Air travel continues to make a comeback, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening over 13 million passengers last week. With July 4 set to be the biggest travel weekend since the start of the pandemic nearly 16 months ago, experts have indicated that all major airports in the country could witness even more significant passenger traffic this weekend.
However, expect airport parking woes to continue, with most airports across the country yet to reopen a few parking lots for air travelers. To make matters worse, you could expect long TSA queues and airports such as Detroit, Denver, Atlanta, JFK, and Boston Logan to continue to report staff shortages.
It’s not all bad news, though. San Jose Airport parking has received a shot in the arm in the form of a new multi-level parking garage that offers hundreds of new spaces for air travelers. The cost of parking at the new long-term garage has been set at $15 a day for July. The new garage is situated in the northeast area of the airport and offers short shuttle rides to the terminal. Meanwhile, BWI Marshall Airport recorded its busiest day of the year on June 24, with 27,107 departing passengers. Apart from earning the gold standard for clean and safe public facilities, the GBAC STAR accreditation authorities have reopened long-term BWI airport parking facilities and several retail concessions.
As the gap between the number of travelers who took a flight pre-pandemic and 2021 reduces with each passing month, expect the figures for July to be closer than ever. Officials at the Denver International Airport (DIA) expect more than 1.2 million people to pass through the airport between July 1 and July 6. DIA has advised passengers to keep tabs on their flights and check their website for parking availability. Sadly, DIA airport parking lots, including Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert, are still closed for travelers.
With 46% of Americans fully vaccinated, it’s no surprise that everyone’s itching to travel during the July 4 weekend. Car rental firms have reported a surge in demand, causing a shortage of rental cars and price spikes across the country. The high demand has led to more travelers opting for flights for the July 4 weekend. The surge in travelers in July could lead to the number of air travelers in 2021 to close in on pre-pandemic levels later this year.
However, it has led to increased pressure for a few airports, including George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport (IAH), which is in the middle of significant transformation projects. Over the past few weeks, passengers have complained about getting caught in the construction, resulting in delays in finding IAH airport parking garages and thereby missing their flights. IAH is currently demolishing Terminal D and E parking structures to make a new international central terminal. The construction activity has caused traffic congestion on the roads leading to Terminal C, D, and E but parking woes for travelers. To circumvent the issue, airport officials recommend leaving an hour earlier for your drive to the airport. Those who used structures D and E for parking must now park at A, B, or C. Alternatively, they could use a park-and-fly facility nearby. While the construction is only expected to wrap up in 2024, the good news is IAH doesn’t seem to be struggling with TSA staffing shortages like other major airports in the country.
Last week’s TSA figures prove that domestic travel and tourism have made a huge comeback since the pandemic struck the nation. Expect it to increase even further once international borders reopen and restrictions are lifted. While this could reinvigorate airports that suffered huge losses last year, there’s a possibility that airports might hike their parking rates to recover faster. However, you could still save big by using a parking website or parking app like way.com to find affordable BWI airport parking, DIA airport parking, or any other airport you wish to fly out of for your business trip or vacation. Way.com not only offers benefits such as contactless booking and guaranteed spots but also a flexible cancellation policy. Book now and get up to 60% discounted rates.
Follow our blogs for regular weekly updates on air travel and airport parking.
Check out more blogs on the best parking spots in your city, the most affordable insurance for your car, and top-rated car washes near you.
