Travel guide · Updated October 12, 2026
Curbside and Meet-and-Greet Airport Pickup
Confirm what the meeting arrangement includes before reserving. A terminal meeting, an outdoor car-service area and an off-terminal pickup involve different walking, waiting and coordination.
Prefer to talk it through? (929) 357-1534
Curb meeting or a person inside
An inside greeting does not move the vehicle if the airport fixes the pickup lot.
| Choice | Fits when | Settle before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Standard car-service meeting | You will come to the instructed pickup. | JFK T5/T7, LGA A/B/C and EWR signs are the current map. |
| Requested inside meeting | You want someone to find the passenger. | Ask before booking. The car may still have to wait at the legal pickup. |
| Ready signal | You will say when bags are in hand. | Landing time is not that signal. |
Curbside or designated-area pickup
The passenger follows the confirmed instructions to the authorized meeting area and reports when the party is ready. “Curbside” should not be used to promise access at every terminal. JFK Terminal 5 and 7 car-service arrivals currently follow the Howard Beach pickup arrangement under the airport advisory.
A requested terminal meeting
Ask whether a meet-and-greet option is available, where the representative would meet the passenger, what assistance is included and what it costs. Do not infer a terminal escort from a generic airport transfer booking. Airport access rules still apply to the vehicle’s actual pickup location.
Compare total elapsed time
Allow for deplaning, immigration if applicable, baggage collection and reaching the vehicle. A terminal meeting does not remove those steps. Travelers with children, heavy bags or walking needs should discuss the practical route before choosing a pickup arrangement.
Waiting terms
Ask when waiting starts, how much is included and how further time is charged. State who can approve extra waiting if the party is delayed. Keep the agreed meeting type and its terms in the reservation so it is clear what has actually been booked.
What to put in the ready message
The useful message is terminal, where you are standing, how many people, how many carts, and that you are ready to go to the meeting point. “Landed” is earlier than that and starts the wrong clock.
If you asked for a greeter, confirm where that person will stand and how they recognize the passenger. A greeter request is not a promise of ramp or customs access. The vehicle pickup remains whatever the airport and the reservation specify.
A few useful details
Questions before booking
Does meet-and-greet mean the car is at the jet bridge?
No. Ask what was actually reserved. Many inside meetings still end with a walk or AirTrain to the vehicle.
When should I send the ready text?
When the party and the bags you are taking are together and you are moving to the agreed meeting point.
Official airport information
- JFK Terminal 5 and 7 pickup advisory. The ongoing advisory directs arriving car-service passengers to the Howard Beach pickup lot by AirTrain. Check again before travel.