Flash Cab is hit or miss. I recently had a serious knee injury, I use crutches, and I have come to rely very heavily on cabs to get me to and from work and everywhere else I need to go. After I got hurt, I started using Flash Cab's online booking service, WebHail, in the morning because I live on a small street that doesn't much cab traffic and the snow and ice made it extremely scary, if not nearly impossible, for me to walk to a busier intersection to hail a cab the old fashioned way. When Flash Cab's WebHail service functions correctly, it cannot be beat - in fact, when it works, I'll receive a confirmation text message and email within moments of booking, and my cab will be in front of my building waiting for me by the time I get downstairs (and it's not a long elevator ride!). The driver will know my name and will refuse to let anyone else take the taxi, and he will already know where I am headed. It's perfect! I would find a way to give Flash 6 stars if WebHail always worked. However, when WebHail doesn't function correctly - which happens more often than it should - it can completely wreck my morning. After the blizzard at the beginning of February, the whole system was down for several days - to Flash's credit, at least I got error messages when I tried to book my cab online. About two weeks ago, I booked a cab around 8:40 so that I could get to an appointment about a mile away. I received a confirmation of the booking and headed downstairs. As I said above, when WebHail works, my taxi is usually in the driveway before I get downstairs. There was not a cab waiting for me that morning. At 8:50, there was still no cab. I called the Flash's number and had to wait about five minutes before a human being answered the phone. When an operator finally answered, I explained that I booked a cab online and asked where it was. He snapped that they weren't taking any bookings that morning. I asked why, if Flash was not taking any bookings, I got a confirmation of my booking. The guy growled and hung up on me. Needless to say, I missed my appointment and I was furious. Last week, I tried WebHail again, and received error messages on three separate dates that my address, which is less than half a mile from the Loop was outside of their service area. This week, I got burned yet again when I ordered a cab for immediate pick-up, received a confirmation number, and then got stood up. At least this last time, when I called the Flash number, the operator was polite: he asked for my confirmation number, said that there was a queue, and he couldn't predict when my cab would show up (luckily one of their competitors was able to get me). So, that's my rant. Overall, I just wish Flash Cab would work out the kinks of its WebHail system. Until that happens, I wish Flash would just say so if cabs are not available. I would much rather be advised to find alternate transportation than be strung along in some taxicab twilight zone - a little honesty and straightforwardness goes a long way with this customer! read more

I don't know what has happened at Flash recently, but they went from #1 in my book to "isn't there some way I can sue these people?". Booked two hours in advance through their site. No one showed, no call. I phoned them and they said ten minutes. After nearly 2 hours of this I finally got a woman who admitted no one should have been telling me they were coming because they weren't. Nothing in my area and wait would be at least another hour. I missed my appointment and I lost the apartment I desperately needed and don't know what I am going to do now. Do not use them if you have any type of time critical situation. They will tell you what you want to hear just to try to keep a booking. Despicable. read more

I don't know what is going on at Flash Cab. Generally, I think they have the best cabs, but when you call to make a reservation lately they put you on hold for 20 minutes. We call them a lot where I work and they finally gave us some corporate number which I called three times. Each time we got through right away but none of the three times did a cab ever show up. I'm looking for a new cab service. Why is it so hard to find a decent cab service in Chicago? It's frustrating because I like that with this company the drivers will almost always take credit cards and almost never take out of towners for a ride. read more

Avoid flash cab at all costs, or at least cab driver 2400. Rude, and is sure to put your life at risk. This guy wove in and out of traffic, drove down the shoulder, slammed on his breaks throughout the entire trip to the airport. It was pure hell. He wore no seat-belt which indicates that he doesn't value his own life so why value anyone else's life. He made no attempt to help us with our bags and claims that the credit card machine did not work. He ran my card through his Iphone (is this common practice in a cab???) and grew angry because I questioned why the credit card machine did not work. Needless to say he drove off without giving my receipt and talking under his breath. Flash itself is no better as I think they make it a point to not pick up their phone. read more

property theft-cab driver Mohammed cab #1655 drove off w 3 pieces of luggage. Company is very rude on the phone. Even though they reached the can sriver within minutes, they wanted us to pay cab fare for cabbie to come drop off the luggage he forgot to leave or go to their lost and found on the north side. There is no such thing as customer service at this company. Everyone is rude and they refused to correct their mistake or refund our $70 cab ride for the inconvenience of going to their lost and found to retrieve luggage read more

