scrutiny over Denver International Airport's parking fees escalates, with a regular traveler labeling the costs as "absurd"
In the bustling world of air travel, parking fees can often be a source of frustration for passengers. A recent survey by News Colorado has shed light on the varying parking policies at several US airports, with Denver International Airport (DEN) standing out for its unique 24-hour flat rate policy.
Steve Conney, a 53-year-old medical device salesman, is one such passenger who has felt the sting of this policy. Parking his car in the west garage of DEN, Conney was charged $105 for two days and two minutes, with an additional $35 charge for the third day, despite exiting promptly after the extra minutes.
DEN, along with airports in Detroit and Oklahoma City, charges a flat 24-hour rate, even if drivers stay just a minute beyond 24 hours. According to the airport's website, each additional 24-hour period incurs another $35 charge, with no hourly rate, for the close-in parking.
However, many other US airports, such as John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, revert to hourly rates after 24 hours of parking to be more customer-friendly. This approach is also taken by large hubs like New York's JFK and Los Angeles International, which typically impose daily maximums rather than purely hourly rates for extended parking periods.
Mark Nagel, Senior Vice President of Parking and Commercial Transportation at DEN, stated that the airport's decision not to revert to an hourly rate after 24 hours is to keep the rate structure simple. He also mentioned that the airport regularly surveys off-airport parking lots and other airports to see how they structure their payments.
The costs of parking lot maintenance and shuttle buses are high at DEN, as stated by Nagel. Annual financial reports from the airport show that parking revenue is the largest non-aeronautical revenue stream, bringing in $229 million last year.
Despite the high fees, Conney now finds himself taking buses to the airport more as a way of avoiding parking costs. He appealed the $35 charge for the two minutes of parking, but was informed by an airport parking manager that the fees are determined based on the actual location and duration of the vehicle's stay.
Nagel said the airport has no plans to change its paid parking rate structure, but passengers can appeal their charges if they feel it's unfair. For those looking for more information or story ideas, veteran reporter Brian Maass, known for breaking major stories, is available at [email protected].
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