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Driving at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

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.

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Airport regulations

Per airport regulations, driver-partners must adhere to the terms below. Failure to do so may result in the receipt of a citation or even restriction of access to airport trips. Please note that Uber will not pay for any citations that driver-partners may incur.

  • When on airport property, the Uber driver app must be open at all times (driver-partners must not go Offline until exiting the airport area)
  • We’ve instituted a special first vehicle in is the first one out (FIFO) system at Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport. The FIFO system only works within the designated, geofenced area and driver-partners waiting elsewhere will not receive trip requests through the Uber driver app.
  • The Uber vehicle decal (trade dress) must always be displayed on the front passenger windshield facing outward. Driver-partners can obtain this Uber decal by filling out this form to receive one by mail.
  • All uberX, uberXL and UberSELECT partners must obtain an annual airport permit to receive airport requests. For more information, visit our permit guide and create a TNP account on MSP’s website.

Pro-Tips

  • Driver cancellations: Trip cancellations can take away from the great Uber experience that both riders and driver-partners expect. Please remember that driver-partners who improperly use the app and intentionally disrupt the service, including excessively canceling rides or asking riders to cancel rides, may lose the ability to receive trip requests to and from the airport through the Uber Driver app.
  • Ground transportation and airport security staff: Airport rules are as important as traffic rules. Airports expect Driver-partners to follow the instructions of the airport staff.

Pickups at the airport

Uber’s technology uses a first-in-first-out (FIFO) queue. This means that, in order to receive a trip request, you need to enter the designated waiting area, located within a “FIFO zone”. You will then be placed in a virtual queue where the first driver-partner to enter will be the first to receive a trip request.

Some things to know about FIFO queues:

  • Proximity to the terminal within the FIFO zone does not create an advantage for driver-partners or move you closer to the top of the queue.
  • If there are no driver-partners in the FIFO zone, trip requests will go to Uber driver-partners in the area - outside of the FIFO zone - based on proximity and other factors.

You can lose your place in line if:

  • You go offline on your Uber driver app
  • You drive outside the FIFO zone
  • You do not accept multiple incoming trip requests in a row
  • You cancel a ride (if the rider cancels, you will remain at the top of the queue)

Picking up your rider

Once you accept a trip request, navigate to the pickup location for the requested terminal (see map below):

  • Terminal 1 - follow signs towards Ticketing/Check-in. As you approach the terminal, turn left into the App-Based Ride Services pickup area.
  • Terminal 2 - follow sign towards Departures. After passing the skyway, follow signs for Authorized Vehicles Only to the left of the roadway.

Dropoffs at the airport

Based on the operating agreement with the airport, riders can be dropped off at Departures. If you’d like to receive a trip request afterward, you’ll need to keep the Uber driver app on to maintain your place in the FIFO queue.

Staging information

Partners are able to use the App Based Staging Lot on Post Rd and Labelle Dr.

Pro-Tips:

  • You must have your airport permit sticker on the top-center of your windshield
  • Cars entering the lot after you may leave first due to product eligibility.
  • Please park within the provided parking stalls.