Airport Parking Fees To Go Up
INDIANAPOLIS --
It will cost more to park at Indianapolis International Airport beginning next month, but officials contend the new parking rates are a bargain compared to other Midwestern airports.
The Indianapolis Airport Authority's board of directors approved the increase at a Friday morning meeting, and gave staff the ability to raise rates as it pleases.
Starting Sept. 1, express valet parking will run $20 a day, up from $18. Garage parking increases from $16 to $18 daily.
Long-term parking will go up $1, from $11 to $12 a day, and economy parking will increase by $2, from $7 to $9.
"After the increase, parking rates in Indianapolis will be comparable to rates at other airports in the region," said Chief Financial Officer Marsha Stone. "We are at the low end of the spectrum in terms of cost."
Travelers said they aren't happy about the increase.
"This is going to be even more reason for me to have someone drop me off and pick me up rather than park in the parking garage," said Kiel Majewski. Airport officials said the increases are necessary to combat a $15 million revenue shortfall.
"I don't think we'll be buying the $9 sandwich today so we can save a little extra money for the parking when we get back," said Andy Schroeder, with a chuckle.
Last month, Stone said that parking fees had brought in $2.3 million less than budgeted, citing an 11 percent decrease in the number of travelers.
Airports in Cleveland and Cincinnati have lower rates for garage parking, according to the airport authority's analysis. Airports in Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Columbus, Milwaukee and Omaha had higher garage parking rates.
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