Airport regulations
Per Airport regulations, drivers 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 drivers may incur.
- When on airport property, the driver app must be open and online at all times (drivers must not go offline until exiting the airport area)
- When in the waiting lot, drivers must abide by the one-hour time limit
- We’ve instituted a special first vehicle in is the first one out (FIFO) system at DCA. The FIFO system only works within the designated, geofenced area and drivers waiting elsewhere will not receive trip requests through the driver app.
- The Uber vehicle decal (trade dress) must always be displayed on the rear passenger window facing outward. Drivers can fill out this form to receive one by mail.
- Tap here for the full list of rules and regulations required of drivers at DCA per the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Pickups at the airport
It is easy to receive trip requests from riders leaving DCA 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 to enter will be the first to receive a trip request.
Based on the operating agreement with DCA airport, the waiting lot is located on Thomas Ave past Economy Parking. When in the lot, please follow all rules and regulations posted by the airport. If the lot is full, you will need to leave airport property to receive requests. Waiting on the main road—or in the surrounding neighborhoods—to enter the lot is strictly prohibited. You can check to see if the staging lot queue is full in the driver app.
Some things to know about FIFO queues:
- Proximity to the terminal within the FIFO zone does not create an advantage for drivers or move you closer to the top of the queue
- If there are no drivers in the FIFO zone, trip requests will go to Uber drivers 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 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
Terminal 1
At Terminal 1, riders will be waiting for you curbside. Always check that your rider’s first name matches what’s in the app.
Terminal 2
At Terminal 2, riders can be picked up at Zones 1-4 on the lower Arrivals (Baggage Claim) level. Once you accept a trip request, you’ll get a notification letting you know which pickup zone your rider will be waiting. When approaching the terminal, follow the “Ride App & Limo” sign to cut into the inner (taxi/bus) road to meet your rider.
Rental Car Garage
Please note that there is a dedicated pick up and drop off area located across from the Garage 1/Rental Car Bus Stop located on National Avenue. Pick up and drop off inside the rental car area is not permitted.
Airport Cancellation Protection
Airport Cancellation Protection is a feature designed to save you time at the airport. With Airport Cancellation Protection, if you get a rider cancellation when you’re already on your way to the terminals, you will be eligible to receive another trip request without returning to the waiting lot.
Dropoffs at the airport
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 driver app on to maintain your place in the FIFO queue.
Staging information
Drivers may wait for ride requests at the main staging lot or overflow staging lot only. You will not receive an airport request outside of this lot (and may be issued a citation).
Follow the signs and enter the waiting lot. Keep in mind:
- Both lots are located on Thomas Ave past Economy Parking.
- If you are waiting in a lot, you must do so in a parking space. Failure to observe this rule may result in a citation from police.
- Lots are “first in, first out”; upon entering the staging line, you will be placed in line for the next trip request.
- Staging at terminals or elsewhere on airport property is prohibited and may result in a citation.
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