourself a favor when you KNOW it’s going to snow overnight, lift your windshield wiper blades, and lay either a couple large boxes on the outside of your windshield, or a good heavy tarp. Lay your wipers back down. In the AM, you’ll have a MUCH easier time removing snow or ice with a simple tug of the tarp!

4. Check antifreeze levels, this may seem like a no brainer, but we’ll assume you didn’t know.

5. Essentials; and some you may never have thought of. Duct tape; a great easy way to hold & seal just about anything that breaks (temporarily). A locking wrench aka vise grip; will help you remove a broken lug nut, or if you pulled the cable off your hood release, you could grab the cable with your handy dandy vise grip!

6. You should be really familiar with how to change a tire; where the jack is, where the spare IS. I know “full grown men” who have no idea how to change a tire. Make your Momma proud and LEARN!

7. Learn how to jump start your car. Some cars, like a certain Cadillac…don’t have the battery located under the hood (instead it was under the rear seat which is difficult to access to jump it.

Again, I’m going to go out of a limb here, in case you forgot, make sure you have a hammer, de-icer, flashlight, spare batteries, and a BLANKET.

**Rest easy, our more than competent chauffeurs at A. Harrington Limousine Service do know what to do should an emergency occur.

Delta Check in Terminal Changes at JFK Airport

2009-12-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

Important information regarding terminal check-in changes for Delta at JFK that became effective December 1, 2009.

Highlights include the following:

Terminal 2

International Business & Domestic First Class including London, Los Angeles & San Francisco

Medallion & SkyTeam Elite fliers

Terminal 3

All other check-in not served by T-2 or T-4

Terminal 4

International Business Elite & Economy to the following destinations only:

Amsterdam

Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin)

Tokyo

Jamaica (Montego Bay, Kingston)

For more online updates, please refer to the following delta.com pages to reflect recent changes:

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/airport_information/index.jsp

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/airport_information/airport_maps/newyork_jfk.jsp

Hassle Free Holiday Shopping Transportation

2009-11-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

Planning on shopping on Black Friday? Love the bargains but hate the hassle of traffic, parking and carrying all those purchases?

Then let A. Harrington Limousines Services's professional chauffeurs remove the hassle of shopping after Thanksgiving. We will pick you up at home, drive through the traffic as you relax in the back, and drop you right at the front door of your favorite NJ stores and malls. We'll even come get your packages and take them out to the vehicle as you continue to shop.

If you split the fee with a couple of your favorite shopping pals, all this convenience can be enjoyed for a low special discount ! Just call us for your private discount.

Dont delay. Call us today at: 800-458-LIMO to book your personal Black Friday shopping chauffeur from A. Harrington Limousine Service.

Limo to Lunch

2009-06-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

How cool would it be if when lunch time rolled around and you and a few of your friends decided that you were going to go out for lunch and the was a BIG SHINNY BLACK LIMOUSINE waiting for you right outside to take you and your friends to lunch wait for you and then bring you back. Hey in addition there would be no waiting at the restaurant and you would be treated like a star. Now would that be cool or what?

Well we are on a mission to pilot this program in the Edison, South Plainfield and Piscataway areas of NJ

So if you know anyone who can authorize the program at their restaurant in the areas we had mentioned above let me know"

Smile as you give back

2009-06-02T03:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that every day we take and take and take but when was the last time you gave? I mean take a look at your day and whatever it is that you do if you walk up to someone at work and ask them for something, anything, you are taking something away from them, that’s right their time. Now granted this may be their role in the job that they have in relation to what you do but have you ever just brought a co worker a cup of coffee/ water anything to their desk just because you saw them working there? Or how about hey I am running to the deli to pick up lunch can I get you anything? These are just simple acts of kindness that go much further than their actions themselves. The last two little tid bits I would like to share is to care, no not how are you doing? but REALLY how are you doing! To greet people in a positive and more pleasant way. We all know who we are, we are the ones who don’t look up at anyone when we walk in or barely say anything if we do. So the next time you walk in to a room say HI! and mean it regardless of what happened to you 5 minutes ago. You are in a totally new place where no one there knows that you were stuck in traffic for the last half hour or that you had a argument with your friend, so try to turn it around and you may feel just a little bit better than you did the day before and this can spread throughout an office like wild fire. Make you day more fun!

