UBER has released a slew of new features that will make holiday travel a breeze and save riders some cash.
The ride-sharing app is working overtime to make trips to and from the airport smooth and cheap.
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According to AAA, Thanksgiving this year will be a historic day for travel, with about 79.86 million people expected to travel for the holiday celebrations.
About 71.74 million of them will be driving, so finding the best road trip plan is key.
To maximize efficiency, Uber has introduced several new features that can help with trips on one of the busiest holidays of the year.
Travelers with large bags of luggage may want to request a brand new UberXXL when they head to the airport.
The cars have ample space for extra luggage and comfortable seating for large groups.
In addition, it is available in more than 60 airports around the world.
UberX Share offers travelers the opportunity to save money by sharing a ride to the airport.
This feature reduces prices by up to 25%, and there will only be a maximum of one passenger in the car.
Uber Reserve's planning-ahead program ensures that you'll be at the airport with plenty of time to get to your gate by allowing you to book in advance.
The new feature will provide minute-by-minute trip updates and allow drivers to cancel previously booked trips if the trip is canceled or delayed.
Uber designed a home screen widget for iPhones that alerts users of any updates as soon as they unlock their phone.
This way, passengers can book a flight with just two clicks and get flight updates directly on their home screen.
One of Uber's most exciting new services is a shuttle service to New York City's LaGuardia Airport.
This shuttle costs just $18 and departs from three locations in midtown Manhattan.
Uber's new features
Uber has introduced several new features ahead of the busy holiday season. They include:
- UberXXL – vehicles with more trunk space that the company insists are ideal for trips to the airport
- UberX Share at airports – so you can pay a lower fare on your way to your destination
- New Uber Reserve features – to allow ridesharing customers to schedule airport trips in advance
- Updates to the Uber Shuttle service at LaGuardia Airport – which allows people to take advantage of a shared ride from Manhattan to the airport
- iPhone Home Screen Widget – To request a ride directly from your phone's home screen
Currently, the service is only available in New York City, but Uber plans to expand it to other major cities.
Rideshare users were outraged when they realized they would have to foot the bill for a recently passed congestion fee in the Big Apple.
Under the new law, drivers will pay $9 each time they travel through Manhattan's congestion relief zone, which covers 60th Street and below.
However, Uber and Lyft users will only get an extra $1.50 on their bills if they pass through busy streets.
Meanwhile, taxi passengers will pay just 75 cents for the fine.
To make the most of holiday travel, drivers should know the 20 “highways from hell” before they hit the roads this Thanksgiving.
