Ahead of the expected travel boom this summer, Uber announces the launch of a suite of new and enhanced products, in line with its goal to help Aussies go anywhere and get anything in every state and territory this summer.

The rollout comes as new Uber data reveals Aussies are embracing travel, with the total number of Uber airport trips in Australia increasing by 146% since the start of the year. While Adelaide (154%) and Melbourne (141%) have seen significant growth in airport trips this year, Perth has seen the greatest increase with airport trips increasing twofold (198%) since January, or 138% since its borders reopened in March this year.

In response to the rising demand, riders will now be able to take full advantage of new Uber innovations while they explore neighbouring states and reunite with loved ones at home this summer.

Before your trip 

For those wanting a stress free and premium airport pickup, Uber today launches its most intuitive ride yet across Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney airports. Uber Reserve Airport Pickups enables riders to schedule a trip up to 30 days in advance from their destination airport, with flight tracking technology to ensure a ride is ready and waiting, whether their flight is early, on time or delayed. For added comfort, the innovative feature is launching exclusively with Uber’s most premium ride, Uber Premier. The fare already includes up to 60 minutes wait time, so riders won’t have to pay any additional charge to the upfront price if they need this time after landing.

For the travel organisation enthusiasts, Uber Travel launches today, enabling riders to see all legs of their travel itinerary such as flights, hotels and rides in one place. Linking your travel plans from Google and Microsoft email accounts, Uber Travel enables riders to consolidate and organise the disparate and disjointed confirmations they receive into easily retrievable and useful travel itineraries. Aussies can reserve rides in advance through the feature and, for a limited time, receive 10% back in Uber credit.*

During your travels 

Following its acquisition of peer-to-peer car-sharing network Car Next Door earlier this year, earlier this month Uber re-launched the business as Uber Carshare and seamlessly integrated the service within its suite of mobility products. As Aussies head on road trips and adventures across the summer holidays, via the Uber Carshare app, they can hire a car by the hour, day, week or longer, with the Uber ease and flexibility they may already be familiar with.

And on your return journey home 

In addition to using Uber Reserve Airport Pickups for the journey home, travellers returning to Melbourne airport can also take full advantage of Uber’s dedicated airport pickup zone to catch a ride on demand. With an innovative PIN feature, driver-partners are at the Uber pick-up zone for riders when they exit the terminal. Riders simply request a ride in the Uber app, and then give their

driver-partner a PIN before hopping in, with the technology offering a smoother experience for riders and drivers. Following the success of Melbourne Airport, where we’ve seen a reduction in wait times by 50% since launching last year, we’re currently focussing on ways to bring this innovative experience to other airports across Australia soon.

Margarita Peker, Head of Rider Operations ANZ said: ”After a couple of challenging summers for Australian travel, we’re excited to help Aussies get back out there this summer, and provide a more seamless door-to-door travel experience with the launch of these new features,” 

“From the moment you book your outbound flight to the moment you return home, our vision is to become a one-stop shop for every travel need, by integrating that Uber ease and convenience that Aussies know and love.”