Uber drivers now doing airport pick-ups

Atlanta

IN a productive week, Ingemar Smith, driver for hire, picks up about 50 passengers from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Instead of pulling up to the curb outside the baggage claim area, the typical zone for picking up travellers, Mr Smith and his silver Toyota Prius often lurk in the short-term parking deck, another minute's walk.

Mr Smith works for Uber, the ride-hailing service that has helped upend the taxi business in many corners of the world, with one exception: airports. At major airports in cities from Chicago to Las Vegas to Los Angeles, drivers for ride-hailing services are barred from picking up passengers. And at those airports that do allow them, there is a hodgepodge of regulations.