Michael Turner
Short answer: A standard four-door economy sedan often fits 3 adults but may be tight for 3 medium checked suitcases; reserve a larger vehicle category to guarantee both seating and cargo room.
Typical trunk volumes: midsize sedans 350–450 liters, compact sedans 250–350 liters, small SUVs 450–650 liters. A medium checked suitcase usually occupies ~60–80 liters (typical dimensions 23–26″ / 58–66 cm tall). Three such cases equal roughly 180–240 liters, leaving little extra room in a compact trunk once daypacks and coats are added.
Practical steps: measure each case (height × width × depth), total the volumes or linear inches, then select a larger vehicle option in the app. Confirm with the driver via the app message if trunk space must be guaranteed; ask whether rear seats fold and whether drivers permit loading heavy pieces. If any suitcase exceeds typical checked dimensions, upgrade to an SUV/minivan.
Quick checklist: 1) Measure bags and compare to vehicle trunk specs. 2) Choose XL/SUV/minivan when total bag volume approaches 200+ liters or when bulky hard-shell cases are used. 3) Notify driver about number of bags and request seatfolding if necessary. 4) Pack a small soft bag for items that can fit beside cases to maximize space.
Reserve an XL or SUV when a party of 3 carries 3 checked-size suitcases
Typical economy sedans offer about 12–16 cu ft (340–450 L) of trunk volume. A 28″ checked suitcase averages ~105 L, so three such cases total ~315 L – by raw volume many trunks can contain that amount, but shape and wheelbase often prevent efficient stacking and may force use of the rear seat, reducing passenger comfort.
Choose an XL/SUV option in the app to guarantee 25–40+ cu ft (700–1,200 L) cargo capacity; this range comfortably accommodates 3 × 28″ cases, hand bags, and keeps the rear bench available for 3 adults. If no larger vehicle appears, book two cars or request a minivan/van if available in your market.
Packing and loading tactics: prefer soft-sided duffels that compress; remove or collapse rigid wheels/handles where possible; place the heaviest case on the trunk floor and stack others crosswise; consider folding one rear seat to increase depth rather than crowding the cabin. Measure case dimensions before departure – a typical 28 × 19 × 12 inch suitcase is ~105 L – and compare against vehicle cargo specs shown in the app or manufacturer pages.
Communicate early: send the driver a short message via the app stating number of bags and approximate sizes; use any “extra bags” booking option if present. If a driver declines due to safety or visibility concerns, accept the refusal and arrange alternate transport rather than overloading the cabin.
Packing checklist
Measure cases; choose XL/SUV in-app when possible; use soft bags or compressible packing; be ready to fold a rear seat; pre-message driver about bag count; plan for two vehicles if larger class unavailable.
Confirming seating and trunk capacity for standard economy: 3 adults
Select an XL/large vehicle if any rider carries a large checked suitcase (over 28 inches) or bulky items; otherwise a standard economy sedan commonly accommodates 3 adult riders plus 3 medium suitcases when trunk volume is at least 15 cubic feet.
Typical trunk guidance: compact sedan 10–13 cu ft – about 2 medium suitcases; mid-size 14–17 cu ft – about 3 medium suitcases; full-size 18–20 cu ft – 3–4 medium suitcases; small SUV / XL 30+ cu ft – 4 or more medium suitcases or bulky gear.
Bag sizing and booking rules: treat a medium suitcase as ~24–26 in; large items exceed 28 in. If any single piece is large or total bag profile equals a large case plus two more, choose XL. Use the app vehicle details to confirm category and send the driver an in-app message stating number of riders and exact bag dimensions before arrival.
Packing and loading tips: load heavier cases first, stand suitcases upright when trunk depth allows, and fold rear seats only with driver approval to expand cargo space. For airport pickups, select the airport option and include case count in the booking notes to reduce pickup delays.
Measuring suitcases: dimensions and packing methods for a compact-sedan trunk
Recommendation: keep each case under 27 × 18 × 11 in (69 × 46 × 28 cm) for hard-shell baggage; use compressible soft-sided bags up to 28 × 20 × 12 in (71 × 51 × 30 cm) when they can be squashed 1–2 in (2–5 cm). Aim for a combined packed footprint no larger than about 40 × 28 × 14 in (102 × 71 × 36 cm) to fit most compact-sedan cargo spaces.
