Please enable Javascript
Skip to main content

If you’re a rider, please visit the BHM dropoff page or BHM pickup page instead.

X small

Driving at Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)

Airports can be complicated places, especially for drivers. But knowing the basics, and getting information in advance about your local airport, can help make sure you’re prepared for your first pickup or dropoff.

Log in
Sign up

Airport regulations

Per airport regulations, driver-partners must adhere to the terms below. Failure to do so may result in the receipt of a citation or even restriction of access to airport trips. Please note that Uber will not pay for any citations that driver-partners may incur.

  • When on airport property, the Uber driver app must be open at all times (driver-partners must not go Offline until exiting the airport area).
  • We have instituted a special first vehicle in is the first one out (FIFO) system at this airport. The FIFO system only works within the designated, geofenced area and driver-partners waiting elsewhere will not receive trip requests through the Uber driver app.
  • The Uber vehicle decal (trade dress) must always be displayed on the front passenger windshield facing outward. Earners can obtain this Uber decal by mail by using this form.

Pickups at the airport

How pickup requests work

It is easy to receive trip requests from Riders leaving the airport. However, these trips work a little differently than other requests.

Waiting for requests

Uber’s technology uses a first-in-first-out (FIFO) queue. This means that, in order to receive a trip request, you need to enter the designated waiting area, located within a “FIFO zone”. You will then be placed in a virtual queue where the first Earner to enter will be the first to receive a trip request.

Based on the operating agreement with the airport, the waiting area is located located on the corner of 50th Street N and 50th Street, right off 18th Alley.

Some things to know about FIFO queues:

  • Proximity to the terminal within the FIFO zone does not create an advantage for Earners or move you closer to the top of the queue.
  • If there are no Earners in the FIFO zone, trip requests will go to Uber Earners in the area - outside of the FIFO zone - based on proximity and other factors.
  • You can lose your place in line if:
  1. You go offline on your Uber driver app
  2. You drive outside the FIFO zone
  3. You do not accept multiple incoming trip requests in a row
  4. You cancel multiple rides (if the rider cancels, you will remain at the top of the queue)

Picking up your Rider

Once you accept a trip request, the pickup location at the airport is located at the Arrivals level (see map below).

Dropoffs at the airport

How dropoff requests work

Based on the operating agreement with the airport, Riders can be dropped off on the Departures level. If you’d like to receive a trip request afterward, you’ll need to keep the Uber driver app on to maintain your place in the FIFO queue.

BHM pickup maps

Uber Earners may wait for ride requests at the designated staging lot only. You will not receive an airport request outside of this lot (and may be issued a citation).

The new staging area is located on the corner of 50th Street N and 50th Street, right off 18th Alley.

Keep in mind that:

  • The lot is “first in, first out”; upon entering the staging line, you will be placed in line for the next trip request
  • If you leave the staging lot or turn off your app, you will be placed at the back of the line
  • Staging at terminals or elsewhere on airport property is prohibited and may result in a citation