American Airlines is partnering with ride sharing service Uber to help passengers to get from home or work to the airport and back.
The companies say they are working together to provide passengers faster service, better airport navigation, rider promotions and mileage promotions.
Possibly the main benefit is that American passengers booking Uber will be able to find out where to get the ride.
American’s app now has functionality to guide passengers to the nearest Uber pick-up point at 11 major US airports.
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- Chicago O’Hare International (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International (JFK)
- New York’s LaGuardia (LGA)
- Philadelphia International (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
- San Francisco International (SFO)
- San Jose International (SJC)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
American’s passengers can also set a reminder for a Uber ride. After booking their flights on aa.com, American will send the e-ticket confirmation via email, and the passenger can click on the “Remind me to Uber” icon to set a reminder for their ride.
Passengers not currently signed up for Uber can get up to $20 off their next Uber trip when they register their account and use promo code RIDEAA.
Scott Hinshaw, American’s director – Partner Marketing:
“We’re excited to partner with the only global ride sharing service to offer customers exactly what they’re asking for – a seamless travel experience, whether they’re in the sky or on the ground. By working together, we can provide a service that allows customers to request their Uber ride to the airport in step with their itinerary and know where to meet their Uber driver after their flight lands.”
Will AA go worldwide with the Uber partnership?
Uber is basically an app that connects passengers with drivers. It takes a cut of each fare. It has gained popularity as fares can be cheaper than traditional taxis.
Uber is facing huge opposition from traditional cab drivers and politicians in many countries, including France and the UK, and has been banned in some countries, like South Korea.
Problems include safety, experience, licensing and tax issues.
Today Uber agreed to pay $28.5 million in damages in Californa and to ‘avoid using certain language in safety-related advertising as well as the term Safe Ride Fee.’
It will be interesting to see if American supports this Uber Partnership worldwide or just in selected locations.
N.B. Image credit: nypost.com
