Key Takeaways
- Lyft allows luggage in rides based on vehicle size and driver discretion without extra charges.
- Different Lyft services offer varying luggage capacities; Lyft XL or Lux XL are recommended for more luggage.
- Communication with the driver about luggage amount beforehand can ensure a smoother ride experience.
- Tips and politeness toward drivers for luggage handling can enhance the overall Lyft ride experience.
Can You Bring Luggage on a Lyft?
Yes, you can bring luggage in a Lyft ride. The amount of luggage that can be brought on each ride depends on the vehicle size and the driver’s discretion.
There is no official Lyft policy on luggage quantity, but different Lyft services offer various vehicle options, each with distinct luggage capacities.
Like Uber, Lyft doesn’t have an official luggage policy. However, different Lyft rideshare services offer various vehicle options with distinct luggage capacity.
That said, the amount of luggage you can bring on a Lyft ride depends on the vehicle size and the driver’s discretion.
To save you this headache, we’ve gone through all the Lyft ride services to show you what luggage capacity you can expect from each ride type.
We’ll also give you tips to get the best ride experience when traveling or commuting with a lot of luggage.
Does it Cost Extra to Bring Luggage on a Lyft?
No, Lyft does not charge extra for bringing luggage. Passengers are allowed to bring their suitcases or bags without additional fees.
However, if the luggage is excessive and cannot be safely stored in the trunk or cabin without obstructing mirrors, the Lyft driver has the right to refuse the ride.
To avoid issues, I suggest confirming with the driver beforehand that your luggage will fit, or consider booking a Lyft XL for more space.
The Luggage Capacity of Each Type of Lyft Ride
The last thing you want to experience on a hectic travel day is to have the wrong vehicle type show up. Use the guide below to book Lyft rides for different luggage situations.
When booking a ride, consider the number of passengers and the amount of luggage to select the most appropriate Lyft service.
For large luggage quantities or groups, Lyft XL or Lux XL are recommended. These have the most storage space, but will still offer a comfortable ride with bags.
For solo travelers or minimal luggage, Standard Lyft or Shared Lyft should be fine. However, Shared Lyft doesn’t pick up or drop off riders at some airports – like LAX.
For a balance of luxury and space, Lyft Lux is an ideal choice. It offers spacious vehicles, but also room in most vehicles.
1. Lyft Standard
The Lyft Standard is the most basic and affordable option. It offers 4-seater sedans with limited luggage capacity.
The car trunks can fit 2-3 large suitcases or duffle bags. They’re ideal for individuals or small groups with minimal luggage.
2. Lyft Extra Comfort
The Lyft Extra Comfort is an upgraded version of the standard Lyft service. It offers the same luggage space using newer vehicle models with experienced drivers.
3. Lyft Black
With Lyft Black, you get a high-end sedan or mini SUV that offers luxury and reasonable cargo space. The ride should easily fit 3-4 large suitcases.
4. Lyft Black SUV
If you’re willing to pay more for luxury rides and maximum luggage capacity, the premium jeeps and SUVs in Lyft Black SUV are for you.
These rides will accommodate you and your 3-5 large suitcases and still offer comfort.
5. Lyft XL
The Lyft XL is perfect for trips when you have large luggage sizes. Vehicles used for this service are typically huge SUVs and minivans with lots of space.
These cars easily take 5-6 large suitcases and offer even more space when the third row is folded.
The table below summarizes Lyft services with car types and luggage capacity.
| Lyft Service | Vehicle Example | Luggage Capacity | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyft Standard | Basic sedan/small SUV | 2-3 large suitcases or 3-4 smaller suitcases | Individuals or small groups with limited luggage |
| Lyft Extra Comfort | Luxury sedans like Audi A6, Bentley Bentayga, Chevrolet Trailblazer | 2-3 large suitcases or 3-4 smaller suitcases | Travelers seeking luxury rides with minimal luggage |
| Lyft Black | High-end sedans/mini SUVs such as Lincoln Towncar, Mercedes GLB, BMW 5 Series | 3-4 large suitcases or 4-5 smaller ones | Those seeking luxury and moderate luggage space |
| Lyft Black SUV | Luxurious SUVs/Jeeps like Range Rover, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes G-Class | 3-4 large suitcases or 4-5 small/medium suitcases | Luxury travel of large groups with more luggage |
| Lyft XL | Huge SUVs/Minivans like Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee | 4-5 large suitcases, 5-6 medium (more if the third row is down) | Groups with large luggage quantities |
As you can see, all the Lyft ride options allow you to fit extra luggage in the car when you have fewer passengers. But be aware that it still depends on if the driver accepts.
