Uber Approved for Pickups at Los Angeles Airport

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has announced that ride-sharing Uber can now pick up passengers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

As of Jan. 21, UberX became the second transportation network company (TNC) to be authorized for LAX pickups. Lyft was approved by LAWA for airport pickups last month.

"We are bringing LAX passengers what they have been asking for — better access to reliable, convenient transportation from the airport,” said Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles. “These options expand dramatically with the arrival of UberX.”

Pickups by TNCs was allowed after a thorough policy development process that included input from stakeholders such as passengers, neighborhood groups, transportation network companies, taxicab and limo companies, according to LAWA.

“Ride-hailing services are proving to be very popular with our airport guests,” said Deborah Flint, CEO of LAWA. “Data from the first two weeks of the service show there were nearly 50,000 drop-off and pick-up trips. Travelers benefit, as well as the airport. Revenue generated will be invested to continue improving LAX.”

Uber will pay the airport $4 per trip, similar to fees paid by other airport transportation providers to maintain roadways and to reduce traffic congestion in the Central Terminal Area, says LAWA.

UberX, the service that contracts with owner-drivers of private vehicles, will pick up and drop off passengers on the upper/departures level only at curbside signs in front of each terminal marked “Ride Service.”

Uber Black, Uber SUV and Uber Luxe services – which use vehicles of commercially licensed partners (such as limousine and towncar providers) – will pick up passengers on the lower/arrivals level, according to LAWA.

"We are thrilled to help simplify and modernize the airport travel experience with the launch of UberX ride-service pickups at LAX,” said Christopher Ballard, general manager of Uber Southern California. “Angelenos asked — and Mayor Garcetti and city leaders listened — and now the millions of travelers who pass through LAX every year will have the option to push a button and get a safe, reliable and affordable ride when they land."