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Comment by physcab | Hacker News Reader

This makes me happy. After having been an Uber customer, then an Uber driver, and now a Lyft customer, I'm more than happy to transition my business to Lyft. Where Uber made me feel douchey, Lyft has made me feel part of a community. Even though functionally the two services are indistinguishable, I've always had better experiences with Lyft. Lyft feels more grounded. You have the opportunity, if you wish, to sit next to your driver and not treat them as a lower class citizen. I don't hear about Lyft employees being ruthless or money-grabbing. And generally all Lyft drivers I've met have been happy Uber driver converts. I totally buy the Southwest Airlines angle they are trying to achieve.

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> I totally buy the Southwest Airlines angle they are trying to achieve.

I wouldn't compare any service I actually like to Southwest Airlines. Southwest seems to be one of the least appealing airlines in terms of comfort and quality.

My guess is that you're 30 or under?

Southwest during its rise to prominence in the 90's and maybe early 2000's had this friendly, relaxed reputation. It was definitely an economical option, but they tried to be friendly and jokey and get out of your way.

I agree that nowadays that has all gone away and they're just kind of cattle-cars.

Agreed. There was a time i wouldn't fly anything BUT southwest if i could help it. I don't fly enough these days to care that much, but back when I did fly a lot, I really preferred their approach.

As a mid-20s middle class guy, it's the only airline I fly. No-nonsense, good price, friendly people. No, it's not luxury seating, but I really like flying with them. They also haven't screwed up connections or held up my baggage, which US Airways and United have.

> And generally all Lyft drivers I've met have been happy Uber driver converts. I totally buy the Southwest Airlines angle they are trying to achieve.

I've noticed this too - the Lyft driver's are happier on average. And when you do get a rude Lyft driver, chances are they are driving for Uber too. At least this has been my experience.

I've heard this from drivers too. Lyft passengers are generally happier and more social, while Uber don't want to be bothered.

>You have the opportunity, if you wish, to sit next to your driver and not treat them as a lower class citizen

This might say more about you than Uber or Lyft. Why is sitting in the back treating them like a "lower class citizen"?

I consider it keeping things professional to sit in the back. They are being paid to performing a service for me; it's not like it's slavery. I don't find myself feeling guilty about not standing when a waiter comes to my table.

In the early days, Uber's slogan was “everyone’s private driver” while Lyft was “your friend with a car.” Uber's marketing was aimed at recreating the experience of a private chauffeur (which in certain older times would have been a member of the servant class), while Lyft's marketing was aimed at recreating the experience of carpooling with a friend.

Obviously neither marketing story was really true, but they did influence the way the customer experience was and is presented.

Same. The way I describe the difference is that I started using ride sharing services to avoid taxis. Then all the taxi drivers started driving uberx so I switched to Lyft. It's as much about the experience as it is the convenience.

Did you perhaps mean JetBlue? Southwest isn't well-liked.

> Southwest isn't well-liked

What are you referring to? Southwest is loved by customers and employees.

Southwest is still living on the goodwill they generated from their huge fuel hedge last decade. They don't allow their fares to be shown in the aggregators but they've convinced a large segment of the population to start their search at southwest.com rather than Orbitz/Kayak/Expedia because they believe WN will have the lowest price, but that's hardly ever true anymore.

Brilliant but hardly consumer-friendly.

I disagree. Myself as well as many people I know like the experience on Southwest. To me the best thing about them is their no-fee cancellation/change policy, right up to 15 minutes before take-off. To change a non-refundable flight on most other airlines carries a default $250+ fee. Being able to check bags at no additional charge is pretty awesome too.

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