Uber Rolls Out Airport-Friendly Features

Uber’s latest features aim to make airport travel less stressful and more effortless.

As passenger numbers return to pre-COVID volumes, Uber is rolling out a series of new products designed to put the “spring” back in “spring break.”

“Our goal at Uber is to help you go anywhere effortlessly,” Jen You, the company’s head of product for rides, wrote in a blog announcement, tipping a newly expanded Uber Reserve service.

The company in 2016 launched Scheduled Rides, inviting folks to secure a lift as far as 30 days in advance; during the pandemic, Uber changed the name and added an option to choose a favorite driver. Now, it’s built in an extra two months’ lead time, so users can book rides up to 90 days in advance—with upfront price and driver details.

“Plus, we’ve expanded availability for Uber Reserve across most of the US and Canada,” the blog said, “so you can reserve the ride that best fits your budget, luggage, and group size.”

Before that can happen you need to find your chariot, which is where the app’s new step-by-step directions come in. Follow the instructions from your gate to the Uber pickup area at more than 30 airports, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Fort-Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

The wayfinding function also offers specific directions at a handful of international airports like Bangalore, Calgary, Delhi, Hyderabad, London, Madrid, Melbourne, Mexico City, Paris, Rome, São Paulo, Sydney, and Toronto, with more locations added “in the coming months.”

Add to that new walking ETAs—coming soon to more than 400 global airports—which help users estimate the distance between their gate and baggage claim, and the exclusive Business Comfort ride option for those traveling for work.