Michael Turner
Recommended size and weight: keep each main piece within 56×36×23 cm and under 15 kg (33 lb). A personal item (backpack, tote, briefcase) should fit under the seat. If you exceed those dimensions or have more than one medium suitcase per person, choose an XL/van option or book a private trip.
Before booking: check the vehicle type shown in the app, count total passengers and pieces, and message the driver with a brief description (number of bags, any bulky items). Do not assume extra trunk space when multiple pooled passengers are boarding.
At pickup: ask the driver if they can load items into the trunk; handle fragile or valuable items yourself and keep them in the personal bag. Avoid placing anything that blocks seat belts, door operation or emergency exits. Collapse strollers and foldable equipment to save space.
Etiquette and fallback plan: consolidate items into fewer bags, use soft-sided cases where possible, and be prepared to upgrade if the driver declines oversized pieces. A reasonable gratuity for bag handling is $1–$3 per item; tip more for heavy lifting or long carries.
Security tips: lock zippers, photograph distinctive tags or contents, keep travel documents and electronics on your person, and avoid leaving items visible in the vehicle when you step away briefly.
Baggage policy for pooled ride-hailing trips
Limit belongings to one medium suitcase (maximum 62 linear inches / 158 cm) plus one personal item for pooled rides; book a private or XL vehicle when transporting multiple or bulky pieces.
Packing and placement
Keep each bag under ~23 kg (50 lb) where possible. Use soft-sided bags for tighter fits. Stow items in the trunk when accessible; otherwise place single bags on the rear floor behind the front seats to avoid blocking doors or seatbelts. Collapse strollers, disassemble bike frames or use protective covers for instruments. Secure heavy objects so they cannot slide during braking.
Booking, communication and fees
Message the driver through the app before pickup if an oversized item is present. Drivers may refuse transport for safety or space reasons; avoid surprise items at the curb. Select vehicle options (XL, SUV, or private trip) in the app to guarantee space. Check the provider’s help section for potential extra charges for oversized items and be prepared to tip for assistance with loading. Mobility devices and certified service animals are accepted under accessibility rules; do not request folding unless the device owner confirms it’s safe.
Recommended bag sizes and item types for pooled rides
Limit baggage to what fits in a standard sedan trunk plus under-seat storage: commonly one large suitcase up to 28″ (71 cm) and one small bag or backpack; choose an SUV/XL/van for 30–32″ cases, multiple checked-size pieces, or bulky sports gear. Aim for a combined weight under 55 lb (25 kg) for easy handling; single items over 70 lb (32 kg) may require a different vehicle or driver assistance.
Vehicle capacity by class
Compact sedan: trunk volume ~10 cu ft (280 L) – fits one 22–24″ case + one backpack. Midsize sedan: ~12–15 cu ft (340–425 L) – fits two 22–28″ suitcases + one small bag. SUV/crossover: 30–40 cu ft (850–1,130 L) with rear seats up – fits 3–4 large suitcases. Passenger van: 60+ cu ft (1,700+ L) – suitable for multiple large pieces or oversized items. When in doubt, measure major pieces (L×W×H) and confirm a larger vehicle class.
Item types that need special handling
Hard musical instruments (guitars, small cellos) usually fit if presented in a case and placed in trunk or on floor; full-size cellos, drum kits, long wind instruments often require a van or separate booking. Surfboards, paddleboards, skis, and wakeboards typically need rooftop racks or an XL vehicle unless they fold or disassemble; wrap edges to prevent damage.
Strollers and collapsible baby equipment should be folded and bagged; full-size prams that do not fold may not fit in standard trunks. Pets must travel in secured carriers sized to fit under a seat or in the trunk area; service animals remain exempt from carrier requirements but must be manageable on a seat or floor space.
Photographic and video rigs: padded cases and hard-shell flight cases protect gear; small-to-medium DSLR kits (camera + 1–2 lenses) fit as a personal bag or backpack – for very large sets, consider a larger vehicle. Reference on professional camera classification: are dslr cameras considered professional.
Prohibited or unsuitable items for regular pooled trips include open containers of hazardous liquids, compressed gas cylinders, explosives, flammable liquids, corrosives, and foul-smelling perishables. Firearms and illegal substances must not be transported. Heavy machinery or unsecured loads that obstruct seat belts, doors, or exits require an alternate transport method.
