Uber and Lyft fees to LAX are going up: Here's why

Fee hikes for Lyft, Uber rides at LAX

Travelers and Uber/Lyft drivers are mutually unhappy with the fee hikes for all LAX dropoffs and pickups.

LOS ANGELES - Getting to Los Angeles International Airport will cost significantly more for rideshare users. 

What we know:

The LA Board of Airport Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a proposal raising rideshare fees for commercial vehicles entering LAX.

In a unanimous vote, commissioners agreed to increase the $4 fee to $6 for all companies providing passenger pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport, either within the terminal area or at the LAX-It lot.

That fee is expected to jump to $12 for pickups or drop-offs within the central terminal area.

Rideshare fees to LAX may be on the rise

Getting to LAX could soon be more expensive due to a proposal going to LAX officials. 

Why are fees jumping? 

According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) staff, the fee structure is designed to encourage people to use the SkyLink system when it opens later this year or next year, and thus ease traffic within the central terminal area. The board on Tuesday also unanimously approved a separate proposal to require taxi and ride-hailing services to limit the percentage of passengers they pick up and drop off within the central terminal area.

Currently, ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft pay a roughly $4 fee to pick up or drop off passengers at LAX. Taxi companies pay $4 to pick up passengers, while limousines and similar services pay $5. Taxis and limos do not pay any fees for passenger drop-offs.

Such fees are traditionally passed on to passengers.

Under the plan, a $6 base access fee would be charged for commercial vehicles entering the airport. An additional $6 fee would apply for pickups or drop-offs at the terminal curbs.

That would bring the total cost to $12 per trip for pickups and drop-offs within the central terminal area or at the LAX-It lot.

That represents a 140% hike. 

What they're saying:

Officials say the change would help manage congestion at the airport and fund major upgrades, including the airport’s long-awaited Automated People Mover.

RELATED: LAX People Mover considered years late, over budget, with no opening date announced

By the numbers:

Here's a breakdown of the proposed price hikes:

• $6 base access fee for commercial vehicles entering LAX
• $6 additional fee for curbside pickups or drop-offs
• $12 total per trip under the proposal