Is it important to you that a cab show up when you order one? Then stay away from Flash Cab. Last night was the third, and last time, they have stood me up. Dispatcher said the cab "accidentally picked up the wrong people". I accidentally thought their job was to come pick me up when I order a cab. Second time they were no-show, I was trying to get the airport for a flight! They were once great, but now they are a gamble I'm not going to take. read more

I want to give a shout out to Jose in customer service that helped me find my cab. Thank you! You'll need to have the cab number though so try and register that when you get in a cab... read more

Probably the only decent cab company I've used in Chicago. Uber helped me find a cab when Hailo wouldn't. However you must tell them how to get to where you are going or else they will take the long way. read more

Ordered a cab for a friend to the airport. Had asked for texts that she never got. The cab was late but only by 5 or so minutes and the driver was very helpful and courteous with her oversized luggage. Would use again. read more

Im very disappointed with the flash cab company that I hopped on at the Ohare airport. A 20 minute ride became a 35 minute. Arriving home he asked me how I will be paying. I said Cash and just as I was pulling my cash I handed him 40$ I saw the meter reading 32$ but he immediately started tampering on meter to reflect 48. Which he was not successful at first. He exclaim that this is normally not his car. I had already given him 40$ and waited for my change but he kept tampering on the machine and said that the reader was not working properly. I told him that I did not have 48$ on hand and to give me my 40$ and that I would simply charge it. The machine literally said 32$ and he managed to charge me 52$ im so disappointed with Flash Cab. On top of this he did not want to hand me my cash back. This is awful! Wish I can remove that one start!! They don't deserve no stars. read more

Flash Cab - Taxis Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I usually am going home to Evanston from the city when I take a cab and every time I take a Flash Cab they try to pull this - "We're going to Evanston - if you leave the city it's 1 and 1/2 times the meter." Now I can't blame the guys for trying, but the rules are that it's straight time until you hit the city limits and then 1and 1/2 time AFTER you enter the burbs. I live about 1/4 of a mile from the city limits and would rather walk the two blocks if you're going to try to charge me an extra $15 from downtown - that 1/4 mile should be more than a couple bucks. Get it straight cause I won't tip you . read more

Easy to use app. Driver of cab 1376. Very nice and polite. Texted when cab dispatched and driver called before arrival. On time. Only downside is the phone number of flash cab was never answered. Will use again. read more

Horrible company, with horrible service! I missed my flight out of Midway back in July as the taxi never showed up nor did they call-I had to call to check on the status of my order. Today, same situation-I called to check on the status of my order and a taxi had not even been dispatched yet. They were supposed to have been here 30 minutes prior to that call! This is my second NEGATIVE experience and will definitely be the LAST as I will NEVER call for a taxi from this company again! read more

I can't believe that so many people have problems with Flash. I use them exclusively to get me to the airport. And I travel a lot. They have never failed to be on time. In fact, they usually arrive 10min early (which can be a bit stressful, yes.) They always take credit cards unlike other companies. Ok, I had one totally crazy driver, once. Who had no idea where he was going, but I navigated him and I got to the airport, on time. P.S. In this city, I always give myself at least an extra 15 - 30 min to get to the airport depending on the time of day. Traffic alone can cause many problems. And in inclement weather, I never count on taxi's. I leave early, carry all my stuff, and take public transportation. read more

I live in Chicago, on the Northwest Side and, for whatever reason, Flash Cab is the only cab company who will drive me home from Downtown, Wrigley, or Lincoln Park. The drivers are nice enough and never try and take some weird way home. They also don't complain about having to go into my neighborhood which is safe, is filled with bars, and nearby O'Hare. Don't get me started. Anyways, I avoid requesting a cab from Flash online because you'll wait forever. But, if you call and ask them how long it will take they are pretty honest with you. There's been times when it's been too long of a wait and I've just called Dispatch. read more

