Some Recent Uber Promotions – My Experiences

There have been a number of Uber promotions recently. I have used a few of these in the past few weeks and am sharing my experiences here.

1. NYC – Free UBERPOOL Rides AND Free Uniqlo Heattech!!

This was an UberPool promotion – where you could take a free UberPool ride in NYC during work hours on November 16th or 17th, and additionally receive a voucher for a free Uniqlo Heattech shirt.

I had an event after work about one mile from my office on November 16th. Instead of walking (which is what I would ordinarily do, even though I do have a monthly unlimited Metrocard), I used UberPool to take advantage of this promotion. Not only did the driver go all over for 2 additional pickups, he drove on Canal Street, the worst street to take during rush hour because it connects to the entrance to the Holland Tunnel (to New Jersey). Canal Street was so jammed with traffic that the 10 minute ride took nearly an hour. When I asked the driver to perhaps take another route, he muttered something to the effect of Hey, this what you get with UberPool. I was stressed and late for my event. I did receive a Uniqlo Voucher, but haven’t yet brought it into the store, so I can’t report on that.

Verdict: Keep the free ride, keep the shirt – I would have been better off walking or taking a subway.

2. Travel to LaGuardia Airport 4 am Thanksgiving Day.

My boyfriend and I had a 6 am flight, so I used Uber. The driver was timely, and got us to the airport without a problem. I had a $25 promotional credit in my account (from what, I don’t remember), but this was not initially applied. I wrote to Uber and they did apply the credit, so the bill came out to under $5.

Verdict: Worked well, just remember to follow up and check bill.

3. #AmexAirport Promo! Get 2 Free Rides of up to $65 each! 

Just enter the code AMEXAIRPORT in your Uber app prior to requesting a ride, select an American Express Card as payment for the ride, and complete your trips before 12/31/16.

This is the best Uber promo!! I flew home from Vietnam all day on Tuesday arriving at LaGuardia Airport well after 10 pm.

Before I left for my trip, I changed my payment info on my account to an American Express card, and deleted all other credit cards. However, when I tried to arrange the ride, other credit cards kept coming up. Finally, I realized that those were the cards registered with Apple Pay, and I switched the payment method to credit card, and the correct Amex Card came up.

I was at Terminal B, Arrivals. I scheduled the ride. The driver called me right away and asked me to go to the departure level one flight up, as it was not as crowded as the arrival level (note to self: remember this for next time).

The driver picked me up promptly, there was very little traffic, and I got home quickly. The $65 promo was applied, and the charge was $0! Thank you American Express!

Verdict: Worked like a charm, as long as payment is set to credit card.

I believe this promotion is still available, so if you haven’t signed up for it yet, do so now!

If you don’t have an UBER account, you can use my referral code and receive a free ride up to $10.

If you want to apply for an American Express credit card, or you’re interested in getting a different credit card, see the credit cards available on the Credit Card Links tab above