Computer problems?

2009-04-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever really sat down and said to yourself if the server in my office were to die what could I do? Can you take care of your clients? Can you respond to email? Can you do any of your work?

Well let me tell you that it is not a pretty sight. You make sure that you are up to date on the virus protection software, and that you do a back up every night. So if your server crashed what would you back up to? Do you have another server that could take its place? This can be a terrible nightmare and countless hours of frustration if you are not prepared. I would strongly recommend an online back up system that will constantly back you up. Now no matter at what time your hard drive/s decide to go on vacation you are still backed up and the can restore to the spare hard drive/s that you keep in the safe spot. that is just one of the things that you should be ready for. If you would like more information go to our friends at Tekpro Systems

“Swine Influenza and You.”

2009-04-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

“In response to an intensifying outbreak in the United States and internationally caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin, the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a ‘strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.’

“The United States Government has declared a public health emergency in the United States. CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. CDC is issuing and updating interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation.”

See http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm for full details on “Swine Influenza and You.” Also see www.ustravel.org for the latest information from the U.S. Travel Association.

Take note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website www.cdc.gov will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Meanwhile, stay informed, remember these tips on staying healthy from the CDC, and remind your employees to do the same!

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC if needed.

So you are getting Married

2009-04-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

1. Consult our website www.harringtonlimo.com to find all the information that you may need and if you don't see what you are looking for just call 800-458-5466 as we are here to help you.

2. Determine the number of people you are transporting. Limousine companies typically quote the number of permitted passengers in their vehicles based on guidelines from the manufacturer. Typically, the manufacturer quotes a gross weight on the vehicle (FMVSS requirements) and a number of passengers based on 150 pounds per passenger. Unless you have extremely thin men in your party, booking the maximum number of people in the limousine will be extremely uncomfortable. For example, a six-passenger limousine is normally stretched between 65 and 70 inches. The vehicle is cut in half, stretched 65-70 inches, then finished by the manufacturer. This is comfortable for four adults. So lesson #1 is do NOT book the limousine to its maximum capacity. Instead, rent a larger limousine or rent more than one limousine. Some limousine companies also have stretched SUVs or 28-passenger mini-coaches. Never underestimate how warm and uncomfortable formal clothing is and how much worse its wearers can feel in close quarters. Also keep in mind that the A/C manufactures say that under extream conditions the system will only cool down the vehicle by 10%. That means if it is 90 degrees out it may only cool the vehicle down to 81. So keep the amount of people in mind.

3. Many limousine operators use their colleagues to handle multi-vehicle charters. Ask your contact if another company will be working with them on your wedding day. Do your same due diligence on the other company. If you are not satisfied with the professionalism of the farm-out company, go to an operator who can manage the entire wedding charter.

4. Timing: Weddings do not normally go off with military precision. Rent the limousine for at least an extra hour beyond the expected schedule. Have the limousine come 15-30 minutes early (at A. Harrington Limousine Service the vehicles always show up 10 to 15 minutes early) to allow extra time for pictures. Receiving lines take 25 minutes per 100 people and photographers take much more time then you probably figure. It is extremely stressful on everyone if you have left inadequate time for your charter.

5. Limousine operators often have more than one event to service in a day. Do not assume you can add time to your charter on your wedding day. Spend a few dollars more so your limousine is guaranteed for all of the hours you require.

6. Visit the limousine operator from whom you are renting the vehicle(s). Ask for references. Insist on a written contract within one week of leaving your deposit. Consider using a major credit card if you are unfamiliar with the company you have chosen.

7. As much as possible, keep alcohol out of the limousine. Drinkers -- plus excitement and formal clothing -- can be a recipe for disaster.

