Uber introduces phone-free airport booking kiosks

Airport passengers can now book an Uber without a smartphone, as part of a wider expansion of payment options and in-person services being rolled out across multiple markets.

The new booking kiosks, powered by in-person payment terminals from Adyen, allow travellers to request a ride directly at transport hubs. Users enter their destination on a touchscreen, select a ride type and receive a printed receipt with trip details.

The first kiosk has been installed at LaGuardia Airport Terminal C in New York. Additional installations are planned at airports, hotels and ports internationally.

The kiosks are designed to offer an alternative booking channel at arrival points, particularly for overseas visitors.

In a statement to Cities Today, an Uber spokesperson said: “Uber Kiosk provides a seamless, phone-free way for international travellers to book a ride, so this is ideal for anyone arriving without a local data plan, Wi-Fi access but also a charged phone or even the Uber app.”

The kiosk launch forms part of an expanded global payments agreement between Uber and Adyen, which have worked together since 2012. Under the renewed arrangement, Uber is extending its use of Adyen’s payment infrastructure into additional territories, including the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and parts of the Caribbean.

The companies are also adding further local payment methods. These include Pix in Brazil, Afterpay in Australia and WeChat Pay for customers booking through the WeChat mini app. In parallel, Uber is expanding local acquiring in Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia.

“A reliable and innovative payment platform is a fundamental requirement for Uber’s global growth,” said Karl Hébert, Vice President of Global Commerce at Uber. “Continuing and expanding our partnership with Adyen is key to that, enabling us to support our growth and quickly integrate new methods.”

Main image: Michaelvi | Dreamstime.com