As travel returns slowly as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, one of the most frustrating parts of the industry's recovery has been the lack of transport services since our borders closed.
It's something Newshub has reported on previously after being charged more than $100 to catch an Uber from Auckland Airport to the central city.
A new service from Uber entitled 'Reserve' hopes to spell the end of those situations, giving travellers the ability to book Uber transfers as far as 30 days in advance. The ride is also charged at an upfront, locked-in price, so there's no unexpected last minute spend just to get home.
Margarita Peker of Uber Australia and New Zealand said Reserve is designed to not only give riders a guaranteed ride home, but to also make sure drivers return to the airport.
"Uber Reserve means you don't need to leave anything to chance - especially when booking those important trips for things you can't miss, or for the times when it's just not fashionable to be late," she said.
The Reserve function can also be used at most major cities around the world.
"We surveyed riders in the trial group and 80 percent rated Uber Reserve a great experience. In fact, riders gave driver-partners five stars on 95.5 percent of Uber Reserve trips," said Peker.
In April Newshub Travel was onboard a late-night arrival from Sydney which landed shortly before midnight. Following touchdown, a queue of around 20 people began to wait at Auckland Airport's empty taxi rank and at least another 15 were standing around using their phones trying to book an Uber.
Due to the lack of drivers and surge pricing, the ride from Auckland Airport to Eden Terrace cost $106.03, after applying a 10 percent promotional discount.
Uber Reserve now means if travellers were in a similar position, they could have booked their transfers a month earlier at a locked in, lower price.
Drivers will arrive early to avoid any waiting time and allow for five minutes of delays should you need to pack a few more items.
