I've had Uber drivers say not to bother using the app at LAX. They need to get a separate permit from airport officials to pick up the passenger, so it's at minimum a ~30 minute ordeal to arrange pick-up.

Uber isn't right for every use-case; especially pick-ups from regulated areas where taxi stands are already prevalent.

My Uber driver just told me to request the ride when the plane touches down so he can get the permit ahead of time.

I always use Uber when arriving at SFO now. I know the pricing ahead of time (Uber does flat-rate between SF and SFO). I don't have to worry about having cash on me or getting a disapproving glare when I ask about using a credit card. I don't have to even think about calculating a tip. If my driver is rude or unsafe or anything negative, I have an easy avenue to report that without having to make a phone call, wait on hold for who knows how long, and then push my complaint into the black hole. If I'm especially tired and want to treat myself, I can order an Uber Black instead of an UberX. Hell, most UberX cars are nicer than most cabs I've seen.

The only downside is that there's a short wait if I don't time the ride request just right. Since there are tons of taxis at the airport, I wouldn't have to wait taking a taxi. But the above more than makes up for this point.

Uber has higher-quality cars and you get to rate the drivers so they tend to be a little more polite and professional. Not that taxis can't have high-quality cars and drivers but it's more of a crap shoot.

I just came back from China and used Uber there... They have much better cars there: Audi A6L and MB E-class.

Well, the author's "palm-to-head moment" was going TO the airport. But even getting picked up at the airport can be a bit nicer in a town car. No line, no wondering if they take credit card, no dirty car, no tip, etc.