The General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS), more commonly known as Boston Logan Airport, saw over 42 million visitors in 2019. A hub for Cape Air and Delta, Logan is the 16th-busiest airport in the United States and the biggest airport in New England based on passenger traffic.
This means high potential earnings for rideshare drivers in the Boston area. After all, those millions of passengers need rides to and from the aviation hub, right? And that’s where you come in.
Boston Logan 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 fine), it’s important to understand how to navigate the airport, join the queue, and legitimize your vehicle. The rules changed recently at Boston Logan, so it’s important to have your info as up-to-date as possible.
To help rideshare drivers be successful, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered:
- What should you do before arriving at Boston Logan International Airport?
- Do you need any permits to drive there?
- Where is the rideshare waiting area at Boston Logan?
- What are the passenger pick-up rules at Boston Logan?
- What are the passenger drop-off rules at Boston Logan?
- When is the best time to drive at the airport?
- What is the best driving strategy?
Let’s dive in!
What should you do before arriving at Boston Logan International Airport and entering the airport queue?
To pick up passengers at Boston Logan, 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. Note that you’ll need both decals to drive at BOS, with the other decal on your rear 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, pick one up at the Boston Logan Lyft Hub, or print a temporary emblem to use while waiting for yours to come in the mail.
Before you head to Boston Logan Airport, depending on which rideshare company you drive for, you may need your Massachusetts Background Check Clearance Certificate from the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). You must have a digital or printed version of your certificate with you at all times while on airport property or risk a $500 fine. You can find some good information about that on the Lyft website, or email a question to the DPU at DPUTNCQuestions@massmail.state.ma.us.
One more thing to know if you drive for Lyft: You’ll have to log in to your app and complete your acknowledgement of BOS rules and regulations before heading onto the road.
Where is the Uber/Lyft waiting area at Boston Logan Airport?
The staging lot at Boston Logan is located opposite the car rental lot and the Embassy Suites. Refer to the map below to see where you’ll be going.
Once you get to the staging 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.
Make sure not to leave the staging area or you’ll lose your place in the queue.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at the Boston Logan Airport?
The driver who has been waiting the longest in the queue gets the next rider request.
All your riders will be picked up at the Central Parking Garage no matter what their terminal. Follow the signs to find the correct pickup location as you approach the garage.
Make sure to enter from the northeast entrance for Terminal A and E pickups, but from the northwest entrance for Terminals C and B pickups.
Also—keep an eye on the pin that the rideshare app places at the spot to meet your rider, and don’t hesitate to reach out to let him or her know that you’re on your way.
For riders who require accessibility accommodations, you are permitted to meet them at the curbside pick-up spot or drop them off at Arrivals.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at Boston Logan Airport?
Beginning December 9, 2019, all drop-offs will be at Central Parking.
However, from the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m., passengers going to Terminals A, B, and E will be allowed on the Arrivals level curbside for each terminal (Terminal C passengers are always dropped off in the garage).
When is the best time to drive at Boston Logan airport?
Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at BOS, as well as delays and cancellations.
Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving; most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
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. Nearby hotels include a Hyatt Regency, a Hilton, and an Embassy Suites.
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. (This also happens if you enter out of driving mode or leave the property while in the queue.) 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.
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 Boston Logan International Airport. Happy driving!
