Umbrellas in Taxis: Getting In, Getting Out and Limited Space
Anyone taking a taxi in the rain faces a practical problem: How do you get in with a wet umbrella without soaking the interior? Where do you put the umbrella during the journey when legroom is tight? And how do you manage getting out without water dripping onto the seats or getting yourself wet? These questions are familiar to anyone who regularly travels by taxi while carrying an umbrella.
Closing and Getting In Without Water Damage
Close the umbrella immediately before the taxi door, not already on the pavement. Hold it at a slight outward angle so that the running water does not drip onto your clothing. Get in quickly and hold the closed umbrella vertically with the tip pointing downward. This way the water runs down the frame onto the floor of the vehicle, not onto the upholstery. Some drivers provide a plastic sheet or towel on which you can place the umbrella.
Space-Saving Storage During the Journey
A walking umbrella with a length of 85 to 95 centimetres usually fits between your legs or at an angle next to the seat. Do not place it across the back seat, as it will slip during turns and disturb other passengers. Pocket umbrellas with a closed length of 25 to 30 centimetres can be easily stored in a handbag or rucksack. Make sure the umbrella does not lean against the door, as it may fall out when opening.
Material and Care After the Taxi Journey
Polyester canopies dry faster than cotton and release less water into the surroundings. A frame made of fibreglass or aluminium does not rust, even if it remains damp for an extended period. After the journey, you should open the umbrella and let it dry in a ventilated place. Wipe the frame with a dry cloth to prevent limescale marks from rainwater. With high-quality Umbrellas, this care is worthwhile as it significantly extends their lifespan.
Getting Out in Continuing Rain
Only open the umbrella once you are already halfway out of the taxi. Hold it so that the opening faces outward and no water splashes back into the vehicle. With automatic umbrellas, press the button as soon as you have one foot on the pavement. Walking umbrellas with a straight handle are easier to open with one hand than models with a hooked handle, as you have your other hand free for the door or your luggage.
Rule of Thumb for Umbrella Selection with Frequent Taxi Journeys
If you regularly use taxis, the following criteria are helpful:
- Closed length under 30 centimetres for easy storage
- Automatic opening for quick deployment when getting out
- Frame with six to eight ribs for stability in wind
- Dark canopy on which water marks are less visible
- Weight under 400 grams so the umbrella does not become a burden
Consideration for Drivers and Fellow Passengers
Shake out the umbrella briefly before getting in, but not directly next to the open door. Avoid placing the wet umbrella on the centre console or dashboard, as sensitive electronics are installed there. If you are travelling as a pair and both have an umbrella, place them on different sides of the footwell. This prevents water from collecting in one spot and possibly soaking into the upholstery.
Related: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The complete range: Umbrellas.
Related categories: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The full range: Umbrellas.
Read more: Rain Umbrella When Shopping: Handle on Shopping Cart and Wet Hands, Umbrella Storage at the Doctor's Office: Waiting Room Solutions and Avoiding Mix-ups, Umbrellas in Museums: Entry, Cloakroom and Security, Umbrella and Backpack: Combining Moisture, Weight and Carrying Comfort, Bags in the Rain: Which Materials Suffer Alongside Your Umbrella