I’d avoid reserving in advance for exactly the reason you mentioned. Baggage and wheelchair delays are unpredictable and reservations punish drivers if the timing slips. That’s stressful for both sides.
Best approach in practice:
- Land, get your bags and wheelchair first
- Once you’re fully ready and curbside, request the ride normally
- Message the driver immediately after matching and say it’s a ~2 hour trip and you’re headed to PA
Most drivers will cancel if they don’t want a long ride, which is fine. You don’t want someone who feels trapped into it anyway. Eventually you’ll get a driver who’s happy to take it.
A few other tips that help:
- Choose Uber Comfort or XL if possible. Drivers there are usually more experienced and more willing to do longer trips
- Be upfront about the wheelchair and luggage so they know what they’re pulling up for
- Tip well in app at the end rather than promising it up front. Drivers trust completed tips more
Long airport rides aren’t unusual, especially on the East Coast. You’re not being an a-hole by requesting it. The key is letting drivers opt in instead of surprising them.
If you want extra peace of mind, you could also check local car services or accessible transport companies. They’re more expensive, but for a guaranteed two hour ride with mobility needs, sometimes worth it.
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