Wondering how to pick up passengers and find the cell phone waiting lot at JFK? We’re going to tell you exactly what drivers need to know about picking up passengers at JFK.
John F. Kennedy International Airport, also known as JFK Airport, saw more than 62 million visitors in 2019. This makes it the sixth-busiest airport in the United States and one of the busiest airports in the world.
With more than ninety airlines with flights to all six inhabited continents, it’s safe to say that JFK is an extraordinarily busy airport.
That means extraordinary earning potential for rideshare drivers in the NYC area. After all, those tens of millions of passengers need rides to and from the aviation hub, right? And that’s where you come in.
JFK International 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 JFK International, we put together this blog post to serve as a guide. The following topics are covered:
- What should you do before arriving at JFK International Airport?
- Do you need any permits to drive at JFK International?
- Where is the rideshare waiting area/Cell phone lot at JFK International?
- What are the passenger pick-up rules at JFK International?
- What are the passenger drop-off rules at JFK International?
- 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 JFK International Airport and entering the airport queue?
To pick up passengers at JFK, 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 JFK. 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 or cell phone lot at JFK International?
There are two staging lots where you can wait at JFK: the Cell Phone lot located off 130th Place and the Limousine lot on Cargo Plaza off 148th Street.
Check out this map for more information about staging lot locations.
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. Unfortunately, if the lot is full, you’ll have to leave the airport.
Note: There is now a limit on how many for-hire vehicles are allowed in airport waiting queues. This will vary by the time of day and level of demand, so keep an eye on your app and pay attention to directions from JFK’s airport workers.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers pick up passengers at JFK International Airport?
The driver who has been waiting the longest in the staging area gets the next rider request. Make sure not to enter out of driver mode while you wait or you’ll lose your spot in line.
Once you get a ride, pick up your passenger at the Arrivals curb at the indicated terminal or carrier of choice.
If you’ve ever driven at JFK, you know that terminal areas can be crowded. If you can’t find your rider, message or call the person through your app to explain where you are.
How should Uber and Lyft drivers drop off passengers at JFK International Airport?
Dropping off passengers at JFK is a breeze. Just head to the Departure level at the passenger’s carrier of choice. That’s it, and you’re back on the road!
When is the best time to drive at JFK International?
Turn to your Gridwise app for information about all arrivals and departures at JFK, as well as delays and cancellations.
Typically, midday is the best time for airport driving; most passenger arrivals and departures occur sometime between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 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.
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.
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 pick-ups and drop-offs at the JFK International Airport—and maybe sneak a black and white cookie in between.
And when you need a little extra cash…
Whether it’s an unexpected car repair, medical bill, or another kind of expense, sometimes we all need a little extra cash.
At Gridwise, we get that. And it’s why we’ve partnered with a company called Coverr that provides drivers with a business cash advance of up to $1,500 for those unexpected emergencies.
Applying should only take about 10 minutes, approvals just two hours during business hours, and you’ll receive cash on the same day you apply.
So if you need a little extra cash for your rideshare business, apply with Coverr!
