Freenow by Lyft improves Heathrow airport pickup payments with higher cancellation support and new waiting fee for drivers
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
Freenow by Lyft has introduced changes to its Heathrow Airport pickup payments, increasing compensation for drivers when passengers cancel and adding a new waiting fee for airport collections.
In a message sent to drivers, Freenow said it had “listened to your feedback on airport pickups” and updated its cancellation and waiting fees “to make sure Heathrow trips work for you”.
Under the revised policy, drivers who enter Heathrow’s short stay car park before a passenger cancels will now receive a payment covering both their parking costs, with 0% commission, and an updated scrub fee of £6.40. The company said the changes are intended to reduce the financial impact on drivers who have already incurred airport parking charges before a trip is cancelled.
Freenow has also introduced a waiting fee for Heathrow pickups. Drivers will receive 60p per minute after a three-minute passenger grace period, for up to 10 minutes after arriving at the pickup point. The company said the measure is designed to better protect driver earnings during passenger delays.
The announcement comes as airport pickups continue to present operational challenges for cabbies because of parking charges and the risk of late cancellations. Heathrow’s pickup arrangements often require drivers to enter paid parking facilities before meeting passengers, leaving them exposed to costs if a booking falls through.
Freenow said the updated payment structure is “our way of making sure your time is respected”.
