If you are an Uber driver, the most complicated rides you will ever get to do are airport rides. Airports are chaotic, no matter how busy or quiet they are. However, if you know the basics and have all the information you need about the local airport in your city, you can prepare yourself for quick and hassle-free pickups and drop-offs.

In this article, we will share the most insightful airport trips for Uber drivers given by former drivers. So if you are an Uber driver, read on because you will often be doing airport pickups and dropoffs as a part of your job. 

Before You Take Your First Airport Pickup

You will need to check with Uber whether you need a special placard or permit for your local airport. Once you do, you should know the basics of airport rides. In the Uber Driver app, airport trips appear just like any other trip. When you go to the pickup location at the airport, they may ask you to wait in a designated pickup area, after which you will be able to see the exact pickup point to find your rider.

LCY Regulations for Uber Drivers

Depending on your city, your local airport may also have rules and regulations that only apply to that specific airport. For instance, for London City Airport (LCY), all the partner drivers have to meet the following terms. 

• All the dropoffs should be at the forecourt.
• All the pickups should be at the Short Stay Car Park.
• Make sure you have the Uber Driver app on your phone at all times, as you may be asked to show it on the spot. 

If you fail to follow these guidelines, you can get fined by LCY, which you will have to pay from your own pocket as Uber will not be paying the fine on your behalf.

For more info about your local airport, visit the Uber Airport info page.

5 Tips For Uber Driver at Airport

Below, we have listed some airport tips for Uber drivers to ensure that their pickups and dropoffs at the airport go smoothly.

1-Keep Your Trunks Clean

Since you are giving airport rides, you will have to deal with luggage. Most of your riders will have luggage with them that would need to be put in the trunk. So make sure your trunk is always empty and clean. Avoid keeping any tools or similar items in your trunk.

Moreover, when the riders are keeping or taking out their luggage from the trunk, make sure you help them. Don’t let them put it in or take it out by themselves. This is a great way to earn their respect and some generous tips.

2-Always Identify Your Rider

Airports are one of the busiest locations for pickups. If you are not sure that you have picked up the right rider, make sure to ask them their name. For instance, when they come towards your car and open the door, ask them, “Are you Mark?”. This would ensure that you have picked the right rider for the trip. 

3-Check the Arrival Schedule If You Are Near the Airport

If you are near the airport, the chances are that you would be getting ride requests from the airport. So before you even get a ride request, make sure you check the arrival schedule of your local airport. Doing so can help you determine if there are any flights landing at that time. If yes, then it will be a busy time, and you will be getting a lot of ride requests. 

4-Be Courteous to Get More Tips and High Rating

When you are picking people up from the airport, the chances are that they will be really tired. So make sure your car is clean and smells fresh. There is nothing more comforting than getting into a clean and comfortable car after a long flight.

Another thing you can do is offer them a phone charger. Your riders may have been on a long flight and deprived of a charging point. Make sure you keep both Android and iOS chargers in your car and offer them one.

You should also ask them if they need to listen to some music. It’s the little things that would get you a higher rating and a good tip. However, don’t try too much. If you feel like your rider is not in the mood to chat, leave them be. Just drive safely and make sure they have a relaxing ride.

5-Do Not Wait in the Queue if It Is Too Long

Most airports have an area dedicated to Uber drivers who are waiting for ride requests. It is usually known as the “queue”. While you may be tempted to wait in the queue as there are a lot of ride requests at the airport, it is not the best idea. 

If you see that the queue is too long, you are better off driving in the city than waiting at the airport for a long time. You can check how many drivers are waiting in the queue by looking at the app. It automatically adds drivers to the queue on a first-come, first-served basis and notifies them of their position in the queue. 

But since Uber drivers do not get paid for waiting in the queue, you will not be making any money. Moreover, you may have to wait for hours before you can get a ride request. So if you see that the queue is too long, you should head back to the city as you will end up making more money by driving in the city.

Final ThoughtsThis list pretty much sums up the most helpful airport tips for Uber drivers. If you are a PCO driver looking for more tips to make more money and save your fuel costs, check out this post. You can also rent out the best PCO cars here to ensure that your vehicle can carry extra luggage for airport trips.