4 LAX Tips for Lyft / Uber Riders

by Charlene

Airport Drop Offs & Pick Ups

Lately, I have been flying and Lyfting a lot, for business and leisure. After wasting a considerate amount of time and money with (what I call) airport transportation BS, I put together some tips for Lyft/Uber riders going to LAX (it can be applied to other major international airports) on a busy day.

1.  Avoid rush hour (Fast Track, if needed)
Obvious, right? But I talk to so many people who share their horror stories about being stuck in the 105 or 405 parking lot during rush hour. Best case scenario, your ride can get pricey. Worst case scenario, you may miss your flight. Just try to head out before or after the peak hours. If you have no choice and you’re running late, you can offer to pay the fast track fee (cash), or hope your driver knows random things like, on the 110S the last entrance to the fast track near Century does not have cameras and becomes a carpool lane at the end.

2. Plan B: Go to the Arrival Terminal
I normally get dropped off at the departure terminal of my airline (they are allowed to drop you off anywhere at LAX). But if the departure terminal is too packed, hop off at the arrival terminal (cops are always clearing up the area, so there is less traffic), grab a ‘free’ cart left by any arrival pax, and take the elevator up to Departures.

3. Arrivals
Lyft/Uber drivers are not allowed to pick you up at the terminal (yellow cab rules). So take the Flyaway (~U$8) from any arrival terminal towards the closest to your destination (Santa Monica, Van Nuys, Union Station) or even a local hotel shuttle and Uber/Lyft home from there.

4. About Lyft and Uber
They are both okay, but I prefer Lyft. I get more offers and discounts every week from Lyft, plus I find that I have a better overall UX. Uber Pool and Lyft Line offer you cheaper rates for sharing your ride with other riders, but I suggest avoiding this for your departure ride. Lyft discount code:
https://lyft.com/i/CHARLENE160971

All of these may seem trivial, but it can help save so much time and money. It is cheaper and better than paying daily parking fees or having your friend get a ticket for pulling over at a red curb 😬 (true story).

Hope this helps. Safe Trevelz!