Lyft XL will pair you with a larger vehicle and allow for more passengers. However, Lefty restricts the number of passengers to five.
A five-passenger limit can be frustrating for some groups and individuals. This has led customers to question why Lyft doesn’t allow seven passengers, even if the vehicle has enough seats.
Why Doesn’t Lyft Support 7 Passengers?
Lyft XL only supports up to five passengers per trip. This is partly due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. Lyft’s Health and Safety Commitment requires the front passenger seat to remain empty. However, your mileage will vary depending on a few different circumstances.
Lyft’s Health and Safety Commitment
Lyft requires both their passengers and drivers to agree to the Health and Safety Commitment before they can accept a ride. This is mainly due to COVID-19 and the global pandemic.
Drivers and passengers must agree to the following:
- Do not ride or drive if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have COVID-19
- You must wear a face-covering such as a mask
- Drivers must keep their vehicle clean and sanitize their hands often
- The front passenger seat must remain empty
- Open the windows if necessary
- Avoid recirculated air during and in between trips
What if the Vehicle Has Enough Seats?
You may be wondering if this rule applies even if the vehicle has enough seats. Multiple cars can fit up to over eight passengers, such as the Ford Expedition and Chevy Suburban. Even if the front passenger seat isn’t taken, these vehicles can host six passengers. What gives?
These Vehicles Aren’t Common
Even though a Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition can have eight passengers, these vehicles aren’t necessarily typical. You may not come across one of these larger vehicles even If you’re using Lyft XL.
It Can Be Up to the Driver
Many times, it can be up to the driver’s discretion whether or not they accept your ride. They may pull up to your pickup location and see more people than they initially thought. Sometimes a driver may decline your trip, and you’ll have to find another. In other cases, you may have to gently “persuade” your driver to accept your trip.
Should I Bribe My Lyft Driver if I Have More Than 5 Passengers?
If you have more than five passengers, you may be wondering whether or not you should try and bribe your Lyft driver. We won’t make any moral judgments on our end. We all know the real world works differently than what’s stated on the internet. There are some things you should know beforehand.
An Extra $10 Can Go a Long Way…
Lyft drivers are independent contractors. This means their vehicles belong to them, and they have certain freedoms basic employees might not have. Lyft requires its drivers to comply with all federal, state, and local laws relevant to driving a car. One of the laws is that a seatbelt must be available for the driver and each passenger.
Although it’s uncommon, it’s possible to run into a vehicle that can seat more than five passengers. You can always offer your driver an extra $10 or more If you come across one when using the Lyft app.
Be Ready to Get Declined
You should be prepared to have your trip declined if you plan on offering your Lyft XL driver an additional tip. You and your friends may have to wait longer or request another Lyft XL. Keep in mind that you won’t have to pay a cancellation fee, and Lyft will not charge your card if a driver declines your ride.
Take 2 Separate Lyfts Instead
It may be easier to take two separate Lyfts instead of trying to bribe and cram seven passengers into one vehicle. Many customers have used two different trips, especially large families with luggage.
It may also be advantageous to take two Lyfts because they can be negatively impacted if a driver cancels your ride. Not to mention, they can rate you as a customer and negatively impact your Lyft rating. The decision will come down to you and your passengers.
Does Lyft XL Allow 7 Passengers?
Lyft XL only supports up to 5 passengers per trip. Some of these restrictions are in place because of COVID-19 and require the front passenger seat to remain empty. However, you may be able to convince your Lyft driver to accept more passengers. You can also use two separate Lyfts if you need to. Your experience will vary depending on your driver, location, and circumstances.