Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has struggled with congestion for decades, and officials are now considering a new plan that could raise transportation costs for travelers.
The airport’s Board of Airport Commissioners is preparing to discuss a proposal that would significantly increase the fees charged to Uber, Lyft, taxis and other commercial vehicles entering the airport.
If approved, the change could eventually push rideshare access fees as high as $12 per trip.
LAX’s long battle with congestion
Traffic congestion at LAX has been a problem for decades.
The airport has undergone multiple construction projects designed to improve traffic flow. One of the biggest changes came in the 1980s when a second level was added to World Way to separate arriving and departing traffic.
But over time, increased passenger traffic and more vehicles entering the airport have overwhelmed those improvements.
To help address the problem, LAX announced plans for an Automated People Mover (APM) system in the early 2000s. The project was officially approved in 2018.
However, the system has faced repeated delays.
As we reported previously, the APM’s opening has slipped from 2023 to 2025 — and now, according to the Los Angeles Times, it may not open until late 2026.
The proposed new rideshare fee
While the airport continues working on long-term traffic solutions, officials are also considering new fees aimed at reducing congestion and funding airport upgrades.
Under the proposal:
- Uber, Lyft, taxis and similar commercial vehicles would pay a $6 base access fee when entering LAX.
- Once the automated people mover begins operating, an additional $6 fee would apply for curbside pickups or drop-offs at terminals.
That would bring the total fee to $12 per trip.
The increase would represent a 140% jump from the current $5 fee.
Airport officials estimate the higher fees could generate about $100 million during the first full year.
Additional limits on pickups and drop-offs
The proposal also includes changes to the airport’s agreements with rideshare companies.
Under the amendment:
- No more than 70% of drop-offs could occur in the Central Terminal Area (CTA).
- Only 30% of passenger pickups could happen in the CTA.
These limits could push more passengers to use designated pickup zones outside the terminal area — potentially adding extra time and inconvenience for travelers.
Uber pushes back
Uber has already spoken out against the proposal.
Danielle Lam, Uber’s Head of Local California Policy, criticized the plan in a statement.
“A 140% fee hike with no transparency or public process is indefensible,” Lam said.
“Raising the LAX rideshare fee from $5 to $12 at the curb would punish travelers, working families, and seniors who depend on affordable, reliable transportation.”
Uber said it had requested meetings with members of the airport board and city council to try to find solutions that would improve airport traffic without significantly increasing costs for passengers and drivers.
Could LAX have the world’s highest rideshare fee?
According to Uber, the proposed $12 charge would make LAX one of the most expensive airports in the world for rideshare pickups.
The company says the average fee across major U.S. airports is about $4.24 per trip.
If LAX moves forward with the proposal, the fee would be nearly three times the national average, potentially making the airport “an extreme outlier.”
FAQ
Why does LAX charge Uber and Lyft fees?
Airports charge rideshare access fees to help manage congestion, fund infrastructure improvements and cover the cost of operating airport roadways and pickup zones.
Our take
The proposal has not yet been finalized, but if approved it could significantly increase the cost of getting to and from one of the world’s busiest airports. For travelers already dealing with LAX traffic, the change could add another expense to the journey.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