This company has been a bitter disappointment all week. On Tuesday I needed to take by dog to the vet. Im aware many cabbies won't take dogs which is why I called six hours in advance. My pick up time was 6:30. At 7:05 (15 minutes before I was supposed to be on the other side of city) I received a call saying they haven't found a cab yet. Today, I went grocery shopping. When I was done I called for a cab and sat on hold forever. Fine. Half an hour after placing my order I received a call from an automated voice asking how many minutes I would like the cab to wait as it was outside. I was standing outside and there was no cab to be seen. If I was speaking to an actual person I could have told them so. But nope, I had to call back and wait on hold for another 15 minutes to be informed that they had the wrong address (I'm going to say this was my fault as I should have asked the first person taking my order to read the address back to me but I do think it's strange that they didn't do it anyway without being prompted). So the second woman asks me to hold... and hangs up on me. 15 minutes on hold later I'm speaking with another person. Eventually a cab showed up. I will say that the guy driving the cab was extremely nice and professional. Still never using them again though. read more

Seriously? I waited 30min before calling to check on my cab, then another 30min... Long story short, I found another cab to take me to an already late appointment, and another 20min after that I get a text saying my Flash Cab has arrived as I pull into my location. Don't bother with Flash Cab. read more

Absolutely terrible! Was on the south side for work and knew transportation would be a problem. Arranged for a cab HOURS in advance to ensure I would not be stranded. 10 minutes after the cab was supposed to be there I called Flash Cab and there wasn't even a cab on the way!!!! They actually asked me if I wanted them to "keep trying". Thankfully I was able to find a cab with another company. Will NEVER use again. read more

WORST CAB COMPANY EVER!! So I scheduled a cab to pick me up from work at 9 o'clock. The cab shows up 10 minutes early (8:50) which is no problem. I get an automated call from the taxi service saying that my cab is out front, so I walk out there to tell the guy hey give me a minute or two to close up my store since he was a little early. The cab driver tells me he is only allowed to wait for 3 minutes maximum. I knew that he was lying immediately because the automated call I received said he could wait up to 10 minutes. Again, no big deal I tell him, Ill be in and out in a minute, I just need to turn off the lights and lock my door. So i walk in my door and hit the lights, and when I come back out I see the driver taking off, leaving me there. The whole process took maybe 30 seconds. It took me a half hour to get another cab to pick me up. LISTEN TO THE REVIEWS!! DONT USE THIS COMPANY!! read more

If you need to go to the airport you would do better walking. I had a 7:45 AM flight leaving O'Hare airport. The night before I ordered a 6 AM cab to pick me up as the airport is 30 minutes away. I was downstairs waiting at 5:55, I called at 6:07 to find out that it would be another 5 to 10 minutes. I called back at 6:17 to find out it would be another 5 to 10 minutes. I called back at 6:27 to find out that would be another 15 minutes based on the driver's estimated time of arrival. I reminded the dispatcher each time that my flight was at 7:45 AM. The last time I called, I asked the dispatcher "What should I do at this point now that I have a very good chance of missing my flight?" Her response was "I don't know what else to tell you." Maybe just maybe you could've called me at 6a.m. or earlier to tell me that the taxi would be late. This is an idea that a company who could care less about their customers will never get. Flash cab is only concerned with getting money regardless of the standard of service they provide. If I order a Taxi a day in advance perhaps it's because I need to be somewhere on time. If you know the destination is the airport , perhaps there should be some effort to have a cab at my apartment when you say that it will be there. Suffice it to say I decided to drive my own car to the airport with the hope of making it to the economy lot with enough time to park it and take the shuttle to my terminal. I missed my flight; drove all the way back home; parked my car and took the train to the airport for the next available flight. My entire day was ruined. Thanks flash cab! You're the worst. read more

Worst wait time ever! They cannot be trusted. I ordered my taxi at 2pm for 545pm but I got a call @6pm they were not in the area and I just so frustrated so I choose another method of transportation. read more