Common compact-sedan trunk metrics: opening width 36–40 in (91–102 cm), usable depth 36–42 in (91–107 cm), vertical clearance 14–18 in (36–46 cm); cargo volume usually 12–15 cu ft (340–425 L). Measure the trunk mouth and the distance from bumper lip to the rearmost seatback before loading to confirm possible orientations.
Packing methods: place two larger cases upright on their wheels against the seatbacks, parallel to each other; slot the smallest case flat across the wheel wells or nest it diagonally above/to the side if the opening is narrower than trunk depth. Remove expandable panels, retract telescoping handles and tuck loose straps to gain clearance.
Alternative layouts: if vertical space is limited, lay two cases flat side-by-side and offset the third across the wheel arches; if length is tight, rotate one case 45° (diagonal) to use extra corner depth. Use compression straps or packing cubes to reduce soft-bag volume by 10–25% and redistribute dense items toward the center to prevent bulging.
Quick measurement checklist: 1) measure each case L×W×H and note the largest dimension; 2) compare the sum of widths and/or depths to trunk depth and opening width; 3) test fit by placing the largest case first, then add the next largest, adjusting orientation as needed. If any case exceeds listed dimensions, swap to a softer bag or move one unit to the passenger footwell to avoid blocking the trunk seal.
Select ride option and notify driver about 3 bags
Immediate action: choose a larger-capacity vehicle type in the app (XL, SUV, or “Extra seats”) before requesting the trip, then send a short pre-ride message noting “3 large bags – curb pickup, need trunk access; will fold rear seat if asked.”
How to select: tap the destination field, swipe the ride-type carousel until a higher-capacity option appears, confirm fare, then request. If the app does not show a bigger vehicle, book two cars or use the local taxi/ride service labeled SUV/Van.
Where to add instructions: use the “Driver instructions” or “Add note” field when available. If that field is absent, wait until a driver accepts and use the in-app messaging button immediately to send the same short message.
Message templates (copy-paste):
Text 1: “Curb pickup at [address]. I have 3 large bags and will need trunk space; can unfold rear seat if needed.”
Text 2 (if tight space expected): “Pickup at curb, 3 checked-size suitcases, I’ll load/unload if you confirm trunk access.”
Timing and follow-up: allow up to 5 minutes for a driver reply; if no response, call using the app’s call button. If the assigned driver declines or indicates insufficient space, cancel and request a larger vehicle or rebook immediately.
At pickup: arrive at curb 2–3 minutes early, stand beside the trunk, present one person to load while another remains by the door, offer to fold seats, and signal readiness to tip for extra assistance.
If trunk access is blocked: ask the driver if a rear-seat folding strategy will work; if neither trunk nor seat space is available, politely cancel and request an SUV/Van option or split into two vehicles.
When to upgrade to XL-class, an SUV or request two vehicles: price and availability trade-offs
Recommendation: book an XL-class or an SUV when your group requires seating for 4–6 riders or total suitcase bulk likely exceeds ~30 cubic feet; choose two standard sedans when per-person cost or faster combined pickup time beats the single-vehicle premium.
Capacity, trunk space and fare multipliers (practical figures)
Typical vehicle comparisons (estimates): standard sedan seats 4, trunk ~12–16 cu ft; XL-class seats 6, cargo ~28–36 cu ft; midsize SUV seats 6–7, cargo 35–50 cu ft depending on seat fold. Pricing: XL fares commonly run about 1.4×–1.9× the base sedan rate; midsize SUV often 1.8×–2.4×. Requesting two sedans equals ~2.0× base, plus separate surcharges and potential waiting fees on each trip.
ETA and availability: standard sedans typically have the shortest ETAs in urban cores (3–8 min), XL vehicles often 5–12 min, SUVs 8–20 min. In suburbs or off-peak hours XL/SUV supply drops, so ETA gaps widen and surge multipliers rise faster.
Decision rules and simple math
– If staying together is the priority and the XL/SUV fare is ≤1.6× sedan, choose XL or SUV (single pickup, single drop-off, simpler luggage handling).
