Look for the signs for their airline. For example, if your traveler is flying with Delta Airlines, look for the Delta Airline signs at the terminal. Check the airport’s website to find what terminal the airline your traveler is flying with uses.
Go to the airline’s website or the airport’s website to check the status of the flight. Look for the airline and flight number. Call the airport to ask for the flight status.
If your party is coming back from an international trip, they will likely have a checked bag. They may also have brought things back with them that require them to go through customs, which can take longer for them to make their way through the airport.
They can also tell you exactly where they want you to meet them so you can get in and out quickly.
Park in the airport’s short-term parking lots to save on costs. If you’re traveling from a distance, parking in the short-term lot can allow you to relax and wait in the airport for your party to arrive.
Many airports have restaurants and cafes outside of the security check that you can use to kill some time before your party arrives, but you can’t wait for several hours or they may ask you to leave to make room for customers and travelers. Even if your party doesn’t have any checked bags, the baggage claim areas are often near the exits, so they’re still a convenient place to meet.
If you arrive too early, drive off-site or wait somewhere nearby for your traveler to land and make their way through the terminal. Parking at the curb is prohibited at most airports.
Have your traveler call you when they’re heading to the curb with their bags. If you can’t contact your traveler, keep circling around their terminal until you see them standing outside. International arrivals may take longer to make their way through the airport because they have to go through customs.
You may be able to pre-pay their fare or put a card on file that they can charge once your traveler is dropped off. You can also schedule cabs online. Many cab companies have an app that you can download to your smartphone to schedule a cab ride.
Your traveler will need to present their driver’s license to get the car. You can also pre-pay for the car so your traveler doesn’t have to do anything except pick up the car.
Schedule the ride to be ready about 30 minutes after your party is scheduled to land. Your account will already have a credit card linked to it so you don’t need to worry about prepaying. You should also get an estimate of the fare the ride will cost. Some airports do not allow ride-sharing. Call or go online to see if your airport allows it.
