Taxi or Uber or lyft

Question

Hello - we are arriving on a Thursday night at midnight at the airport next week. We are four adults and two children, which we will have car seats for. We will need to get a van to take us to our airbnb which is close to the Aquarium. How easy will it be to request a Uber XL or Lyft XL or Taxi at that time of night? We probably won’t get all our luggage and be ready to hail one until 12:30am or later. I am not sure if we should hire a private transfer or just use Uber, Lyft or Taxi. Which would be the best please and thanks to you locals for helping us out.

Answer

Your trip to New Orleans sounds like a lot of fun! Arriving late at night with a group can always make transportation a bit tricky, but you’ll have several good options to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of how things typically work at the airport late at night and which option might be best for you.

Uber XL or Lyft XL: Both Uber and Lyft operate 24/7 at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), so it should be easy to request an Uber XL or Lyft XL at midnight or later. However, during late-night hours, availability can sometimes be a bit lower than during peak times, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. When requesting a ride, you’ll need to ensure that the driver has a vehicle that can accommodate car seats, as Uber and Lyft require that you bring your own car seats if you have children under a certain age or size. You can usually request an XL vehicle, which should comfortably fit four adults, two children, and your luggage, but do check that the ride can fit the car seats as well.

Taxis: Taxis are also readily available at the airport, and unlike Uber or Lyft, you don’t need to worry about car seat availability or specific vehicle requests in advance. Taxis operate at all hours and there is a taxi stand just outside the baggage claim area. The downside of taking a taxi at night is that you may not get a van immediately available for your group. However, there are typically larger taxis and shuttle-style vehicles that can fit more people. Just be aware that you might have to wait a few extra minutes for one to become available depending on how busy the airport is. Also, the fare for a taxi is generally fixed depending on your destination, so you’ll know the price upfront.

Private Transfer: A private transfer can be a good option if you want the peace of mind of having a vehicle waiting for you when you land, especially with young children and car seats. This could be a bit more expensive, but it guarantees that you’ll have a vehicle that fits your family’s needs without having to worry about availability or waiting. Many services offer a meet-and-greet at baggage claim, and the driver will help with luggage and ensure your car seats are properly installed. If you’re looking for convenience and less stress after a long day of travel, a private transfer might be the best choice.

Which is Best? Given that you’re traveling with two children and car seats, here are my recommendations:

If you prefer flexibility and a potentially lower cost, Uber XL or Lyft XL are good choices. Just keep in mind that you might need to wait a bit for the vehicle to arrive, especially around midnight.
If you want guaranteed availability and convenience, especially with young children, a private transfer would be a great option. It will likely be more expensive, but it eliminates the uncertainty of finding the right vehicle and ensures your comfort.
If you prefer something quick and straightforward, and you don’t mind potentially waiting a few minutes, a taxi could be a good choice. You can easily get one at the airport, and the drivers are familiar with handling larger groups.

In any case, there are plenty of options, and you'll likely find a ride without too much trouble. If you're leaning toward Uber or Lyft, consider checking the apps as soon as you land to gauge the availability of XL vehicles. If you’re really concerned about timing or having enough space, a private transfer is a safe bet. Enjoy your time in New Orleans!

Taxi or Uber or lyft

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