What Type of Uber Passenger are You?

When she walked up to the car, I noticed a small gift bag in her hand. After loading her luggage in the trunk, I got back in. I was immediately hit with freshly baked cookies’ warm, comforting scent. They smelled like they had just come out of the oven—rich, sweet, and filling the car with nostalgia and hunger.

Cookies? They smell delicious!

She looked confused. I tried clarifying, telling her I smelled cookies or maybe another baked good, but whatever it was, it smelled wonderful—so much so that I was already craving cookies after this ride.

You mean my vanilla perfume?

She said it with all the side-eye and disdain she could muster, making the rest of the ride quiet and awkward.

Some passengers smell good, some stink, and some don’t smell like anything at all. Others bring their scent with them, and we drivers are stuck with it—weed, greasy work clothes, sweat, wet dog, overpowering cologne, or perfume. Our cars are small, enclosed spaces with the windows up. If you have a strong smell, we can’t escape it.

Then there are the headphone passengers—the ones who get in with earbuds already in place and barely acknowledge the driver.

My warm hello is met with a nod and a grunt, their eyes glued to their phone.

We don’t need to have a conversation, but you’re sitting in someone’s personal car. My car. This isn’t a bus. There’s no plexiglass barrier with 20 feet of space between us. It’s just two humans nearby. A simple “hello” isn’t too much to ask.

Other differences? Some passengers slam the door so hard you’d think they were trying to break the car in half. Others barely close it, leaving it half-latched so the driver has to reach back and shut it properly. Some are neat and careful with their bags and feet. Others track in mud, spill their drinks, or leave trash behind. Some passengers are pleasant, maybe even friendly. Others act like we’re their personal chauffeur, demanding stops, adjusting the music and temperature without a word, and treating the ride like they booked first class instead of the cheapest option available.

Every passenger is unique, bringing their own energy, attitude, and, yes, scents into our cars. But there are really only two types of passengers: considerate and inconsiderate.

A considerate passenger thinks about the driver. They’re ready when the car arrives, maybe even waiting outside, which is what we hope for.

If you tell your driver, “I’m on my way,” or “The elevator is slow,” instead of actually being ready, that’s inconsiderate.

Drivers don’t get paid much to wait—sometimes less than minimum wage, sometimes not at all. Time is money, and when butts aren’t in seats and wheels aren’t rolling, it’s costly. Worse, many times, there aren’t safe or legal places for us to wait.

Ever wonder why your driver cancels after arriving? It’s probably because we drove 15 minutes to pick you up, and you weren’t outside ready.

A considerate passenger understands this.

It’s true, you paid for someone to pick you up and take you safely to your destination. But you didn’t pay for a limo. In fact, you probably chose the cheapest ride, debated walking, or even considered taking the bus. But you splurged a little, choosing Uber instead.

That’s fine. But acting like you booked first class when you’re in the back middle seat of a budget airline? That’s inconsiderate.

But here’s the thing—there’s an easy way to get the VIP treatment.

Tip.

That’s it. Slip your driver a $5, and suddenly, you can take your time, add extra stops, and even vape away if that’s your thing.

A tip changes everything. It makes up for delays, extra effort, and even foul smells.

You might say, “I’ll tip in the app. I don’t carry cash.”

I get it. But here’s the problem—drivers don’t know if you tipped. And let’s be honest, “Tip You in the App” was born because passengers ask for favors, promise tips, and then… don’t tip.

Like the woman with the vanilla perfume.