How to take airport trips
Airports can be complicated places, especially for drivers. But knowing the basics, and getting information in advance about your local airport, can help make sure you’re prepared for your first pickup or dropoff.
Know before you go
Before your first airport pickup, check with Uber to see if you need a special permit or placard for your airport.
Picking up riders
The app will show you the pickup location. Note: it might differ from where you would usually meet friends and family because of airport rules.
Dropping off riders
When taking a rider to the airport, drivers have told us that there are 2 useful questions they ask riders: which airline they’re flying and whether they're flying domestic or international. For a smooth dropoff, look for signs to your rider's terminal and the airline's departures area.
Waiting at the airport
After finishing an airport dropoff, the app will often direct you to a lot where you can go if you want to wait for an airport pickup request. At certain airports, you might even have the option of picking up someone right away without entering the waiting lot.
Did you know?
Airport rules and operating procedures may differ by city. Visit your local Greenlight Hub for more details about your airport's rules.
The basics of airport trips
An airport trip will look like any other standard trip in your Driver app. When you pick up at airports, the airport may require you to wait in a designated area to receive a trip, then you’ll see a specific pickup point to locate your rider. Airports may also have other rules and regulations applicable to you that are specific to the airport in your city.
How airport trips work
1. Accept the trip as you normally would.
2. The app will show you where the approved pickup or dropoff location is for your local airport. It might be different from where you’d go if you weren’t driving with Uber; airports sometimes have designated zones for Uber and other ridesharing services.
3. If you’re dropping off a rider, you can ask them if their flight is domestic or international and what airline they’re flying. Look for signs that match what they tell you.
Knowing your local airport
It’s a good idea before you get on the road to learn about your local airport. Airport rules and operating procedures are different from city to city. Visit the Uber airport information page for more information about your local airport. Most airports also have their own website that gives information about local rules and regulations.
In addition, you can stop by an Uber Greenlight Hub to get details in person from one of our Uber experts. While you’re there, check to see if you need a special permit or placard for your city’s airport.
Tips
Here is some advice from other drivers that you might find useful regarding airport trips.
Luggage
Most riders going to or from the airport will have luggage with them, and they’ll probably want to put it in the trunk. If your trunk is empty, luggage can fit easily. Some drivers will help their riders with their luggage as well.
Identify your rider
Airports are crowded places, so if you’re not sure if you’ve found the right person, ask your rider for their name or say, for instance, “Are you Cheryl?” to make sure.
Check the arrivals schedule
If you’re planning to pick up riders at the airport, checking the local arrivals schedule before you go can help you see when flights will be landing and when it will be busiest.
Questions from drivers
- Where do I go to pick up a rider at the airport?
The app will guide you to a designated pickup location.
- How do I find a rider if they’re not at the designated pickup location at the airport?
You can call or text your rider using the Driver app.
- How do I know where to drop off a rider at the airport?
Riders should know where they’re going if you ask them. Most airports have signage showing you where the designated dropoff points are by airline.
- How do I find my local airport’s policies for Uber driver-partners?
You can always visit the Uber airport information page check your local airport’s website, or visit a Greenlight Hub for expert help from Uber.
- Where can I get more help about airport driving with Uber?
Look for the closest Uber Greenlight Hub. In many cities, you can book an appointment at your local Greenlight Hub directly through your Driver app.
- Do airports charge additional pickup and dropoff fees?
Airport surcharges are included in the price riders see when they request a ride to or from an airport. Where applicable, airport surcharges are paid by the driver and reimbursed in the trip fare by Uber.
Drive your way in the app
Drive your way in the app
The information provided on this web page is intended for informational purposes only and may not be applicable in your country, region, or city. It is subject to change and may be updated without notice.
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