It's prohibited at most airports to wait more than 5-10 minutes at the curb outside of the terminals. In order to follow the airport's rules and to be courteous to other people picking up their parties, wait until your traveler is actually standing at the curb with their bags before you drive around to pick them up.

Yes, you are absolutely allowed to wait for someone at the airport, but the "where" and "how" have changed significantly since the early 2000s. You cannot wait at the actual arrival gate unless you are at one of the few airports that issues "Gate Passes" for non-travelers (such as Seattle-Tacoma or Ontario International). Instead, you must wait in the public arrivals hall, typically located near the baggage claim area or the "Meet and Greet" point designated by the airport. For those driving, most major hubs in 2026 strongly discourage hovering at the curb; instead, they provide "Cell Phone Waiting Lots." These are free parking areas where you can sit in your car until your passenger calls to say they have cleared customs and are standing at a numbered door. If you prefer to meet them inside with a sign, you must park in the short-term parking garage, which usually charges an hourly fee. Waiting in the terminal remains a quintessential part of the travel experience, though heightened security means you should always carry ID and avoid leaving any bags unattended.