Uber passenger fell sick moments after getting into the cab — what his driver did next made him rethink his tip after the ride
A sudden wave of sickness can make even a short journey feel difficult, especially when someone is far from home and unsure what is happening. One passenger experienced this while taking an Uber from the convention center to the airport in New Orleans. Just as the ride began, he started feeling queasy and struggled to breathe normally. The unusual symptoms left him confused, as he had never experienced anything like this before. He later shared the incident on Reddit on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, under the usernameu/bibliotecha33, explaining why the ride stayed with him long after he reached his destination.
The driver noticed the passenger's heavy breathing and immediately tried to help him feel calmer. He reduced his speed, moved into the slower lane, and opened the window slightly to let in fresh air. He also asked whether the passenger needed to go somewhere else, including an emergency room. When the man requested a stop, the driver pulled over and helped him regain control of his breathing. He even had a motion sickness bag in his trunk, which offered the passenger some comfort. The driver continued checking on him and keeping him engaged in conversation as they made their way to the airport. His response turned a frightening experience into one where the passenger did not feel alone.
By the time they arrived, the passenger was still feeling disoriented and struggled to stand for a moment. He could not properly thank the driver before they parted ways, but he made sure to leave a tip. After entering the airport, he began feeling better within about ten minutes, as the episode appeared to pass. He later contacted Uber through its in-app help service to explain what had happened.
The passenger also updated the tip to show his appreciation for the driver's care. He made it clear that the man had done more than simply complete a ride, as he had taken time to check on someone who was struggling. In his post, he thanked the driver directly, writing, "Thank you so much for being a kind and decent human being!" He also hoped the message sent through the app would reach the driver, Ryan. Although he had not been able to express his gratitude in person, sharing the story gave him another way to recognize the driver's efforts.
When someone is sick and needs help, a kind stranger behind the wheel can be a lifeline. In another incident, an Uber passenger suffered a brain hemorrhage while traveling to his new job. The driver noticed something was wrong, stopped the car, and called emergency services before the passenger became unresponsive. He stayed by his side until the ambulance arrived, helping him get urgent medical attention. The passenger's mother later expressed her gratitude, saying, "It gives me a little bit more faith in humanity." She believed the driver's quick response had saved her son's life.
For more interesting stories, follow u/bibliotecha33 on Reddit.