How to pack and position bags to fit in a pooled ride without blocking seats
Place soft-sided bags flat on the vehicle floor behind the front seats; position hard-shell rollers upright in the trunk or folded into the rear footwell with wheels facing the back so seat access remains clear.
| Bag type | Typical external dims (cm / in) | Best placement | How to secure | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small backpack | 35 × 25 × 15 cm / 14 × 10 × 6 in | On passenger floor or under front seat | Slide under seat or tuck behind footwell; use strap to anchor | Keep accessible for personal items |
| Soft duffel (compressible) | 55 × 35 × 25 cm / 22 × 14 × 10 in (compressible) | Flat on rear floor behind front seats or stacked in trunk | Compress, then place weight on top; wedge against seatback | Use packing cubes to reduce volume |
| Cabin-size roller | 56 × 36 × 23 cm / 22 × 14 × 9 in | Upright in trunk or laid flat in rear footwell if trunk full | Wheel-side toward vehicle rear; use seatbelt or cargo tether when in cabin | Retract handle to minimize snagging |
| Medium hard suitcase | 65 × 45 × 30 cm / 26 × 18 × 12 in | Trunk only; if trunk unavailable, place on rear floor with wheels down | Anchor with trunk hooks or wedge between seats | Don’t stack on passenger seat |
| Garment bag / folded suit | 100 × 60 folded / varies | Flat across rear seatback area or laid in trunk | Lay flat, avoid pressing heavy items on top | Fold seams into center to reduce width |
| Shopping bags / boxes | Variable | Placed low on floor; small boxes on top of flat bag | Use elastic nets or keep within footwell perimeter | Keep sharp edges covered |
Fold rear seat armrests up and clear the middle cushion before loading; the goal is zero obstruction of the middle passenger seat and both rear door openings.
Load sequence: heaviest items first and lowest (trunk or floor), medium next, soft/fragile last on top. Stack no higher than the top of the rear seatback when placed in the cabin area to preserve rear visibility and headroom.
To compress volume: use vacuum cubes or packing folders for clothing; roll garments tightly inside soft bags; place shoes in sealed bags and tuck into gaps beside large pieces rather than on top of seats.
Securing checklist: test that seat belts and door handles are reachable; confirm bags do not block air vents, child-seat anchors, or side airbags; give at least 5–10 cm clearance from any latch or hinge so doors close fully.
If trunk space is limited, split contents across two smaller bags rather than one oversized case; two compact items are easier to angle through narrow trunk openings and less likely to force placement onto seats.
How to notify your driver or adjust a booking for oversized or extra bags
Add a trip note and request a larger vehicle, or contact the assigned driver immediately with exact dimensions and weight.
- Before you confirm: In the app select an XL, SUV, Van, or specific “large items” option if available; add a note with dimensions (L×W×H in cm) and total weight (kg).
- After a driver is assigned: Use the app’s chat or call button within 1–2 minutes to send a concise message and a photo of the item or stack of bags.
- Message template (copy/paste):
- “One item 140×30×30 cm, 18 kg. Can you fit this in trunk? If no, please cancel and I will request larger car.”
- “Two rolling suitcases (70×45×30 cm each) plus a backpack; will that work?”
- Timing guideline: Send dimensions at assignment; if no response, call 5–10 minutes before pickup so driver can confirm or cancel without penalty.
- Photos and measurements: Include a ruler or common object in the photo to show scale; annotate length/width/height and weight if possible.
If the driver declines or reports insufficient space:
- Cancel through the app selecting the closest cancellation reason (vehicle can’t accommodate items) to avoid a cancellation dispute.
- Immediately request a vehicle class that supports large cargo (Van, SUV, or vehicle labeled for multiple bags).
- If a surcharge applies, expect typical extra-item fees in the range of $5–$25 depending on local policy; drivers may ask for additional cash for oversized freight–confirm in chat before loading.
- Airport pickups and terminals: Declare oversized gear in the booking note and arrive curbside; allow an extra 5–10 minutes for loading. Use terminal pickup zones only if the app supports curbside meets.
- When meeting the driver: Load items into the trunk first; offer to stow lighter items in the cabin without blocking doors or passenger seats.
- If assistance is needed: Ask the driver directly before loading whether they can help lift heavy items; do not assume help is available.
Protect delicate or wet items with covers or waterproof bags; for compact protective gear and portable covers consult best umbrella fan outdoor factories.
What to do if a driver refuses your bags or requests an extra fee
Cancel the ride via the app, request a refund for the trip, and immediately file an incident report with the trip ID and photos/screenshots as evidence.
Immediate steps at the scene
Do not hand over cash on the curb; decline extra payment and move to a safe, well-lit public area. Photograph the vehicle (plate, make/model), capture the driver’s photo from the app, and save the trip receipt screenshot. Use the in-app messaging to ask for clarification and keep the conversation short and factual (example: “You asked for an extra fee of $X – please confirm why”).
If you feel threatened, exit the vehicle if safe, call local emergency services, and retain any witness contact information. Record audio or video only where local law permits.
How to report, dispute and recover costs
Open the help/support section in the app and select the trip; attach: trip ID, timeline (pickup/dropoff times), photos of the vehicle and any damaged or bulky items, screenshots of chat and fare requests, and a short written statement. Submit the claim within 24–72 hours for faster resolution. If a charge was processed on your card, contact your card issuer to dispute the transaction and provide the platform’s support case number.
If platform support is unresponsive after 7 business days, escalate via the platform’s official social channels or file a complaint with the local transportation regulator or consumer protection agency; include the same evidence package and note the support ticket number. For high-value items or physical damage, consider submitting a police report and adding that report number to your claim.
