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The holiday season is quickly approaching, and, along with it, some of the busiest travel days of the year. According to Transportation Security Administration checkpoint data, the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving see some of the highest passenger screening numbers of the entire year; the dates leading up to Christmas don’t fall far behind.
Related: 5 things to know before the next time you use a ride-hailing service at the airport
Lyft has long been in the business of getting travelers where they need to be when they need to be there. This year, the company is doubling down on that promise with a handful of features that will ease the stress of holiday travel, including a guarantee that you’ll get paid if you don’t get picked up on time.
On-time pickup promise
Beginning Thursday, prescheduled airport rides will be covered by Lyft’s “on-time pickup promise,” ensuring your ride arrives on time or you’ll be compensated.
“Every minute counts when you’re on the way to the airport,” Lyft CEO David Risher said in a press release. “We’re so confident that we can get you there on time that if we’re more than ten minutes late for your scheduled pick-up, we’ll give you up to $100 in Lyft credits to make up for it –even if you take a taxi or an Ub*r.”
You can schedule Lyft rides up to 30 days in advance, locking in your pickup date, time and price so you have one less thing to worry about. Scheduled rides are also given priority when it comes time to be matched with a driver, and drivers can also accept rides anytime after they are scheduled.
Even with the steps Lyft takes toward reliable rides, travel delays do happen, especially this time of year. If you aren’t picked up on time for your scheduled airport ride, you’ll automatically receive Lyft Cash credit in your account as follows:
- $20 Lyft Cash if your driver is more than 10 minutes late.
- $50 Lyft Cash if you’re not matched with a driver 10 minutes after your scheduled pickup time.
- Up to $50 more Lyft Cash if you aren’t matched with a driver and your ride with another company is more than $50
The first two will be paid out automatically, but you must contact Lyft through the help section of its app to submit the receipt from your alternate transportation to be compensated for the additional $50.
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Lyft’s on-time pickup promise is available now in major markets, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta and Philadelphia, which you will see noted in the app when you schedule your airport ride.
Extra Comfort mode
Also available Thursday for most rides, Lyft is introducing an “Extra Comfort” feature so travelers can get into rest and relaxation mode from the moment they step into their car. Rides designated as “Extra Comfort” offer roomier cars, top-rated drivers and preset preferences for temperature, a quiet ride or luggage assistance.
These features come on the heels of the successful launch of Lyft’s Women+ Connect, which matches women and nonbinary riders and drivers in select cities.
“Women carry a disproportionate amount of holiday stress, taking on the mental load of planning celebrations, travel, and all the logistics that come with it. Our goal is to make getting where you’re going easier and less stressful. Whether you’re getting the family to the airport or coming home from a late-night holiday party, Lyft is making life easier and stress-free,” said Jody Kelman, executive vice president of customers at Lyft.
You can learn more about these new features and start planning your holiday rides on Lyft’s website.
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