When Uber arrived on the tech scene in 2009, the concept was promising. Getting from A-to-B, particularly outside of regular public transport hours, could be an expensive and stressful experience. As a result, the company’s offer of fast, reliable journeys saw it soon become one of the most valuable start-ups in the world.
Much more followed, and the Uber used by millions of busy travellers in cities worldwide today is very different from earlier versions. In addition to regular five-door cars, users can now order executive vehicles, extra-large cars, and even boats along the River Thames to explore the waterway between leafy south-west London and the popular attractions in Greenwich.
So, what’s next? The skies, of course. As of Wednesday 10 May, Uber is launching flight bookings in the UK, allowing app users to book airfares through a new transport feature.
Best of all, the new feature allows users to book end-to-end travel to a destination – so a car, coach or train is ready and waiting once off the plane.
The development is in collaboration with online travel agent Hopper and includes domestic and international flights for UK users.
To book a flight, just log onto the app and discover the transport feature, which then requires travel document information and details on the route of the flight. When flights are booked with a major carrier, there is the option to select seats in the app. Pay as usual, and voila – that adventure you’d been dreaming of is ready.
In a statement, General Manager at Uber UK, Andrew Brem, said, “We’re incredibly pleased to introduce flight bookings as the latest addition to Uber’s suite of travel booking options. Perfect for business travellers and tourists alike, our new functionality will make the booking and managing of air travel simple and stress-free, with the booking process taking as little as one minute in the Uber app. Over the last 12 months with the addition of rail, coach and now flight bookings, Uber is truly a one-stop travel solution.”
Frederic Lalonde, CEO and Co-Founder of Hopper, noted, “Through our B2B initiative, Hopper Cloud, we can seamlessly integrate both our travel inventory and fintech products into the Uber ecosystem. The addition of flights to the Uber app is a big win for UK consumers who are looking for an easier way to book travel. This new partnership will offer Uber users choice, transparency and flexibility when booking flights, all in the same place they are already booking their other transportation.”
So all that's left for you to do is book that trip; to the airport and far, far, beyond.
There’s just one thing on our minds, though. Where next? Space, perhaps?