Chattanooga Airport offers new ways for passengers to find parking

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — In response to record-breaking growth, the Chattanooga Airport is implementing changes to help passengers find parking spots.

The Chattanooga Airport is now publishing real-time parking lot availability on its website and connecting passengers to alternative transportation.

“The most important thing is our passengers make their flights and have the best experience at the Chattanooga Airport, which is why we researched innovative solutions to address our parking challenges posed by our accelerated growth,” said Terry Hart, president and chief executive officer for the Chattanooga Airport. “Instead of driving yourself to the airport, we want you to consider alternate transportation like local taxis, ride sharing and carpooling as well as our bus and shuttle service.”

According to Hart, the Chattanooga Airport has continued to grow at a rapid pace this year with enplanements up nine percent over September of last year and up four percent since the start of the year. With 484,517 passenger boardings last year, 2017 was a record-breaking year at the airport as was the year prior. The airport is now expected to surpass a half million passenger boardings by the end of this year.

Due to its growth, the Chattanooga Airport is communicating its parking shortage and providing passengers with information to make plans to park in a different lot or choose alternate transportation ahead of time. People who visit their website can see exactly which parking lots are open or full so they can make plans before they arrive if lots are at or near capacity.

“For decades, we’ve been the small town airport where you can arrive just minutes before your flight departs and be okay,” said Hart. “We still offer small town convenience with multiple non-stop routes and countless destinations, but passengers should plan extra time and arrive early like you would for any flight.”

As an added incentive and to communicate the changes, the Chattanooga Airport is promoting a giveaway on social media that will run for several months. Passengers who opt-in will be entered into a monthly drawing for a free round-trip ride to the airport, using any mode of alternate transportation.

“While we finalize a long-term parking solution, we cannot thank our operators and passengers enough for our current growth and success. We want to reward them for choosing to fly from the Chattanooga Airport, and we are thankful for their cooperation as we implement long-term plans,” said Hart.

For real time parking lot availability and more information, click here.