Uber Select - outrageous rip off
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
Uber Select - outrageous rip off
Paid $70 for Uber Select instead of $35 for UberX this morning. Car was an old Mercedes CLA which retailed for $30k when it was new. Driver did not speak basic English.
I am outraged. I do not even blame the driver. This is all on Uber which knew the car, the driver (poorly rated, guess I found out why), yet proceeded to charged me a 100% premium over the standard service.
UPDATE 1 day later: after I wrote in, Uber offered a $20 credit.
I am outraged. I do not even blame the driver. This is all on Uber which knew the car, the driver (poorly rated, guess I found out why), yet proceeded to charged me a 100% premium over the standard service.
UPDATE 1 day later: after I wrote in, Uber offered a $20 credit.
Last edited by davie355; Sep 26, 2018 at 9:32 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
OP chose Select and knew the rate and the vehicle. Drivers do not need to be English-speaking.
Not sure what the outrage is about other than spending $75 for something he could have had for $35 had OP simply pressed another button.
Not sure what the outrage is about other than spending $75 for something he could have had for $35 had OP simply pressed another button.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,374
Select is marketed as premium. I rarely splurge, but in the past when I’ve done so, I got late model Mercedes S-Class or their BMW or Audi equivalents. In addition the driver has been capable of higher society types of conversation.
So my outrage is that Uber has diluted the meaning of “premium.”
#8
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Programs: DL-Platinum / AS-PlatPro / Hyatt - Glob / Hilton-Diamond
Posts: 1,573
???
"Select" vs "X" refers to the car type. I don' think I've ever seen any marketing that suggests it also refers to the "service" or type of driver.
I think Uber's "premium" service is called "Black" (tho the marketing names do vary by market).
"Select" vs "X" refers to the car type. I don' think I've ever seen any marketing that suggests it also refers to the "service" or type of driver.
I think Uber's "premium" service is called "Black" (tho the marketing names do vary by market).
#9
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: JFK LGA PBI BOI
Posts: 910
#10
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 6,736
Also, what on earth are "higher society types of conversation"? Were you distressed that your Uber driver didn't have an opinion on the most interesting pieces in Sotheby's upcoming auction of Regency silver?
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,537
Premium vehicles are hit or miss. Use a car service if you really require more of a definite car type service.
At least you didn’t get a Premium Yugo...
At least you didn’t get a Premium Yugo...
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,621
Uber never had a good definition of "Premium," or at least it was diluted years ago. In fact, over 4 years ago, I ordered a Black for a special occasion, and 4 of us could barely squeeze in an older small-ish MBZ. But my sometimes-humble self just reverted to the usual X, and now mostly Pool, and sometimes even Express Pool. You'd sometimes be amazed at the level of stimulating advanced chats I've had with some of the lowly Express Pool drivers. It is almost as if I'm being picked up in the hills in a town car instead of in the flats in a Prius.
But you know, Everything Happens To Aaron. Good thing that's not my name.
But you know, Everything Happens To Aaron. Good thing that's not my name.
#13
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 6,225
Most standard Uber/Lyfts around here are tiny cars. I wouldn't have much of a problem in city traffic, but I am willing to pay more to ride in a nicer and usually more substantial car on the interstate.
As much as someone tries to convince you that small cars are safer, the rules of physics still apply. If the back of your head is 3 inches from the rear window of a tiny hatch back, a rear end accident will not end well.
Your mileage may vary, but that is why I choose Select. I am not looking for the cheapest at the expense of my health.
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,621
I drive on a freeway everyday by the airport into the city. Traffic is crazy and people are all on cell phones and distracted. I pass uber cars where there are two people crammed in the back of a Nissan Versa or Kia Rio while the driver is trying to get Waze to tell him which way to go. Sudden lane changes, semis squealing brakes, etc.