When you’re navigating airports, train stations, or busy city streets with bags in tow, transportation convenience becomes more important than price alone. While rideshare apps and public transit have their place, there are key situations where taxis offer a better experience—especially when you’re carrying luggage.
Here’s why traditional taxis might be the smartest choice for travelers with baggage.
- Taxis Are Readily Available at Airports and Stations
Most airports and major train stations have dedicated taxi stands just outside the terminal doors. You don’t need to wait for a rideshare driver to locate you or navigate pickup zones. Taxis are often queued and ready to go, allowing you to hop in immediately with your luggage.
For example, at JFK Airport, official yellow cabs are located outside every terminal and offer flat fares to Manhattan—no need to schedule ahead or drag your bags across crowded pickup areas.
- More Trunk Space for Bags
Unlike compact rideshare vehicles, traditional taxis (especially sedans and minivans) are designed to accommodate travelers with baggage. Many taxis offer larger trunks and flat rear seating, making them more luggage-friendly.
This is especially helpful if you’re carrying large suitcases, multiple shopping bags, or travel gear like strollers or equipment cases.
- No Surprise Fees for Extra Stops or Delays
Rideshare apps sometimes charge extra for wait times, detours, or adding stops. Taxi meters operate on time and distance, but they often handle short stops (like hotel check-ins or luggage adjustments) more leniently. There’s also no “surge pricing,” which can increase rideshare costs during busy travel windows.
If you’re traveling during peak periods, such as holidays or weekends, taxis offer more fare predictability—even if you hit traffic.
- Taxis Don’t Require You to Navigate the App While Juggling Bags
When you’re managing multiple bags or traveling with kids, the last thing you want is to fumble with your phone in a crowded pickup zone. Street-hailing a taxi or lining up at an official stand often gets you on the road faster than app coordination.
Plus, apps like Curb allow you to pre-book or track your taxi without having to hail it manually, combining the reliability of a taxi with the ease of rideshare tech.
- Flat Fares and Airport Rates Are Often Competitive
In many cities, taxis offer flat fares from airports to downtown destinations. For example, NYC cabs charge a flat rate of $70 (plus tolls and tip) from JFK to Manhattan. During surge pricing on Uber or Lyft, that same trip could cost $100+.
Check your city’s airport transportation website for official taxi rates.
- You Can Still Use Digital Payments
Just like rideshares, many taxis now accept credit cards, digital wallets, and app-based payments. Apps like Curb support in-app tipping and fare confirmation, so you don’t need to carry cash.
For travelers who want to plan ahead or stay on budget, you can preload your taxi account and earn cashback with Curb by purchasing through Fluz. This lets you keep track of spending while earning rewards—even on a luggage-heavy airport run.
Final Thought: Prioritize Comfort and Efficiency
While rideshare apps are popular, taxis still offer advantages—especially when you’re traveling with luggage. The faster boarding process, larger vehicle size, and structured pricing often make taxis the better choice for airport pickups, train station drop-offs, or hotel check-ins.
When your hands are full, the most important thing is a smooth and stress-free ride. And when you combine that with cashback strategies or fare estimates, taxis can also be a smart financial move.