Don't call 1-800-TAXICAB anymore. I've used cabs for years for in-town work trips and the service has gotten continually worse. Flash has let me down a couple of times. Today was the last straw. I'm not going to count on any Chicago cab company to get me around. Gotta find another way. read more

Ridiculous. Two stop trip and drjcer demanxed payment after firat stop. Never reset meter and became hostile when asked for a receipt

I had a wedding to attend last December. I called Flashcab at 2pm (I like the idea of using a smaller, local cab company rather than the bigger corporate cab agencies - more fool me!) and ordered a cab for 3:15pm because I needed to be at the wedding early since I was an usher and didn't want to inconvenience my designated driver by making her show up hella early too. 3:15 came. And went. I called Flashcab at 3:20 to check on my cab and the dispatcher tells me that they have me down for 3:45 TOMORROW. It wouldn't have been such a big deal if this had been the first time this happened. But Flashcab screwed me over back in August too. But I (stoopidly) gave them a second chance. The guy who answered the phone was wholly unhelpful. He just kept repeating that "we have you down for 3:45 tomorrow" - which did nothing to help my current situation. Then he transferred me to "Mike" the supervisor. Mike is a jerk. Not only did he NOT apologize for the mistake but he said, "well, it's not like we're forty-five minutes late or something" and then, when I asked him if he was going to apologize said, "I already did." And, when I told him that he would be losing my business forever - and I'd be telling all my friends - and he said, with utter unconcern: "OK" Jerk. So. Don't use Flashcab - at least not for reservations. They suck. To be fair the drivers have always been nice and professional. But the admin staff are sleeze. read more

I needed a cab to get to a doctor's appointment, and all the terrible reviews here on Yelp for cab companies made it hard to figure out which cab to take. I finally settled on Flash and I'm glad I did. I was able to book the cab on line a day in advance. They texted me to confirm the order, texted me again when the cab was dispatched, and sent a final text when the cab was outside my house. The driver was really helpful and friendly, and when traffic was bad on the highway he used his GPS to find a better route to take (and made sure I consented to the route change.) The only reason Flash Cab gets four stars instead of five was because the cab wasn't dispatched until a few minutes after the time they were supposed to be picking me up. I'd allowed extra time for traffic or cab problems, though, and in the end the cab was only about 10 minutes late. read more

We were a party of 6 the first time we used Flash Cab, they sent the wrong vehicle, which couldn't hold all of us. Eventually the right cab came and we were on our way. The second time we tried this company, we were waiting outside when we got a message that the cab had arrived. We looked around and couldn't find it. Called back the company and they said our ride was taken by another party. So annoyed, we asked for another one. After at least 30 minutes of waiting, our group decided to just get 2 cabs instead. Flash Cab is not worth the wait. They'll get it wrong anyway. read more

Let me start this by saying that I had a TERRIBLE Flash Cab experience and their awesome customer service rep is what's really salvaging what should be a NEGATIVE star rating. A Flash Cab picked up my roommate and me late Saturday/early Sunday morning. We only had the cab drive us a few blocks before I got a call from a friend telling us that our friends weren't where we originally thought they were. We instructed the driver to pull over and let us out since we could walk to our destination from where we were in the cab. I handed the driver my debit card to which the driver responded, "There's an ATM right there" and gestured to one right outside a liquor store. When I informed the driver that by law he had to take my card he got really angry. He took my card and wrote the number down on a piece of paper. He never printed out a receipt, never had me sign a charge slip and we never confirmed the amount that would be charged to my card. My roommate kept demanding that the driver print out a receipt for me and the driver got really agitated and kicked out of the cab! He tried to tell me that only cabs coming from "the airport" are required to accept credit cards. Just so everyone knows: all non-privately operated cabs are required by law to accept credit cards in the City of Chicago. Two nights later a $7 charge showed up on my statement and I was livid. The driver had unilaterally decided how much he was going to charge me and charged money to my card without my consent or signature. We had never agreed on the amount he would charge me! I filed a complaint with the city, the Better Business Bureau and left two messages on Flash Cab's customer complaint line. I finally got a call back from Liz, who is awesome. She was always really nice to me and let me know exactly how Flash Cab was handling my complaint. She took everything I said seriously and I'm going to get my money back. I understand that $7 is a small amount but that was $7 of my money taken without my consent. In all, you can have terrible experiences with this company but they do have customer service reps who do an outstanding job and who will take care of you. read more

