LAX Approves Fee Hike for Ride-Hailing Companies

New charges aim to ease congestion as airport modernizes ahead of major events

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles World Airports board has approved fee increases for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft operating at LAX. The access fees will more than double, from $4 to pick up to $12 for the terminal area, as the airport looks to encourage use of its new Skylink automated people mover and reduce vehicle traffic. While airport officials say the fees are assessed to the companies, not passengers, drivers and riders expect the costs to be passed on.

Why it matters

The fee hikes are part of LAX's broader efforts to modernize the airport and ease congestion ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics. With up to 100,000 vehicles passing through LAX daily, the airport is seeking alternatives to private car trips to the terminals.

The details

The new access fees will go into effect when the Skylink automated people mover opens this summer. The fees will be $12 for the terminal area and $6 for the Skylink area, more than doubling the current $4 pickup fee. Airport officials say the fees reflect the value of the LAX market and investments in infrastructure, though some passengers and drivers argue the costs will ultimately be passed on to them.

  • The fee increases will go into effect when the Skylink automated people mover opens this summer.
  • LAX is preparing for major events including the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics.

The players

Los Angeles World Airports

The governing body that oversees operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Uber

A ride-hailing company that operates at LAX and will be impacted by the new access fees.

Lyft

A ride-hailing company that operates at LAX and will be impacted by the new access fees.

Brandon Bailey

A Los Angeles resident who spoke against the rate hike at the LAWA board meeting.

Terrence Harden

A ride-hailing driver who spoke against the rate hike at the LAWA board meeting.

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What they’re saying

“L.A. residents shouldn't have to pay a premium to visit their own airport. It's a tax on workers trying to get home.”

— Brandon Bailey, Los Angeles resident (latimes.com)

“Usually we take the hit. It's already tough enough in this airport every day.”

— Terrence Harden, Ride-hailing driver (latimes.com)

“This is not a tax. This is not something that the airport is putting on passengers or travelers.”

— Vanessa Armayo, LAWA Commissioner (latimes.com)

What’s next

LAWA staff will conduct a report six months after the new fees go into effect to determine if the costs have been passed on to drivers and passengers.

The takeaway

As LAX prepares for a busy stretch of major events, the airport is taking steps to ease congestion and encourage alternatives to private vehicle trips, though the fee hikes on ride-hailing companies could ultimately impact passengers and drivers if the costs are passed on.