Houston Airport System makes it easier for drivers to pick up from the airport

Effective September 1, 2020, the Houston Airport System will no longer require an airport permit for Uber or Lyft drivers to pick up from the Houston or Hobby airports

While this seems like good news, keep in mind, now anyone who is logged on to Uber or Lyft, can stage in the Rideshare lot and wait for riders. This means you will likely experience longer wait times.

On the other hand, the process of getting a permit has become rather drawn out over the last year. Drivers were waiting anywhere from 1-3 months to get a sticker on their car that shows they are eligible to pick up riders from the airport. At the same time, there were a number of drivers that simply thought the rules did not apply to them and would pick up.

One thing we can expect from this change is to see more rematch from both Uber and Lyft. The rematch is when you drop off a rider at the airport, Uber or Lyft will instantly connect you to the next rider that is leaving. For those who do not stage in the lots, this is a good thing. For those who use the staging lots as their second home, this is going to make them wait for more. If you notice you are getting matched with rides when you drop off, it is a clear sign to just avoid the airports all together.

To sum it up:

Are airport permits required to pick up from Bush (IAH)?

No.

Are airport permits required to pick up from Hobby (HOU)?

No.

Again, the permits that are no longer required for rideshare drivers to pick up from the airport are no longer required. Limo’s and Taxi’s still need proper permits.