Uber is working to embed itself into as many other apps as possible. We’ve seen deals to put Uber inside the Hilton and IHG apps. They have a new effort to let anyone building an app launch into Uber.
The biggest ‘get’ so far has to be the Uber deal with Facebook Messenger.
I’m not sure what this gets us exactly, though I could see a benefit in clicking on an address in whatever app you’re using and not having to make sure the pin drop matches being a good thing.
On the other hand, I’m curious about the way they’re doing it with Facebook:
Today, we’re expanding the services available to you with our launch of transportation on Messenger. With this new feature, you can request a ride from a car service without ever needing to download an extra app or leave a conversation. It’s super easy and doesn’t take you away from the plans that you’re making with your friends or family.
Does anyone not have the Uber app still? (or if not Uber, then Lyft?) Do any of the people that don’t have a transportation app actively use Facebook messenger?
Still, what’s good here is that the Facebook Messenger integration comes with $20 Uber credit for existing Uber users.
For a limited time, you’ll get a free ride the first time you use this feature (up to $20 value) with Uber. All you have to do to claim your free ride is link your existing Uber account or set up a new account within Messenger and request a ride.
When you choose the car item via transportation inside the Messenger app you should be able to link your Uber account. Then the first time you use Uber via Facebook Messenger you’ll get a $20 credit on that ride.
Personally if you happen to not already have used Uber I’d sign up and get a free first-time ride before using Facebook Messenger’s Uber integration for the first time, that way you should be able to get rider credits from each. And of course link your Uber app to your Starwood Preferred Guest account to earn Starpoints for your rides (as long as you’ve had 1 Starwood stay so far in the calendar year).
(HT: Slickdeals via Milenerd, also covered by Doctor of Credit.)
Hmm, I followed the directions but I don’t see the option in FB Messenger. I did see this though on the announcement page:
“This service is currently in testing and will be available to select users in the locations where Uber operates in the United States. More countries and other transportation partners will be available soon.”
Maybe it’s just not available (to me) yet? Has anyone gotten the integration to work?
You might need to update your app to latest version.
@Gary Yeah I have the latest version and I’m in NYC, so I assume it’s a supported market. 🙂
I don’t see an option to sign up anywhere… I have the latest version of both the UBER and MESSENGER apps, on Android. Is it an I-phone only deal, maybe?
I was able to snag the credit, you need to LINK Facebook within the UBER app, then head to Messenger APP and look up UBER. You’ll see a car icon, which connects you to credit – which I think you have to use right then and there – didn’t appear that you could store it for later, but I’m not sure. Good luck!
I have the latest version of both iPhone apps and see no option to sign up either.
@SFO Buddy Thanks but I can seem to find anywhere in the Uber app to specify that it should connect with my FB account. The only thing I see under Connected Accounts is Spotify and there is no add function there. Any hints?
I did some more digging and found this though:
“As of today, Uber on Messenger is available in select users in places where Uber operates in the US, including San Francisco, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami. Within a week, the companies say, the feature will be available everywhere else in the US that Uber operates. ”
So while I’d be surprised if NY was not in the initial rollout (after all, we NY’ers feel that we are the center of the universe), it may not have gone live yet.
I may have found a workaround. I do live in the Bay Area, so perhaps you need to change your zip code or lists (login via Uber website) for this to work.
I didn’t see the car icon or transportation option, but I sent myself an address in the Facebook Messenger. When I clicked on the address, there was an option to “request a ride.” Clicked that and got prompted to connect Uber. After I logged in/connect, I got a message from Uber on Messenger confirming the $20 credit – I’ve already used Uber for many rides…
My colleague also wrote up a guide with pictures https://www.saveful.com/blog/this-hack-will-get-you-20-uber-credit-via-facebook/
I tried the sending myself an address scheme as described, even faking addresses for those cities listed, but had no luck. Any other ideas?
I’m also not having any luck, even using the “send yourself the address” trick. It just opens up the address location in google maps. I have the latest versions of Uber and Messenger. I’m definitely starting to think that this is simply an offer that is being very selectively rolled out. I’m also curious to know if those who have been able to get it to work are using iOS devices, android devices, or both. Hopefully they keep the $20 credit offer for a while, or at least until I’m able to grab it for myself!
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That FA is not my server or waitperson but an employee of the airline I choose to fly.
I treat them with the respect I would want if the came to my business area.
I find about 25% of flyers to be self absorbed selfish greedy fools. I hate that anyone has to deal with these kind of people but I’ll gladly wait for anything while FA deal with the fools.
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