The Complete Guide to Booking Uber Rides in Advance in 2024
Uber revolutionized ridesharing with its seamless on-demand model. Yet as the service matured, users wanted more flexibility – specifically the ability to schedule rides ahead of time rather than always ordering in the moment.
In late 2020, Uber unveiled Uber Reserve to meet that demand and allow advance booking from 30 days to 30 minutes prior to pickup. According to Uber‘s 2021 annual report, over 5 million Uber rides have now been scheduled using Reserve.
With Uber Reserve fully rolled out in 2024, this guide covers everything consumers should know booking rides in advance:
Overview of Advance Booking With Uber
Uber Reserve gives riders the best of both worlds – retain instant access to cars while also planning future trips when needed.
Here are key facts about the advance booking functionality:
| Uber Reserve Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking Window | 30 days to 30 minutes in advance |
| Fare Estimates | Quoted during scheduling but subject to change |
| Vehicle Types | Economy to premium cars available |
| Driver Matching | Advance driver assignment with reminders |
So whether you‘re planning travel, want no rush hour headaches, or need arrival guarantees – Uber Reserve can meet your scheduling needs.
How to Arrange a Scheduled Uber Ride
Booking future Uber rides is straightforward in just 5 steps:
- Open your Uber app and set destination
- Select desired ride type (UberX, Black, etc)
- Tap clock icon next to choice and pick date/time
- Confirm your contact details
- Get updates as driver confirmed
Uber will first ping drivers about the job to lock one down in advance, providing appointment reminders to fulfill your ride.
One tip – schedule buffer time, say 5-10 minutes earlier pickup, in case driver is slightly delayed in traffic.
Perks of Scheduling Rides Versus On-Demand
What benefits does advance scheduling with Uber Reserve hold over standard on-demand booking?
Lock in reliable rides for flights, meetings, and events with prompt arrival requirements. No more worrying about rush hour shortages.
Avoid the scramble by planning your commute, night out on the town, or airport run well ahead. Lower stress!
Forecast spending by getting quoted fares at time of scheduling ride reserves.
Gain price protection in some regions so rates don‘t surge later at inopportune times.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
However, Uber Reserve does come with a few limitations to factor:
- Slightly higher booking fees charged on scheduled rides
- Possible driver reassignments if original match can‘t fulfill
- Surge pricing risks still exist in non rate-protected cities
Yet despite a couple caveats, Uber Reserve stands to solve more rider problems than it creates.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Uber Reserve
Follow these pro tips when leveraging Uber‘s advance scheduling capability:
- Use Reserve for morning commutes to fast-track cars ahead of demand surges
- Pad buffer time into reservations for traffic delays or driver tardiness
- Add multiple stops on hourly Uber Rentals (where available)
- Avoid booking in remote locales with fewer driver options
- Track your reservation status for peace of mind
- Know the fine print on Uber‘s cancellation/no-show policies
The Bottom Line
Uber Reserve grants passengers the flexibility to plan rides around their schedule while retaining instant access as needed through standard booking.
This guide covers how to schedule trips, surfaces key benefits versus tradeoffs, and provides actionable advice to avoid pitfalls.
So don‘t hesitate to book yourself an Uber Reserve for airport runs, cross-city meetings, and any other transportation needs!
