As app-based ride companies such as Uber and Lyft are becoming more popular, airports are reaching working relationships with these companies. Unfortunately, airports are using a wide variety of terms and signs to direct passengers to the app-hailed rides. This lack of uniformity can be confusing.

In an effort to gain standardization, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) formed a committee of airports and ride-hailing companies who then hired sign expert Mies Hora. The result is an easily understandable new sign for airports to use. The “Ride App Pickup” sign consists of a mapping pin below a car on the face of a smartphone symbol.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has already adopted the new signage. Also, the pickup area has been relocated to provide a bigger area. Other airports are making similar changes.

Easier and quicker connections between drivers and passengers was the main goal, but there are other positive effects. Passenger congestion and traffic flow within the airport has improved. Having a larger, separate area for pickups also relieves some of the traffic for regular passenger pickups.

With more people flying and an increasing number of passengers getting rides through apps, this standardization of signs was much-needed and well-received. All airports in and out of this country are expected to start using the new sign.

— John Wroblewski, online writer