Brett’s Take: Thoughts From an Expert
When I use Lyft while traveling, I expect to be able to use the trunk for luggage, as most other riders usually assume, too.
I have noticed that sometimes drivers hesitate to use trunk space for luggage. This is somewhat unusual to me, but it happens far more often than I would like.
This is a HUGE point of contention for most riders when it does happen. It’s frustrating because when the driver eliminates the trunk space, the car ride gets much more uncomfortable.
It is a well-known fact in the driving community that airport riders almost always have luggage, so I’m not sure why this confuses some drivers – but it does.
My best guess is that they don’t want riders loading up their suitcases into the trunk and causing damage to their vehicles. So they just throw them in the extra seats to protect their cars.
My Suggestion: As a way to avoid this issue, I suggest always calling your driver ahead of time on airport rides, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
This is a great way to communicate your intentions with the driver, including how many people and bags you have. This allows you to call a bigger ride if necessary.
When your driver arrives, ask them how they would like you to handle the luggage. If they want to handle it, let them.
And then tip them well for the ride.
4 Tips for a Better Lyft Ride Experience
We’ve seen Lyft drivers complain about going out of their way to please riders with loads of luggage yet getting treated unfairly. For this reason, most drivers would refuse such ride requests.
To avoid issues, here are a few steps you can take when booking a ride with luggage.
1. Communicate With the Driver
It’s important to let your prospective driver know how much luggage you have ahead of time. Doing so is crucial to ensure their vehicle can handle your luggage.
You can reach drivers by dropping pickup notes in your Lyft Riders app when booking the ride or calling them directly.
Doing this will save both you and the driver a lot of time. If they don’t agree, you can request a bigger ride quickly instead of waiting until their arrival.
When your driver arrives, ask how they’d like you to handle the luggage. Most drivers prefer taking care of the luggage for the safety of their car. They don’t want riders loading up suitcases and causing scratches or other damage to their car.
2. Be Friendly
As Lyft doesn’t charge you for luggage, be aware that drivers aren’t paid to help you with it either. They have the right to refuse any ride when there’s too much luggage that they feel could cause damage to their cars.
Even if they’re paid for it, remember that drivers are people too. Show them respect and appreciate their help with your luggage. You should also help them load and unload your luggage.
3. Tip the Driver
While tipping Lyft drivers isn’t mandatory, it’s a thoughtful way to acknowledge your driver’s assistance with loading and unloading your luggage.
If several drivers reject your request because of loads, you can inform them you’ll tip them for the extra service. That should help you secure a ride fast.
4. Be at the Pickup Location
When you book a pickup ride (from your home or airport), ensure you and your luggage are available at the pickup location on time.
Say you book a ride from home. You should have your luggage outside and ready to load before the driver arrives, as some drivers may decide to leave if you keep them waiting for long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lyft Drivers Help With Luggage?
Lyft drivers are not required to assist with luggage, as it’s not a company policy. Passengers should generally expect to handle their own suitcases.
However, many drivers may offer help to expedite the loading process and potentially earn a better tip.
Should You Tell a Driver Beforehand if You Have Luggage?
Yes, you should inform the driver beforehand if you have luggage, especially if it’s more than two large suitcases.
Standard Lyft vehicles typically accommodate two large suitcases in the trunk. For more luggage, consider booking a Lyft XL to ensure enough space and avoid delays or ride cancellations.
Can a Driver Refuse a Ride Because of Too Much Luggage?
Yes, a Lyft driver can refuse a ride due to excessive luggage.
Although it’s uncommon, as cancellations can impact their acceptance rate and future job opportunities, drivers are permitted to refuse rides at any time.
If your luggage exceeds the car’s capacity, a driver may need to cancel the fare.
Final Thoughts
Airport transportation shouldn’t be something to stress about. But, of course, that’s often much easier said than done if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
If you plan to use a rideshare service for ground transportation on your next trip, make sure the vehicle you hire can accommodate you, your companions, and your luggage. This will minimize your stress and, most importantly, start your vacation off smoothly.
So, next time you’re arranging a ride from the airport, be sure to check out Lyft’s XL options.
And denying too many rides gets one deactivated! Uber just as bad! I am banned unfairly and deactivated!
Crying shame good people die hard!
People don’t tip even if you break your back picking up their heavy luggage and also at the drop point. People are just entitled and rude as hell.
I agree with the comments above. Sometimes we go out of our way to find our passengers because they are in the wrong spot. When we arrive they are rude because it took so long to get them when in all reality it is their fault. 9 out of 10 riders do not tip but they all expect full service.
Picked up person with seven suitcases in my Toyota camry ,no tip