It's economics: when it's raining, cabs will pass on a long-haul fare in order to pick up half a dozen or more short-hauls in the same 60-90 minutes. Especially

It's economics: when it's raining, cabs will pass on a long-haul fare in order to pick up half a dozen or more short-hauls in the same 60-90 minutes. Especially in Manhattan, a cab in the rain will never be empty, so they're guaranteed fares and tips that will add up to more than the fare + $5 or whatever the average airport tip is. I don't see this as so very different from Uber raising prices in response to demand. As others have pointed out: get in the cab first next time to avoid disappointment. And don't ask, tell the driver where you're going.