by Robert W. Paster

Though most of us enjoying driving, there’s one aspect of driving nobody likes, parking. Even worse is having to pay for parking. But when you switch from automobile to airplane, parking at the airport becomes unavoidable, unless you take a cab. Fortunately, several parking alternatives exist, offering a variety of services and conveniences at varying prices.

The oldest off-airport parking facility in St. Louis is AirPark. According to Andy Schwartz, director of marketing, “AirPark caters to business travelers; its service is second to none. It has the largest fleet of shuttles to assure quick pick-up at the lot and the airport.” Located directly across Highway 70 from the airport, AirPark offers self-parking or valet, either covered or non-covered.
If you park yourself, the shuttle comes right to your car and the driver can help you with your luggage. It then takes you to the airline check-in area at the airport. When you return, the shuttle picks you up at the airport and delivers you right to your car. It even waits to make sure your car starts. While you’re away, your car remains in a lit, patrolled lot that allows you access to your car 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Another option, distinguished by its wildly polka-dotted shuttle busses is The Parking Spot. Now with two locations near Lambert International Airport, The Parking Spot caters to the business and leisure traveler. According to Mark Wildman, vice president of marketing, “Service differentiates The Parking Spot from its competitors. Our shuttles run every 5 to 7 minutes and it’s a short ride to the airport. Valet service is available, and amenities like free newspapers and bottled water are offered.” A frequent parker program makes your 11th parking stay free. Prices at the first Parking Spot range from $16 per day for covered valet parking, to $15.00 for covered self-parking to $9.50 for uncovered self-parking. At The Parking Spot 2, prices are $9 per day for uncovered parking and $10 for covered. Luggage assistance, emergency battery service and 24/7 operating hours are just some of The Parking Spot’s services that make parking just a little easier.

One of the best known names in airport parking is Park ’N Fly, which in St. Louis offers covered and non-covered parking. Either way, a shuttle bus running every 3 to 5 minutes picks you up and drops you off at your car. Assistance with luggage and a free newspaper help people have “a nice start and end to their trips” according to David Grocer, vice president of marketing for Park ’N Fly. In St. Louis, rates range from $9.50 for uncovered parking to $12.50 for covered.

The newest parking option, which opened last month, is called SuperPark. SuperPark is owned by Lambert International Airport and is operated by Central Parking System of Missouri. Containing 35.2 acres at Highway 70 and Cypress Road, it offers 3,200 spaces, 300 of which are covered. Its customer service center offers Internet hook-ups, personalized pick-up, jump starts and a frequent parker program. Valet parking is available, and amenities included a free USA Today and express check out.

SuperPark’s fleet of 20 shuttle vans is powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which produces much lower emissions compared to traditionally powered vehicles. Best of all, CNG is produced domestically and costs only $.90 per gasoline gallon equivalent. Each van is equipped with a wheelchair lift, and it is anticipated that nine additional vans will join the fleet in the future.

Frequent flyer Michael Ferrie, president of Physician Data Management L.L.C., is a frequent customer of airport parking facilities. He usually flies 1 to 2 times per week and says he makes his parking decision based on a number of factors, including the length of his trip, how late he is running, traffic congestion and price.

Price is usually Ferrie’s first consideration, but he will pay more if time is an issue and he needs to park closer to the airport. The next issue is the “shlep factor” relating to how fast he needs to get moving. He appreciates quick shuttles and valet service if he’s really pinched for time. He says he’s usually too busy to appreciate or consider the “amenities” offered by the various parking services. Ferrie does, however, mention services that a now defunct parking lot used to offer such as oil changes and car detailing that would be attractive to him if they were offered.

The management of the parking facilities don’t think the upcoming cuts in American Airlines flights will have a big impact on their business since their customers are local St. Louisans who will still need to park when they go to the airport.

Depending on your time constraints, service requirements and budget, finding a parking lot for long-term airport parking should be the easiest part of the ever-increasing hassle of the flying experience.

Robert W. Paster is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.

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