8. Consider hiring a van or full-size sedan to be on hand as a "designated driver" vehicle for those guests who may not have used their best judgment during the wedding reception.

9. A chauffeur should be tipped between 15 and 20 percent of the total charge. ALL chauffeurs prefer a cash gratuity. If the chauffeur has treated you well, tip him/her handsomely and be sure to call the owner. If the chauffeur has NOT delivered good service, inform the owner as well.

10. Breakdown: Limousines are machines. They unfortunately get flat tires and hoses and seals rip like any other vehicle. Unless you rent a "backup vehicle", most companies will have to scramble to transport you should there be a problem. Ask your limousine professional what system he/she has in the event of a problem.

Prom Tips for Teens

2009-04-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

Prom night is one of the most anticipated nights on the teen calendar. From preparing her fancy dress, hair and makeup to ordering expensive flowers, every girl would like to make this night special. A ride in a limousine to the big event can do just that and more; transforming prom night into an extraordinarily memorable and enchanting evening.

But not all transportation companies are created equally. In fact, sometimes, chartering a limo from a poor quality company can ruin the entire night, which is why the experts at the National Limousine Association have a few tips on chartering professional and reliable chauffeured transportation:

1. Talk to your friends early. The demand for transportation during the spring season can be overwhelming when so many others are chartering transportation for prom, graduation, and even weddings! Talk to your friends early and decide who will be in your limo group, so that you can book your reservations and get the vehicle you want.

2. Show up in style. A unique chauffeured car will definitely set you apart from the rest. There are many styles available such as stretch limos with special interiors, sedans and party buses. Depending on the number of people you will have in the car, you may want a certain make or model. Choose something that suits your mood and shows you off. Consult www.nlaride.com to get a list of all the transportation professionals in your area, so you can check out what types of vehicles are available to you.

3. Allow time to take lots of pictures. You’re definitely going want some memories, so plan for everyone to meet up for pre-prom at one location (make sure the limo company and the chauffeur have the address and directions). This will eliminate wasting time that can be used for taking pictures and enjoying your friends. You can even ask the driver to position the chauffeured vehicle to be a part of the shot.

4. Ask about the perks. Some companies provide food, beverages, and tunes for the ride over to the party. Ask in advance about the amenities that are available, such as sparkling cider to toast the night away. Also ask about the type of music available – be prepared to take some mix CDs that will have enough music for the whole ride so that you have the coolest music for the special night!

5. Extend the night. Don’t forget that there is always a post-prom party. Remember to book your ride for a few extra hours to ensure you have time to have a great time! Most importantly, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Prom Tips for Parents

2009-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

Prom night is one of the most anticipated nights on the teen calendar. From the moment your son or daughter find their date, to the moment he or she shows up at the door, every moment needs to count towards making the night both safe and special. Though you may worry about your child staying out late on prom night, hiring a chauffeured car for the most important social event of the year can transform prom night into an extraordinarily memorable, safe and enchanting evening for your teenager and offer the parent the peace of mind to make it through!

The National Limousine Association provides these five tips when you hire a transportation service for your teenager’s big night:

1. Ask the transportation company for the Prom Promise. This is a document that teens sign in agreement of not drinking or taking drugs on prom night. Many limousine and chauffeured transportation companies offer this contract as a way to give parents an outlet to discuss the importance of safety on prom with their teens.

2. Give the transportation company a curfew. That’s right; the chauffeur will abide by any rules you set forth, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour. This is a great way ensure your kids make it home on time, no excuses.

3. Check with industry associations to make sure the company you choose is reputable. Organizations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. If you are still stuck, consult www.nlaride.com. The National Limousine Association’s website lists limousine professionals by community. Consumers can compare services, pricing, vehicle availability and receive non-binding online price quotes.

4. Set some ground rules. As the parent, you have the right to tell the transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example, you can ask that the chauffeur keep the privacy screen down for the entire ride, so that he/she has a full grasp of what your kids are up to. If any of your rules are broken, the chauffeur can turn the car around and bring your kids home.