Driver was rude after I payed with credit card, pleading for cash. I explained that this was business travel and I must use credit card. I rounded up my fare from 35.25 to 40 and driver became belligerent and hostile towards me about his small tip. I explained that I was on business travel again. I asked if he preferred no tip and he said yes, with his voice still escalating, but the transaction had already been run. As an attendee at a convention in Chicago I am not impressed with this Cab's service. Driver also spoke on his telephone the ENTIRE duration of the ride which I do not find safe or courteous. Cab# 5596 read more

Called ahead of time to see if they were dog friendly. We were told yes and there was no extra charge unless the dog had an accident in the cab. We called to get a cab and were told no cabs wanted to come pick up a dog. Well you should probably tell people that when they call to use your service. NOT PET FRIENDLY, even though they say they are..... read more

HORRIBLE experience. I have been riding in cabs for 20+ years, here and elsewhere and have never had such inconsistent cab fares in my life. They rob you with their fees and their 'customer service' is more ridiculous. They don't listen if you call and inquire, they just start on the defensive and telling you they don't need to do this or that. All I'm saying is this, if you are a cab driver in this city, have a flipping IPASS. Why should I pay $6 to sit in a line for you to pay the toll? That is just one example of their logical thinking. I would say take ANY other cab in the city but this one. They are rude and will take the shirt of your back if they can! read more

Don't ever try to use this crap company taxi services. They don't care about their customers, go ahead and use uber or other similar, this companies have to get to an end soon or later. I had a really bad experience with this taxi driver ID 2372TX, the guy was manipulating the little device to over charged me, was really rude, look at me in a rude way and honestly the guy looks really creepy, like he needs a therapist or something. It's really scare. Be far from FLASH CAB read more

I have been using Flash Cab exclusively for years and years and whenever I place an order on the phone a cab appears within 15 minutes. Today I had a very important doctor's appointment downtown and called 45 minutes prior to the appointment... I got a message that a cab was on its way. I decided to wait outside and as I was closing the door to my house a Flash cab drove past - I waited 15 more minutes thinking that my cab was still on its way. Came in and called them and got a recorded message saying that "they can not fill my request at this time." Tried to speak to customer service and listened to a stupid jingle for 5 minutes. Had to cancel my appointment which I waited 2 months for! I don't use Uber but I am seriously rethinking that I should start. I like using cabs because they lose a lot of business with these ride share companies. read more

Worst service. I have called up the number 847 693 4211 (Gurnee location) and answered by a lady. She was telling the ETA was 10 min then 2 min and it was keep going.. Finally after an hour i got the cab. She said she was the boss and threatening me as number would be no cab number . she was very arrogant and she said she don't have the control over the drivers. If she don't have the control how could be owner/manager. I would never ever recommend the taxi service. I understand there will 5 -10 min delay based on the traffic. But at least they should give the details to customer so that we can plan accordingly. And one more thing even the taxi comes earlier or on time they will not notify you. My review is negative. read more

