Travelers parking at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport might soon feel like they’ve landed in the wrong terminal due to an increase in parking rates.
The price hike, which takes effect Nov. 20, raises long-term airport parking fees from $15 to $20 per day and valet parking fees from $25 to $30 per day. This is the first parking rate increase at FLL since 2015.
FLL officials defend the price changes as necessary for funding improvements at the airport, but the decision has already sparked frustration among passengers.
Coral Springs resident Sam Poulos, who flies Delta and parks at FLL every other week, said he has a hard enough time finding parking spots under the existing, cheaper fee structure.
“The Palm Garage is the most convenient for Terminal 2, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to park there because airport workers are using it,” said Poulos. “I’ve even seen them saving spaces for other employees during shift changes. It forces us to park in the Hibiscus Garage, which is a long walk to Terminal 2. The people mover cart is unreliable, so increasing the rate and making it harder for us to park is very frustrating.”
Another frequent-flyer, Eddie Wong of Coconut Creek, acknowledged the price hike is necessary but said it will inconvenience his travel routine.
“I’m not a fan of prices going up, but it’s the norm in this economy,” said Wong. “It changes the math on whether I’d park [or take an Uber]. Now I have to get there about 30 minutes earlier than I normally would, but parking on-site is still much more convenient when I get back.”
FLL officials argue the fee hikes are essential for maintaining airport operations and paying for future improvements.
“The decision to increase FLL’s parking rates was not taken lightly,” said Mark Gale, CEO and Director of Aviation at the airport.
“It’s no longer fiscally prudent to hold rates at 2015 levels, given the current inflationary environment and rising operational expenses.”
The increased prices still rank among the lowest compared to similarly sized airports, officials said.
Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine said the rates remain “very reasonable compared to other major Florida airports like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.”
“The airport is a self-funded enterprise, where revenue generated must be used for its operations,” Udine said. “No Ad Valorem taxes are used.”
The hike, however, isn’t sitting well Poulous and other fed-up airport garage patrons.
“Coupled with unreliable people movers and a longer walk from the Hibiscus Garage, the added costs feel particularly burdensome,” Poulous said.
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