5. Remember to sit back and relax. A reputable company hires drivers with proper training and licensing. Theses chauffeurs are used to carting around excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control.

HLS Refer-A-Friend Promotion

2009-04-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

There is no better time than now to take advantage of our exclusive Refer-A-Friend program!

Introduce a friend to us and you will receive a 15% "Discount Certificate" - redeemable after their first use. Even better, your friend will receive a 10% discount.

To take advantage of this amazing offer, print your Refer-A-Friend coupon now. Click Here

Get internet access even when you are away.

2009-03-31T14:10:00.000-07:00

Did you ever take that trip but worried about what is going on at work, like will I get my emails or what if I need something from my computer at work. Well lucky for you, most cell phone carriers like Verizon will let you add the service on to your existing cell phone for a minimal fee so that you can teather your cell phone to your laptop and obtain internet access.

The best part of this is that you dont have to sign a contract just call and have them add it on to your account and then when you come back call again and have them remove the service. Its that easy.

Bridal Showcase: Sunday April 19, 2009

2009-03-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

A. Harrington Limousine Service

Uniformed Chauffeurs Since 1923

A. Harrington Limousine Service cordially invites you to visit us at the next Bridal Showcase!

What: WeddingSetGo Bridal Showcase
Where: Rutgers University, New Brunswick - College Avenue Gym
When: Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Time: Doors open 12 p.m.

Come meet our staff, check out our vintage 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II, and enter to win a free vehicle rental of your choice for your upcoming wedding!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our Luxury Fleet Includes:

Lincoln Town Car “L” Series Sedans
Cadillac DTS w/ Chrysler 300 Executive “LWB” Sedans
Cadillac 6/7 Passenger Limousines
Lincoln 8 Passenger Luxury Stretch Limousines
7 Passenger SUVs w 14 Passenger Luxury Minibus
1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II

Get there Cheaper..or more stressed?

2009-03-08T08:06:00.001-07:00

Have you ever thought about how you get there? what is there? there is to wherever you are going to that is important. Let us take for example the most common trip, hey to the airport thats common or atleast amongst the business traveler. Have you ever really done the math? If I drive myself: I drive to the aiport and now need to find somewhere to park for cheap right? Ok so I go to the other end of the world so I only pay lets say $24 a day and if you are going for three days there is $75. But then there is the wait for the shuttle to take you from there to the terminal so did you give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes for this little trip.(what is that worth?) ok thats all over and you are at the terminal, waiting in line to check in. So that was the easy part but now you come back in after your flight was delayed for some reason or another and the airline lost your one bag. It is now 10pm you must be tired and a little stressed and why? WHY because the airline wasnt on time and they didn't know what they did with your luggage and you took that later flight which got delayed only so you stay a little longer with that client to make sure when you got back your boss didn't get all over your case because the client called after you left to say that he felt that you were rushing off and didn't spend enough time to resolve any problems. but thats ok because you are home, not yet... now you need to wait for a shuttle that comes every 15 minutes or so to get you back to the parking lot on the other side of the world and you just missed the last one so now you wait... You get on the shuttle and get back to the lot now its almost 11pm you wonder around for few minutes looking for your car then you pop the trunk open the door stick the key in and you say to yourself ok I am done I'll be home soon, only to find out that you left the lights on and the car is dead. You are so exhausted already so you get out of the car and walk a half mile or so to the exit of the parking lot to see if someone can give you a jump. So the person at the booth calls the supervisor who you need to wait for who comes down after lets say 10 minutes and asks "so what seems to be the problem?" So you explain and he calls a TOW COMPANY to help you who will be there in 15-20 minutes to give you the simplest thing in the world a jump start. Now its Midnight and you have gotten your car started and you are on your way home and that is after you paid the tow guy another $50.

