LAX, AAAE Debut New Ride App Pickup Icon to Clearly Identify Pick-Up/Drop-Off Areas at U.S. Airports

Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA) officials, in partnership with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) deployed a new wayfinding sign to help guests find app-based ride services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The new term, called Ride App Pickup, was developed in partnership between LAWA, AAAE, and other national airports, and is expected to gradually be deployed at airports across the U.S. in the coming months. LAX is the first airport to debut the new term and icon.

Additionally, LAWA officials announced the moving of the pickup area of both the LAX Economy Lot C shuttle and private parking shuttles pickup area from the Upper/Departures Level to the Lower/Arrivals Level. The move will increase the amount of curbside area for guests to drop off passengers on the Upper/Departures Level.

“After a long trip, the last thing a traveler needs is confusion as to where they need to go to catch a ride or meet their Uber or Lyft driver,” said Keith Wilschetz, deputy executive director for operations and emergency management, LAWA. “Right now, every airport has different signage and icons, creating additional stress for passengers. Through our partnership with AAAE, the private sector and other airports, LAX will be leading the way in displaying what we hope will become the industry standard icon and creating easier wayfinding for travelers who choose app-based ride services.” 

"The standardization of terms and icons for ride app services promises to more seamlessly connect passengers and drivers at LAX and other airports across the country," said Jared Pierce, director of AAAE services. "AAAE has a rich history of bringing together airports and ride app companies to better serve their shared customers, and we are thrilled to partner with LAWA to make this standard a reality at one of the nation’s leading airports."

The new icon features a smartphone with the familiar destination icon (usually found in smartphone map and ride service applications) alongside a passenger car ride.

Currently, guests to LAX can connect with their permitted ride app service company of choice at LAX (currently Uber, Lyft, or Opoli) on the Upper/Departures level at six separate pick-up locations labeled A through F. The new icons will be on printed signage at baggage carousels and other locations throughout the airport. Audio announcements also direct guests to the proper locations, which can also be found on the FlyLAX.com website and on the Apple Maps application for iPhones. 

As part of a separate initiative to improve traffic flow, LAX officials are also relocating pick-up and drop-off locations for both the Economy Lot C Shuttle and private parking shuttles. Starting at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, September 22, guests will be able to find the Economy Lot C Shuttle operating under the blue "LAX Shuttle" signs on the Lower/Arrivals level. Private parking shuttles have already begun to operate on the Lower/Arrivals level, with pick-ups and drop-offs under the red "Hotel & Parking Shuttle" signs. These shuttle relocations are anticipated to free up to 15 percent of curbside on the Upper/Departures level for guest drop-off and pick-up activity.