Now at LAX: Lyft Pick-Ups, Drop-Offs

In a rare win over larger arch-rival Uber, Lyft today becomes the first ride-share service licensed to both drop off and pick up passengers at Los Angeles International Airport, the world’s fifth busiest.

In a news release issued yesterday, Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti enthused as follows: “Tomorrow, we will have ‘Lyft-off’ at LAX, giving our passengers what they have been asking for, another safe and convenient way to get to and from the airport. As we continue rebuilding nearly every terminal at the airport, and work to bring rail to LAX, our passengers deserve access to all available options to ensure they have an excellent experience.”

Lyft pick-ups at LAX are now allowed at any of six designated Ride Service areas on the airport’s departure level.

To promote the new service, Lyft is offering travelers a $5 discount on up to two rides to or from the airport, through the end of the year. To take advantage of the discount, enter FLY2015 in the payment section of the Lyft booking app.

Other ride-share services, including Uber, will be permitted to make airport pick-ups as well, after completing an application, and committing to follow airport traffic rules and pay the airport a $4 fee for every trip.

Lyft also beat Uber in gaining pick-up and drop-off rights at Las Vegas McCarran airport, but Uber was approved for service several weeks later. A similar scenario is likely to play out at LAX.

Reader Reality Check

Are ride-share services like Lyft and Uber becoming a regular part of your trip planning?

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.