Boston's Logan Airport begins transition to new centralized Uber and Lyft location
Catching an Uber at LAX with its new pickup process is trying, but thankfully that does not seem to be the case at Logan Airport (BOS) in Boston. Last week, Logan began phasing in a centralized drop-off and pickup system for all ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. For the most part, the reports are largely positive.
Eventually, almost all pickups and drop-offs will be at a specific location within Central Parking which is, as one would guess, very central to all four terminals -- A, B, C and E. There is no shuttle needed and there are covered walkways to get to and from the terminals.
Related: Planning a family trip to Boston
Pickup process at Logan
As of right now, only rides leaving the airport are affected by the ride-share changes. Regardless of the terminal in which you arrive, you need to go to the Central Parking garage to pick up your Uber or Lyft.
Previously, travelers had to wait outside. With the unpredictable Boston weather, especially in winter, staying inside can be a big win. The new waiting area at Central Parking is covered and will even be heated in the winter. Of course, Central Parking might be a longer walk, which can be problematic with many bags in hand and kids in tow. I personally would prefer a slightly longer walk with my kids versus listening to them complain about the cold.
Related: Best credit cards for Uber
Massport expects that passengers will experience shorter wait times. Based on conversations with travelers who have flown out of Logan this past week, that seems to be true. The only problem at the moment is that some Uber drivers who haven't used the Central Parking pickup area are not sure where to go.
The other issue is that during peak times, there can be a backlog for the elevators to get to and from the pickup area. Stairs are an option, but that isn't always feasible with luggage.
If the longer walk out to the pickup area is too much for you and your family, you can look into taking a taxi or a pre-arranged car service. Taxis and other hired-car services, such as Groundlink, are still allowed to pick up you at the curb beside Arrivals — there is no change there.
Nonetheless, an Uber or Lyft might be your most cost-effective option. When I priced out fares from the airport to my house in the suburbs west of Boston, an Uber was significantly less expensive at $48.37 than the yellow taxi estimate of $71.13 and GroundLink price of $79. (Although with the current GroundLink Amex Offer, you could save money if you are eligible).
Drop-off process at Logan
For those taking an Uber or Lyft to Logan in the next few days, nothing has changed. drop-offs will take place at the Departures curb. The new process for drop-offs will begin to go into affect on Nov. 11 as a two-step rollout. On Nov. 11, travelers being dropped off between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. will be dropped off at the Arrivals location (the lower-level terminal curb). At other times, drop-offs will still be at Departures.
Starting on Dec. 9, all drop-offs between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. will still be at Arrivals, but at other times they will go to the Central Parking location. The only disadvantage of being dropped off at Arrivals is that you'll have to take take a few extra steps (or an elevator) upstairs to the Departures area.
Fortunately, if you are flying domestically and are dropped off at Central Parking, there will be Sky Cap service that can check your bags and not require you to lug them to the terminal.
New fees and discounts
Taking an Uber or Lyft home from the Boston airport is about to get more expensive. On Dec, 9, 2019, you'll be charged an additional $3.25 fee. On the flip side, if you share a ride with another passenger, you'll actually receive a $1.50 discount.
Related: Best credit card to use for your Uber trip
Bottom line
The new process for ride-hailing at Boston Logan seems to be working, other than congestion for elevators. However, it only applies to travelers being picked up at the new Central Parking location until Nov. 11. Since the new drop-off process does not go into affect until next week, we will not know if the changeover is a true success until then.
I appreciate waiting for an Uber or Lyft at Central Parking in an enclosed area. However, I'd prefer to be dropped off right at the curb when trying to catch a flight, especially if I am pressed for time. Based on your flight time, it might make sense to coordinate your Uber or Lyft to arrive at the airport in the morning and avoid the Central Parking location.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.