Weather Not the Only Thing Hot at Hartsfield-Jackson This Summer

PASSENGER INFORMATION

Weather Not the Only Thing Hot at Hartsfield-Jackson This Summer
By Felicia J. Browder

Tall gray metal directories posted on the side of the roadway as you drive into the Atlanta Airport tell you more than whether you’ll depart from Terminal North or South. A quick squint at the signs reveals dark areas where stenciled lettering once blocked the fading rays of the sun. The telltale outlines of words that have been stripped away remind attentive passersby that these days airline companies come and go just like the passengers they serve.

The aviation industry is in flux. Traditional airlines are reducing their fleets. Plus they are scaling back their domestic routes. And air fare rates are on the rise.

Given the state of things it is a little surprising to see what’s been occurring on occasion in Hartsfield-Jackson’s parking facilities. The parking lots are beginning to fill to near capacity—especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

There is help for the hopeful parker but how could this be?

Two main factors are driving the “no vacancies” trend in Hartsfield-Jackson’s lots. One is construction projects that are temporarily impacting parking supply. The airport recently opened its fifth runway, Runway 10-28, the long anticipated centerpiece of its $6.2 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Now it’s on to the next major component of the CIP, the Consolidated Rental Car (CONRAC) facility. Construction on this project began in late March and has reduced the number of parking spaces available in the North Economy lot.

Another project in full swing that has temporarily reduced parking spaces is construction of an End Around Taxiway on Hartsfield-Jackson’s airfield. The arc shaped taxiway being built around Runway 8R-26L, one of the northernmost runways, will increase efficiency and reduce aircraft delays by enabling arriving planes to taxi around the runway instead of taxiing across it and slowing the flow of departing planes. Construction on the FAA-approved project began in February and is affecting some North Economy parking spaces.

The second main factor contributing to Hartsfield-Jackson’s frequent parking pucker is the sheer volume of people traveling. More Atlantans are bound for the clear blue skies this summer as evident in the origin and destination (O&D) traffic forecast. The number of O&D travelers predicted to fly from and return to Atlanta through this August is up by 2 percent.

Now the picture becomes clear. Less supply and more demand means the trend of nearly sold out lots will likely continue this year.

Katie Stanciel, Parking Manager for Hartsfield-Jackson, says people on the way to the airport have tools at their fingertips to plan ahead for parking. “Even though there are several projects going on at the airport that are impacting our spaces, we remain committed to helping our customers find convenient parking,” Stanciel said.

“We offer several ways that people can find out about the status of our lots before they arrive. Taking advantage of these complimentary services will help people use their time wisely and prevent frustration,” Stanciel continued.

To get information on the availability of parking before arriving at the airport, travelers can log onto www.atlanta-airport.com and click on ‘Parking’ or call 1-877-ATL-PARK (285-7275).

And for a final status check within the vicinity of the airport, tune your radio to 830 AM.

# # #