As the airline industry continues to consolidate, non-aeronautical revenue has become much more important in helping with the financial viability of an airport.
One of the biggest sources of this revenue is the fees collected for airport-owned and off-airport parking lots. And, there’s gold in that asphalt.
Of the $8.2 billion in non-aeronautical revenue collected by airports in 2013 (the latest figures available in the FAA database), $3.3 billion, or 41 percent, come from parking and ground transportation, according to Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA).
Airports across the country are stepping up their game by expanding parking options for travelers to bring in even more revenue.
Washington Dulles International Airport takes valet parking to the next level by offering services including dry cleaning and car washing and detailing. Customers can also text their valet ticket number when they land so their car is waiting. Valet parking is $35 a day for the first day and $25 for each day after.
Hourly parking is available for $35 a day and the economy lots were $10 a day. The airport also offers Dulles FlexPark, unlimited parking for one monthly payment in general or reserved spaces.
Orlando International Airport offers parking at different price points, allowing customers to use E-Pass/SunPass pre-paid toll programs to cover the charged. Prices range from $10 a day to economy lots to $25 a day for curbside valet parking, which includes complimentary curbside check-in for passengers on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines.
Those using valet parking at the airport’s Hyatt Regency Hotel can also pay between $30 and $45 to have their car detailed while they are away. The airport also offers a free cell phone lot.
Boston-Logan International Airport offers business travelers and frequent fliers access to its Lexus Parking PASSport Gold program. The program provides touchless payment and guaranteed parking, including spaces in the popular Terminal B garage. There’s a one-time $200 initiation fee, along with an annual $100 membership fee and $34 a day.
Economy parking is $20 a day and regular parking is $29 a day. The airport offers the Exit Express Card, which automatically charges the credit card of your choice. And customers have free services including jump starts, help with lock outs, lost car searches and air for deflated or flat tires.
At San Francisco International Airport, any customer can use its credit card-backed FasTrack that allows for easy in and out in any of its parking garages. Long-term parking is $18 a day, international hourly is $28 a day and domestic hourly is $36 a day.
The airport also offers ParkFast covered parking in a reserved area with automated entry and exit for $36 a day for members and $38 a day for non-members. Valet parking is available for $45 a day. The airport also offers plug-in charging for electric vehicles and car wash services through here.
Check your local airport on parking revenues and options
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Washington Dulles International Airport
