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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.