– If fare per rider matters and XL/SUV costs >1.8× sedan, compare total cost of two sedans: if two sedans total $28, so XL wins; if surge pushes XL to $35, two sedans become cheaper.
– For airport transfers with flat fees or luggage fees, verify the airport rules and compare total door-to-door times; a single larger vehicle usually saves walking and reloading time.
Operational notes: if surge multiplier >1.5, re-run the quick math – two sedans each under surge may still be cheaper than one SUV under a higher multiplier. Use the app’s vehicle selector to view ETAs and fare estimates side-by-side before confirming.
Practical tips: load bulky suitcases into the largest vehicle available when continuity matters; when choosing two cars, coordinate pickup points to minimize extra walking. Carry a protective cover for upholstery in case of spills – here’s a short guide on handling one common upholstery mess: how to clean cat puke off couch.
Final rule of thumb: prioritize a single XL/SUV when group cohesion and luggage transfer time exceed a ~20% per-person cost premium; choose two sedans when per-person savings or faster combined pickup outweigh the inconvenience of splitting up.
Pickup best practices: loading bags, communicating to the driver, and handling refusals
Load largest suitcases into the trunk first, then place medium pieces sideways, finally stow carry-on items under seats; ask the driver to open the trunk before passengers enter the cabin.
- Loading sequence (efficient, safe):
- Place heaviest item nearest rear bulkhead to keep weight low and prevent shifting.
- Stack medium cases on their flat faces; align handles to create a flat surface for the next piece.
- Fill voids with soft items (daypacks, jackets) to prevent movement during braking.
- Secure loose straps inside suitcases or tuck them under items to avoid snags when closing the trunk.
- Close trunk, then verify rear visibility and hatch latch; if hatch won’t close, remove or rearrange rather than forcing it.
- Communicating to the driver (precise scripts and timing):
- Before booking: send a short app message–“I’ll have 2 large suitcases + 1 cabin bag. Is trunk available?”
- When the car arrives: confirm pickup landmark and whether driver needs assistance–“Standing by the blue sign at curb; may I load bags now?”
- If driver asks where items go, reply: “Major cases in trunk, small bag in footwell.”
- If driver agrees to help, offer to load heavy pieces yourself while they hold the trunk open; this reduces liability concerns.
- Use photos when necessary: send one of the bags at curb to set expectations if the driver asks for clarification.
- Handling refusals (step-by-step escalation):
- If a driver refuses to accept bags: remain calm, step away from the roadway, and do not attempt to force items into the vehicle.
- Document refusal: record short video or take photos showing vehicle plate, driver name, timestamped app confirmation and the bags.
- Use the app’s “Help” or “Report an issue” function immediately; attach photos and a concise description: location, time, reason given by driver.
- Request an alternate vehicle inside the app rather than negotiating curbside; select an option that lists extra cargo capacity when available.
- If you are at an airport or station, consult ground staff for short-term bag storage or approved loading zones rather than blocking traffic.
- For safety-sensitive refusals (e.g., discrimination, medical equipment): escalate via the app’s safety center and keep all evidence; contact local authorities only if the situation becomes threatening.
- Driver assistance etiquette and compensation:
- Offer a reasonable tip in cash or via app for extra help loading bulky items; typical range: $5–$15 depending on effort and local rates.
- Ask permission before placing items on front passenger seat or in footwell; never obstruct driver controls or view.
- If driver loads items into the cabin, keep aisle clear and avoid placing items on the dashboard or blocking airbags.
- Quick checklist before you exit curb:
- Confirm trunk latch closes fully.
- Verify driver name and plate match the app.
- Retain a clear path to the vehicle to avoid disrupting traffic.
- Carry a compact umbrella such as best engineered umbrella in an exterior pocket to keep hands dry while handling items outdoors.
When refusal is based on capacity concerns
- Offer to remove one item temporarily so the driver can close the trunk, then request a second vehicle if space remains insufficient.
- If the driver suggests an upgrade, ask for an estimated extra fare, then use the app to switch ride type to ensure payment transparency.
Safety notes
- Do not place fragile or hazardous items in a vehicle without explicit driver consent.
- Avoid blocking sidewalks or bike lanes while loading; position bags on the curbside to reduce risk.
