American Airlines, Uber Team To Shuttle Passengers Home (And Back)
American Airlines and ridesharing service Uber have teamed up to offer passengers a way to get from the airport to their home and back again, nixing the need to order a taxi or use long-term parking. Of course, anyone could order an Uber ride to or from the airport anyway, making the partnership seem a little redundant. That's why American Airlines has added a "Remind me to Uber" icon to confirmation emails.
When a passenger books an American Airlines flight and then clicks the reminder icon in the confirmation email, a reminder is set via Uber's Ride Reminder. As well, American Airlines has added a guide to its mobile app that will help passengers navigate to an Uber pick up location. That feature is available for 11 major airports in the U.S.:
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)
The duo are also offering some perks for AAdvantage members and passengers in general. The RIDEAA code offers a $20 credit for first time users, and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members will get a code for $25, including those who have already used Uber before. Those codes will be sent to applicable members next month.
Finally, under the partnership, AAvantage Aviator MasterCard users will be given a couple of bonus miles for each $1 spent on Uber (until July 31), assuming they pay for the trips using that card. The bonus miles won't be added to the member account, though, until after the July 31 promotion deadline.
Said Partner Marketing's Scott Hinshaw:
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.
During its announcement, American Airlines also revealed some details about its plans, saying that some time later in 2016 it will launch a Premium Economy option for some international routes via the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. As well, the airline says it is investing in "fully lie-flat seats," more complimentary and in-flight entertainment options, and redesigned Admirals Club lounges.
SOURCE: American Airlines