Uber had warned that surge pricing would mean more expensive trips

Some users of the popular ride-sharing app Uber had a rough morning when they checked just how much their New Year’s Eve rides cost.

People took to social media on New Year’s Day to complain that the company’s surge pricing was too high—with some users reporting paying more than $200 for a ride.

I know, I know - it’s the beginning of December, it’s cold and rainy, maybe even a bit snowy. It seems like we’re stuck in the winter doldrums and Christmas and New Year season are ages away. But believe it or not, it’s NOT too early to start thinking about holidays – and more importantly, what you want for your holiday limo. When it comes to hooliday limos, the number one tip is BOOK EARLY. Christmas and New Year are generally the busiest times of the year for limo services, so you absolutely want to plan ahead:

Surge pricing is normal to users of the Uber app. It can happen during rush hour or a big sporting event—anytime when the demand for drivers is greater than the number of vehicles on the road. Uber notifies customers before their ride that they will be paying a higher rate, and the company even warned before New Year’s that rides would be unusually expensive during the holiday.

But on New Year’s Eve, the surge pricing rate was as high as 9.9x the original cost of the ride, which had some users upset after they turned to the service to get home safely. Some complained online, while others poked fun at the situation, noting that if anyone had a good night it was their Uber drivers.

How Early Do I need to Book a Limo Service?

When you’re looking to book a limo service, you will likely want to book the limo ahead of time. In general, you should always be searching for a limo at least three to four weeks ahead of the event. However, a couple of factors can influence how far ahead of time you’ll want to book your limo, such as the type of event and time of year. ...

You know you will be drinking this holiday, and most likely you will be needing car for your ride home, so why not plan ahead? You don't have to specify the exact time of your pickup, just give an hour notice to the limousine company. Uber sent emails and posted notifications to social media warning customers that a higher-than-average ridership was expected, and that fees for the ride-hailing service were likely to multiply due to increased demand.

Holiday limo

You will also want to do some research on the kinds of limos available and decide what you really want. Getting that perfect limousine in your favorite color is going to be much more fun than just getting any old ‘off the rack’ limo - but you'll only get it if you've done your research. Here’re a few options to consider if you’re just starting to check out what’s available:

4 Killer Holiday Limos

When it comes to Christmas limos, a stretch is a classic ride. With amenities such as privacy dividers, fiber-optic mood lighting, and flat screen televisions, a stretch is sure to impress everyone at your big event. These vehicles come in a variety of models and sizes. Ten passenger models are the most popular followed by the eight and the six. ...

Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, you still need to do a lot of research before you book. Research the local limo companies, compare prices, and look at their cancellation policies and all the fine print. Be smart, don’t just hire the first company you find. Read below for tips on how to mindfully get exactly what you want, and avoid being swindled:

Foolproof Tips for Booking A New Year Limo

Make the most of your big night with a holiday limo. Why roll up in your mom’s station wagon when you can blow everyone away with a 36 foot Hummer? An incredible variety of vehicles are available to make your New Year night unforgettable. We understand that this may be your first time renting a limo, so here are a few suggestions to point you in the right direction. ...

It’s never too early to plan ahead!