I've been a loyal customer of Flash Cab for the last 5 years and have been pleased with their service up until recently. Lately, I have had one bad experience after another. Some examples: 1) I've ordered cabs for a specific time, they've shown up 10 minutes early, and then have left by the time I was able to make it out of my apartment and down to the street (always by the time I originally ordered the cab for). 2) Horrible drivers who drive with both feet on the gas pedal and break pedal, and who don't take the route I've requested (causing me to be late to where I'm going and driving up the fare higher than it would have been had they taken my more efficient route) 3) Cab drivers with a sense of entitlement with regard to the tip they think they should receive. (I have no problem with tipping 20% for a good ride-- but if I am unsatisfied with the ride, I also have no problem leaving 10%, 5% or 0%) -- the last time I used one of their cabs (On Christmas Day, which is the last time I will ever use their services because of what happened) the cabbie called me a "cheap motherfucker" because I gave him $5.25 for a $5.15 fare because that was all the cash I happened to have on me, not because I was being stingy on the tip. 4) Cab drivers who give you grief for needing to use your credit/ debit card. 5) A cab driver who was on his phone, when he came to pick up my mother and sister who are from out of state, to take them to the Clybourn Metra Station, took them to the Clybourn Red Line (because he was only half listening when I told him "Please take them to the Clybourn METRA station on Armitage/Ashland.") He then charged them the full meter cost of $10.25 (when the normal fair is under $6 from my house to the correct location). My mother and sister ended up missing their train, waiting an extra half an hour on the platform in the cold, and were late to an event they were headed to in the suburbs. When I called and asked for a supervisor, I spoke to a man named "Gabriel" who promised to make things right by submitting a request to their complaints department to send me a voucher for a free ride. I never heard from their complaints department nor received anything in the mail. 6) No accountability of management for complaints... Previously, I had been using Flash Cabs to go to work which is a $10 ride 5 days a week, or $50 a week, or $200 a month (which I would think would make me a pretty good customer), but after recent events, I will avoid taking any of their cabs just on general principle. Why be loyal to a cab service (or any company or business for that matter) when they obviously don't appreciate your business. Taking one of Flash Cab's cab is literally a coin toss and I require better odds and an expectation of better service than that! Do yourself a favor and avoid using them if you can. read more

I will never use them again. Yesterday I called at 3 o clock. they said 5 to 15 minutes. they arrived at 330. Today I called 40 minutes in advance asking to be picked up at 310. It is 325 and I am still waiting. I guess my time is not valuable to them. I called amd was told the arrival times arent guaranteed. read more

As far as cab service goes they aren't that reliable. If they quote you a time then you can almost guarantee that they won't call for your pick-up by that time. The customer service reps aren't that nice and I always feel like I'm inconveniencing them every time I call. Try another cab company first and if they screw you over then I guess it's OK to call this place. read more

I've gotta say, Flash Cab has been the cause of many a Chicago frustration for me. They tend to rarely show up on time, don't usually call when they are running late or even when they've completely failed to send the cab you pre-ordered at all. They get 2 stars for the few times they actually have shown up and helped me out but I wouldn't recommend their services anytime soon. read more

Flash cab is not so bad. If you call any cab company during a downpour or a weekend night when all the bars are closing, you WILL wait for 40 minutes. But whenever I call, I have a cab waiting within 10 minutes or so. I like the automated phone system. read more

This morning, I called Flash Cab for a pickup, in Logan Square. Five to fifteen minutes, I'm told. Twenty minutes later, I call back to find that a cab hadn't even been dispatched. Funny thing is, this same thing happened a couple of years ago. I guess the operating cost of a reservation line must be justified by the tiny fraction of reservations they actually honor. read more

I have called Flash cab four times in less than two weeks. I preface my complaints by says I always order my taxi a day in advance. On the first occasion the taxi was 20 minutes late. He drove more than 90 miles per hour on the expressway to make up for the loss of time. At least he had the courtesy to slow down when I asked him to do so. The second occasion the driver was late....I called the company to find out the status and I was told " he's sitting in front of your house right now." I replied..."Thats not true because I am standing in front of my house." This driver was slower than the previous driver. He drove only 80 miles per hour. Third time. I called 10 hours in advance ( 3pm ) to request a taxi at 1:15am the following morning. I received a call at 1am that morning saying the nearest flash cab was 60 miles away and no taxi could be provided for me. I ended up taking public transportation to work at 1am. Fourth and final.....I called 10 hours in advance again for a taxi from Flash Cab.....they never showed up......after waiting for an hour outside between 12:30am and 1;30am I was told over the phone "we didnt know it was going to be this difficult finding a taxi for you" Really ? with 10 hours advance notice ? I said to the person on the phone " I am recording this call to inform my job of my reason for be late." The person hung up on me. Baseball gives you three strikes before you are out. I gave this place four strikes. read more