Now this doesnt happen all the time but let me paint another picture

How about in the morning you look out the window and you see a car waiting for you, you walk out side someone is there to great you and take your luggage, helps you in the car and you are off to the airport. Now sit back and relax and read the paper. Upon your return the chauffeur will watch your flight for delays so that you are not over charged for waiting time, help you with your luggage and take you to the car that is already running and waiting for you. No chance of a dead battery here. Then the chauffeur takes you home so sit back and enjoy the ride or take a nap. Hmmm which would you preffer? www.harrington limo.com

Fly Through Airport Security

2009-03-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Did you know that we are now linked with "Clear"

Clear is a high-tech card that gives you access to express security lines at participating airports across the country. There’s no need to arrive at the airport hours early. Clear members only require a few minutes to pass through security. All that time saved means you can sleep a little longer, arrive a little later, or give your best client a few extra minutes of your time. this also mean so much less stress, and all this is brought to you with a discount if you go through our website

Bridal Expo Announcement

2009-01-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, January 18 we will be attending The Heldrich Bridal Show at 1:30 p m. Click here for more information via their website.

NEW to our fleet!
Our luxurious 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II will comfortably accommodate up to 4 people, especially the Bride and Groom.

Your wedding day is too important to trust it to anyone other than the area's best, most reliable and professional limousine service.

A Wedding Day to Remember!

Brides-to-be depend on A. Harrington Limousine Service to make their wedding day truly special.

Wonderful Wedding Memories!

We take pride in making your wedding flawless and filled with wonderful memories for years to come by providing safe, luxurious transportation. We offer the widest selection of luxury sedans, stretch limousines, sport utility vehicles, and minibuses, available.

Our preferred wedding vehicles are:

Our luxurious 1979 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II will comfortably accommodate up to 4 people, especially the Bride and Groom.

Reserve our Black 120" Stretch Limousine and get Red Carpet Service and a bottle of champagne, upon request.

See what some of our customers have said about us! Contact us for more information at : reservations@harringtonlimo.com

The trials and tribulations of the frequent flyer

2009-01-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

It seems like every time that I go to the airport, it gets worse and worse.

Over the last year, the price of an airline ticket has skyrocketed, they charge fees for everything, and security takes longer and longer to get through.

Then there’s the stress of getting to and from the airport. With the amount of money that you’re spending for your ticket, luggage fees, etc., it’s smart to try to save a few dollars by trying to get your own ride there and back. But imagine this: at the very last minute, your ride cancels on you-a family emergency. Or maybe it’s car trouble. Perhaps an appointment ran longer than expected.

Sure, you could also drive your own vehicle each way and park in an airport parking lot. You would spend upwards of $20 a day to park in long term parking (plus convenience fees, valet fees, gas surcharge fees). You then have to drag your luggage through the parking lot, on and off of the shuttle, and into the terminal. And that is assuming that you are able to find a parking lot that isn’t full (which is next to impossible around the busy holiday travel season)! By taking your own vehicle there, you risk vandalism, or even auto theft.

After a stressful trip back home, full of delays, the last thing that anyone wants to do is drag their luggage back out to the parking lot to find their vehicle damaged or worse, gone.

Save yourself the headache! For less than the price of leaving your vehicle in the parking lot, you could have a new model vehicle at your home- 15 minutes early- driven by a courteous chauffeur who will assist you with your heavy luggage and drop you off at the terminal entrance! While we can’t take away the delays, A. Harrington Limousine can take the stress out of your ground transportation!

New to this internet social world

2009-01-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, I admit, I am a bit of a geek, but when a friend of mine told me about blogging, I said "what ing ?" Sounds like a dance ! So here I am! And I'm not dancing!! Lucky you.

The new A. Harrington Limousine Service Blog is going to connect you with our world. You will be able to get an inside look at the world behind the luxury! Know how the cobblers kids always have holes in their shoes? Well, my family hardly ever takes a limo anywhere... the DOG on the other hand DOES! That's my wife's doing....thanks dear!

So get ready to have fun, and maybe learn a thing or two about taking care of your car when you can't use a car service (imagine that) or find some beautiful places to vacation to, and a whole lot more. Thanks for reading, I'll try to keep it fun.