Hartsfield-Jackson International has increased many of its parking fees, a key source of revenue at the world’s busiest airport.
Parking in hourly short-term decks in the domestic parking garages now costs $3 per hour for the first two hours, up from $2 previously. The new rates took effect Aug. 1.
The new rates are $4 per hour for the 3rd through 6th hours, up from $3 previously; and $36 a day after 6 hours, up from $32.
“We took a look at our parking rates and recognized we were far below other airports and it was time to institute the increase in parking rates,” Hartsfield-Jackson spokesman Andrew Gobeil said.
Maximum daily rates also have increased to $19 a day for daily parking in covered decks, $14 a day for economy parking and park-ride reserve, and $10 a day for park-ride lots A and C.
Previous maximum daily rates were $16 per day for daily covered parking, $12 a day for economy, $12 a day for park-ride reserve and $9 a day for park-ride lots A and C.
The rate increases will “help us maintain operational efficiency as we address staffing and maintenance needs,” Gobeil said.
Hartsfield-Jackson brought in $132.1 million in revenue from parking in fiscal year 2016. The city of Atlanta owns and runs the airport, but the revenue it generates can only be used for airport operations and improvements.
Parking rates last rose in 2010. That hike helped boost annual parking revenue from $95.6 million to nearly $114.4 million, and the figure has increased since then.
Airport parking garages sometimes fill up during busy periods, requiring motorists to find alternatives.
Hartsfield-Jackson plans to expand parking as part of a new master plan of improvements. Plans include demolition and reconstruction of domestic parking garages, as well as new parking facilities. On-site garages and lots compete with private off-airport lots, which many travelers use as a regular option or when the airport-run lots fill up.
The airport plans to soon start work on a new parking deck to be built near the Georgia International Convention Center, which will be connected to the terminal by the SkyTrain light rail line.
New Atlanta airport parking rates
Hourly (short term) parking:
$3/hour for the first 2 hours, up from $2
$4/hour for 3rd-6th hours, up from $3
$36/day after 6 hours, up from $32
$36 each additional day
Daily parking (covered deck)
$3/hour
$19/day maximum, up from $16
Economy parking
$3/hour
$14/day maximum, up from $12
Park-Ride Lots A and C
$3/hour
$10/day maximum, up from $9
Park-Ride Reserve
$3/hour
$14 maximum per 24-hour period, up from $12
Source: Hartsfield-Jackson website
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