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Uber Elite launches for top customers as ride-hailing giant moves deeper into executive travel market
Uber has launched a new premium chauffeur service aimed at executives, frequent travellers and existing Uber Black customers, with international expansion planned following its initial rollout in the United States.
Uber Elite is currently available by invitation in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with New York City set to follow. The company said further US and international launches are planned, although it has not confirmed which markets will be included or provided a timetable.
Every journey will be operated by a commercially licensed professional chauffeur using a luxury vehicle less than three years old. The specification places Elite above Uber’s standard ride-hailing products and targets customers seeking a more managed, high-end travel service.
A new in-app Meet and Greet option will allow arriving airport passengers to request an in-terminal collection. Customers selecting the service before confirming a booking will be met by their chauffeur at baggage reclaim.
Vehicles will carry complimentary chargers, bottled water, mints and hand-sanitising wipes. Passengers can also submit special requests through the app, including preferred drinks or items for celebrations, which Uber said its partners would attempt to provide where feasible.
Elite customers will receive access to 24-hour telephone support from the point of booking until after the journey. They will also be able to call their chauffeur directly before collection, a feature aimed at reducing disruption during airport arrivals and other time-sensitive journeys.
Bookings can be made through Uber Reserve, the main Uber app and Uber for Business’s delegate-booking service. The latter allows executive assistants and other authorised users to arrange transport on behalf of travellers.
Journeys must be reserved at least one hour before departure and can be booked up to 90 days in advance. That booking window positions the service for planned corporate travel, airport transfers and special events rather than immediate on-demand trips.
Initial invitations are being issued to frequent Uber Black passengers and Uber for Business clients. Other customers can join a waiting list before Uber expands access more widely.
Its planned international rollout could create further competition for established executive-car businesses, although Uber has yet to confirm whether Elite will enter the UK.
