3 ms·

I don't get it. Doesn't every airport in the world have taxis waiting. Why would you need an app to get a taxi at an airport.

by ape4 13y ago

pkfrank 13y ago
I've had Uber drivers say not to bother using the app at LAX. They need to get a separate permit from airport officials to pick up the passenger, so it's at minimum a ~30 minute ordeal to arrange pick-up. Uber isn't right for every use-case; especially pick-ups from regulated areas where taxi stands are already prevalent.
- ewang1 13y ago
  My Uber driver just told me to request the ride when the plane touches down so he can get the permit ahead of time.
defilade 13y ago
Uber has higher-quality cars and you get to rate the drivers so they tend to be a little more polite and professional. Not that taxis can't have high-quality cars and drivers but it's more of a crap shoot.
- ewang1 13y ago
  I just came back from China and used Uber there... They have much better cars there: Audi A6L and MB E-class.
pbreit 13y ago
Well, the author's "palm-to-head moment" was going TO the airport. But even getting picked up at the airport can be a bit nicer in a town car. No line, no wondering if they take credit card, no dirty car, no tip, etc.
kelnos 13y ago
I always use Uber when arriving at SFO now. I know the pricing ahead of time (Uber does flat-rate between SF and SFO). I don't have to worry about having cash on me or getting a disapproving glare when I ask about using a credit card. I don't have to even think about calculating a tip. If my driver is rude or unsafe or anything negative, I have an easy avenue to report that without having to make a phone call, wait on hold for who knows how long, and then push my complaint into the black hole. If I'm especially tired and want to treat myself, I can order an Uber Black instead of an UberX. Hell, most UberX cars are nicer than most cabs I've seen. The only downside is that there's a short wait if I don't time the ride request just right. Since there are tons of taxis at the airport, I wouldn't have to wait taking a taxi. But the above more than makes up for this point.

I don't get it. Doesn't every airport in the world have taxis waiting. Why would you need an app to get a taxi at an airport.

by ape4 13y ago

I don't get it. Doesn't every airport in the world have taxis waiting. Why would you need an app to get a taxi at an airport.

pkfrank 13y ago

I've had Uber drivers say not to bother using the app at LAX. They need to get a separate permit from airport officials to pick up the passenger, so it's at minimum a ~30 minute ordeal to arrange pick-up. Uber isn't right for every use-case; especially pick-ups from regulated areas where taxi stands are already prevalent.

ewang1 13y ago
My Uber driver just told me to request the ride when the plane touches down so he can get the permit ahead of time.

defilade 13y ago

Uber has higher-quality cars and you get to rate the drivers so they tend to be a little more polite and professional. Not that taxis can't have high-quality cars and drivers but it's more of a crap shoot.

ewang1 13y ago
I just came back from China and used Uber there... They have much better cars there: Audi A6L and MB E-class.

pbreit 13y ago

Well, the author's "palm-to-head moment" was going TO the airport. But even getting picked up at the airport can be a bit nicer in a town car. No line, no wondering if they take credit card, no dirty car, no tip, etc.

kelnos 13y ago

I always use Uber when arriving at SFO now. I know the pricing ahead of time (Uber does flat-rate between SF and SFO). I don't have to worry about having cash on me or getting a disapproving glare when I ask about using a credit card. I don't have to even think about calculating a tip. If my driver is rude or unsafe or anything negative, I have an easy avenue to report that without having to make a phone call, wait on hold for who knows how long, and then push my complaint into the black hole. If I'm especially tired and want to treat myself, I can order an Uber Black instead of an UberX. Hell, most UberX cars are nicer than most cabs I've seen. The only downside is that there's a short wait if I don't time the ride request just right. Since there are tons of taxis at the airport, I wouldn't have to wait taking a taxi. But the above more than makes up for this point.