LaGuardia Airport (LGA) saw over 30 million visitors in 2019, making it one of the busiest airports in the Northeast. It’s a hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines and is one of three airports servicing New York City. LaGuardia is a massive airport, and that means massive earnings potential for rideshare drivers.
After all, those millions of passengers need rides to and from the aviation hub, right? And that’s where you come in.
LaGuardia allows Uber and Lyft vehicles at the pick-up and drop-off terminals, but before heading that way, there are a few rules you’ll want to know. To maximize earnings (and avoid a ticket), it’s important to understand how to navigate the airport, join the queue, and legitimize your vehicle.
To help rideshare drivers be successful at LaGuardia Airport, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered:
- What should you do before arriving at LaGuardia Airport?
- Do you need any permits to drive there?
- Where is the rideshare waiting area at LaGuardia?
- What are the passenger pick-up rules at LaGuardia?
- What are the passenger drop-off rules at LaGuardia?
- When is the best time to drive at LaGuardia?
- What is the best driving strategy at LaGuardia?
Let’s dive in!
What should you do before arriving at LaGuardia Airport and entering the airport queue?
To pick up passengers at LaGuardia, you’ll need your trade dress, which (as you know) is the Lyft or Uber decal that goes on your front passenger windshield facing outward.
Uber sends out this decal when drivers sign up. If you’ve lost yours since then, there are a few easy ways to replace it. You can request that a new one be mailed to you, pick one up at your local Greenlight Hub (be wary of recent closures), or print out a temporary version at home.
You can order a Lyft decal from your Dashboard, and print a temporary emblem to use while waiting for yours to come in the mail.
You’ll need your Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) license before you can drive at LaGuardia. If you don’t already have your license, you can find more information by visiting the TLC website.
Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at LaGuardia Airport?
There are two lots where you can wait at LaGuardia: the Bowery Bay Boulevard Wait Area for Terminal A requests, and 23rd Avenue and 90th Street Wait Area for Terminal B/C/D requests.
Check out this map for more information on the staging lot locations.
At the Terminal A waiting area, matches are determined by proximity and estimated time of arrival.
Once you get to the staging Terminal B/C/D lot, you’ll automatically be entered into the airport queue. You’ll be able to check your place in line in the Lyft or Uber app. Unfortunately, if the lot is full you’ll have to leave the airport.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at LaGuardia Airport?
In the 90th Street staging lot, the driver who has been waiting the longest in the staging area gets the next rider request (the Terminal A lot doesn’t have a queue, it’s just a place to wait). Make sure not to enter out of driver mode while you wait or you’ll lose your spot in line.
For Terminal A pickups, your rideshare app will show your rider’s name and pick-up location at the arrivals’ level of his or her air carrier of choice.
For pick-ups at Terminal B, meet your rider on Level 2 of the Terminal B Garage between columns F and G. Normal pickups occur near the F column while Lyft’s Fast Match will be by the G columns.
For pickups at Terminals C and D, head to the lower level of the Delta Arrivals Road where riders will meet you in designated lanes in the pick-up area. Pick up in the Car Services Area located between Terminals C and D (Lanes L and M; stalls 1 to 3). Lyft’s Fast Match pickups will occur on either side of Island M in the Car Services Area between Terminals C and D, while all other pickups will occur in Lane L.
If you are driving for Uber, you might be navigated to a PIN area rather than matched with a specific rider. Simply proceed to the PIN-marked area, pull forward in the queue until the parking staff directs a rider to your vehicle, then meet your rider. Enter the 6-digit PIN code he or she gives you. Once the PIN is entered, your ride is ready to go.
Lyft’s Fast Match works the same way, but the code will be 4 digits rather than 6.
If you’ve ever driven at LaGuardia you know that terminal areas can be crowded. If you can’t find your rider, message or call them through your app to let them know where you are.
And one more thing—while waiting for ride requests at Terminals C and D, you may receive a message directing you to head toward the terminal. While on the way, you should receive a ride request. If not, just head back to the staging area in 15 minutes and you’ll be at the front of the queue.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at LaGuardia Airport?
Fortunately, dropping off passengers at LaGuardia is easier than picking them up. Just head to the departure level at the passenger’s carrier of choice and make sure not to linger in the terminal area.
That’s it, and you’re back on the road!
When is the best time to drive at LaGuardia Airport?
Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at LaGuardia, as well as delays and cancellations.
Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving. Most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 10:30 a.m. and noon.
With Gridwise Plus you’ll be able to see airport data 24 hours in advance, so you can lock in a solid airport strategy the night before you head out. You’ll also be able to create custom alerts for arrivals and departures.
What are some good airport strategies?
Pick up a passenger on the way to the airport
Count on Gridwise to let you know when there’s a peak in airport departures, so you can hang around near hotels at that time to maximize your chances of an airport ride.
Do not cancel on a passenger after you’ve accepted a fare
If you do, you will be bumped to the bottom of the queue and your wait starts all over again. The good news is, if it’s a short ride some companies let you jump back in line after you’ve dropped the passenger off.
Be ready to present your waybill
A waybill is essentially a receipt of the last trip you completed. Be prepared to present this to airport officials or law enforcement while waiting for arrivals. You might also be asked by airport officials to see proof of the trip request before heading into the terminals.
Always be prepared
The fact is, you never know when law enforcement will show up. Keep your driver’s license, insurance card, and registration handy, and don’t forget to have your placard displayed.
Congrats! Now you’re all set to make some pickups and dropoffs at LaGuardia Airport. Happy driving!
