Regulations on airport pickups and drop-offs by ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft vary from state to state. The companies list more than 100 airports in the United States where they are allowed to operate. These airports include major international airports in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Lyft lists eight airports in the Canadian province of Ontario that allow ride-hailing services, while Uber is available in global cities like Cairo, Paris, Sydney, and Tokyo.
Travelers using Lyft and Uber at airports may be asked to walk to specific areas to meet their drivers. This policy keeps airport traffic from bogging down at peak periods. Both apps are designed to direct users to pick-up locations at each airport. You may receive turn-by-turn directions or simple instructions on where to go to find your driver. At smaller airports, your Lyft or Uber driver may be able to meet you closer to the departures area.
Drivers who include airports as part of their Uber or Lyft experiences may be required to purchase airport permits before completing rides. Taxi companies and local regulators have advocated for permits to bring ride-hailing services to the same level of scrutiny as traditional transportation providers. Both companies encourage drivers to be honest with riders if they are not permitted to take passengers to the airport. The alternatives for Uber and Lyft riders is to be dropped off at airport shuttle or public transit stops that serve airports.