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Driving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

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.

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Airport regulations

Airport Regulations for driver-partners

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’ve instituted a special first vehicle in is the first one out (FIFO) system at Charlotte Douglas International 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. Click here for directions.
  • All ride dropoffs must occur on the “Departures” level near the ticket area for both terminals.
  • All pickups must occur at Zone E in the lower Arrivals level. CLT asks that you promptly load your rider. Additionally, according to CLT requirements, you should not be curbside for more than a few minutes.
  • The Uber vehicle decal (trade dress) must always be displayed on the front passenger windshield facing outward. Driver-partners can obtain this Uber decal please fill out this form to receive one by mail.
  • You may be asked to show your waybill. To access it, tap the “Info” button that appears in your app.
  • Please take a look at this list of activities which are prohibited by the airport.

Pickups at the airport

How pickup requests work

It is easy to receive trip requests from riders leaving Charlotte 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 driver-partner to enter will be the first to receive a trip request.

Based on the operating agreement with the airport, the waiting area is located at 5608 Wilkinson Blvd, the corner of Wilkinson Blvd and Stafford Drive (see map below).

Some things to know about FIFO queues:

  • Proximity to the terminal within the FIFO zone does not create an advantage for driver-partners or move you closer to the top of the queue. If there are no driver-partners in the FIFO zone, trip requests will go to Uber driver-partners in the area - outside of the FIFO zone - based on proximity and other factors. You can lose your place in line if:
    • You go offline on your Uber driver app
    • You drive outside the FIFO zone.
    • You do not accept multiple incoming trip requests in a row
    • 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 **Door D on the lower Arrivals level **(see map below).

Dropoffs at the airport

How dropoff requests work

Uber is a reliable option for travelers heading to the airport.

Based on the operating agreement with the airport, riders can be dropped off at their requested terminal 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.

CLT pickup maps

Uber partners 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).

Due to ongoing construction at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Uber staging lot has been relocated to 5608 Wilkinson Blvd (the corner of Wilkinson Blvd and Stafford Dr). This change is semi-permanent and will be in effect for the duration of CLT construction. 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

CLT has recently expanded the lot to include an additional 100 spaces.