Everyone talks about flying taxis nowadays companies like Joby, Archer, and EHang, and new routes starting in big cities like New York and Dubai. But no one tells you what taking a ride will actually be like.
What does it feel like? Is it scary? Is it smooth? What do you do? Here is step-by-step what your very first flying taxi trip will look like, from booking it on your phone to landing at your destination.
Step 1: Booking Your Ride
Booking a flying taxi will be just like ordering an Uber.
- Open an app on your phone. You can use the flying taxi company’s own app, the Uber app, or even an airline app like Delta or IndiGo.
- Type in where you want to go. The app will show you available flights, the price, the departure time, and how long the flight will take.
- Tap “Book.” That’s it! Your card is charged, and you get a confirmation.
You put in where you want to go. The app shows you available flights. You see the price, the departure time, and how long the flight takes. You tap “Book.” Done. Card gets charged. You get a confirmation.
This is not going to be like booking a plane ticket weeks in advance. It will be like Uber — book 10-30 minutes before you want to fly. Show up. Go.
Step 2: Getting to the Vertiport
A vertiport is the small airport where air taxis take off and land. Think of it like a mini airport but much smaller and faster. No massive terminals. No long security lines. No gate numbers.
Vertiports will be located at:
- Existing airports (separate area from regular planes)
- Downtown rooftops
- Purpose-built pads near busy areas
- Existing heliports (converted)
You arrive maybe 5-10 minutes before your flight. Not 2 hours like a regular airport. Five to ten minutes. That is it.
Step 3: Check-In (Super Quick)
When you get to the vertiport, check-in will be fast:
- Scan a QR code from your booking app
- Quick identity check (face scan or ID)
- Step on a scale (weight matters for balancing the aircraft)
- Done
No luggage belt. No removing your shoes. No putting laptops in separate bins. You might be able to bring a small bag or backpack. No heavy suitcases though — these aircraft have weight limits.
Total check-in time: 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Waiting for Your Flight
You will wait in a small, nice waiting room called a lounge.
- Comfy seating: It will feel like a nice business room with comfy chairs, coffee, and big glass windows to watch the flying taxis land and take off.
- Very short wait: You will only wait about 5 minutes.
- Fast turnarounds: You will see your flying taxi land, watch the last passengers get out, let the staff do a quick check, and then it is your turn to get on.
Step 5: Walking to the Flying Taxi
A worker will walk you straight out to your flying taxi.
- Super close: It will be parked right outside, just a few steps from the waiting room. No big airport buses or long tunnels.
- Very quiet: Unlike a helicopter that makes a huge, loud noise, the flying taxi sits there almost silently with just a soft, quiet hum.
Step 6: Getting Inside
The cabin of most air taxis is surprisingly comfortable. Here is what to expect:
Joby S4 (4 passengers + pilot)
- Clean, modern interior like a luxury car
- Individual seats with seatbelts (similar to car seatbelts)
- Big windows on both sides
- Screen showing your route and arrival time
- Climate control (AC/heating)
- Noise-cancelling interior
EHang EH216-S (2 passengers, no pilot)
- Two seats side by side
- Large glass bubble giving you an amazing view
- Touchscreen showing flight info
- No controls (remember — no pilot)
- Feels like sitting inside a big drone
You sit down. Put on your seatbelt. The door closes. And that is it. You are ready to fly.
Step 7: Takeoff
This is the part everyone wonders about. Taking off in a helicopter is loud and shaky, but a flying taxi feels totally different. People who have tested them say taking off feels like:
In a helicopter, takeoff is loud, shaky, and you feel everything vibrating. In an air taxi? People who have been in test flights describe it as:
- An elevator going up, but much smoother.
- You barely feel it—suddenly you are just in the air.
- Way less scary than expected.
- Quieter than being inside a car on the highway.
The flying taxi lifts straight up gently and quietly. No runway needed. You go from sitting on the ground to flying in just 10 to 15 seconds.
Step 8: The Flight
Once in the air, the flying taxi tilts slightly forward and starts moving toward your destination. Here is what the ride feels like:
- Very Quiet: It feels like sitting in a quiet office or library. You can talk normally without yelling.
- Super Smooth: It is smoother than a car ride—no bumps or potholes. If it is windy, it feels like a boat floating on calm water.
- Great View: You fly low enough to clearly see city buildings, rivers, and all the traffic stuck down below you.
- Fast but Calm: Even though you are traveling over 200 km/h, it feels peaceful because you are high above the roads.
- Short Trips: Most rides only take 5 to 15 minutes.
There are no big bumps like on a giant airplane. The ride is fast, easy, and smooth.
Step 9: Landing
Landing is just like taking off, but in reverse. The flying taxi slows down, moves straight down, and gently touches the landing pad. You barely feel the landing at all.
A computer controls the whole landing process, making sure it is perfectly smooth every single time.
Step 10: Arriving at Your Destination
Once you land, the process is simple and quick:
- Get out: The doors open, and you step out.
- Short walk: You walk just a few steps to the exit.
- On your way: You are already at your destination! You can grab a coffee, call a car for the rest of your trip, or walk right into the airport terminal if you are catching a plane.
What About Motion Sickness?
If you usually get carsick or airsick, you don’t need to worry. Flying taxis are built to help prevent feeling sick:
- Smooth movements: No sharp turns or sudden drops.
- Big windows: Looking out at the horizon keeps your stomach calm.
- Short trips: Most flights take only 5 to 15 minutes—too fast to get sick.
- Computer guidance: The computer keeps the flight smooth and steady.
If you can handle a car ride without getting sick, you will almost certainly be fine in an air taxi.
What Should You Wear?
You can wear whatever you want! Treat it just like riding in a car or train.
- You don’t need any special gear or jumpsuits.
- Wear your normal work clothes, jeans, a dress, or sneakers.
Can You Bring Luggage?
Yes, but keep it light. Flying taxis have weight limits, so space is limited:
- Small bags: Backpacks, laptop bags, and purses are totally fine.
- Carry-ons: Usually, one small carry-on bag per person (under 10 kg) is allowed.
- Big suitcases: Large, heavy suitcases likely won’t fit on normal rides.
When Can You Actually Do This?
Here is when air taxi rides will be available to regular people:
- Dubai: Late 2026 or early 2027
- New York City: 2027
- Los Angeles: 2027-2028 (Olympics will accelerate this)
- Dallas, Miami, San Francisco: 2027-2028
- London, Manchester: 2028
- India (Bengaluru, Mumbai): 2028
We are talking 1-2 years away for the first cities. Not decades. Not “someday.” Very soon.
My Opinion (Amit’s Opinion)
Your first flying taxi ride will be much simpler and calmer than you think. It won’t be scary at all! It will feel smooth, quiet, and fast just like riding in a nice elevator with an amazing view.
The entire trip will take less time than a regular car ride across town. That is the whole goal: save time, skip the traffic, and get where you need to go.
The only scary part might be the first 5 seconds of takeoff. After that, you will wonder why you ever spent time sitting in traffic!