Frequent Traveler Critiques Denver International Airport’s Parking Fees
Steve Conney, a medical device salesman and frequent traveler, is expressing his dissatisfaction with the parking expenses at Denver International Airport (DIA). After a recent return from a short trip, Conney was shocked to find a hefty charge upon retrieving his vehicle from the west garage, which is capped at a daily maximum of $35.
During his two-day stay, which extended an additional two minutes, Conney received a parking bill totaling $105, penalizing him with a full day’s charge despite his quick exit. “I would say it’s ridiculous,” he remarked, highlighting how unexpected such a steep charge felt, likening it to receiving a parking ticket.
Per the airport’s official website, any time over 24 hours incurs another full day’s charge without prorating, a policy that runs consistently across all parking facilities at the airport. Even with his employer covering parking fees, Conney believes the policy is unfair and warrants review.
Comparison with Other Airports
A deeper investigation indicates that several other airports in the U.S. adopt a more lenient approach regarding parking charges. For instance, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, allows charges to revert to hourly rates after a full 24 hours. Charlene Reynolds, the airport manager, emphasized a guest-centric policy aimed at easing the travel experience while also attempting to minimize costs for passengers.
In a survey conducted by CBS News Colorado concerning parking rate structures at various airports, most facilities—such as Dallas Fort Worth, Miami-Dade, Phoenix, Seattle, Dulles, and Reagan in Washington D.C.—opted for hourly charges post-24 hours. However, some airports like those in Detroit and Oklahoma City follow a similar flat-rate structure as DIA.
| Airport | Charging Method |
|---|---|
| Denver International Airport | Flat rate of $35 per day |
| John Wayne Airport | Hourly rates after 24 hours |
| Dallas Fort Worth Airport | Hourly rates after 24 hours |
| Miami-Dade Airport | Hourly rates after 24 hours |
| Seattle Airport | Hourly rates after 24 hours |
Airport’s Stance on Pricing Policy
Mark Nagel, Senior Vice President of Parking and Commercial Transportation at DIA, defended the airport’s pricing model, asserting that their flat-rate structure is designed to maintain simplicity. He clarifies that the airport does not aim to have the highest parking rates but to remain competitive while covering operational costs. DIA’s annual financial reports reveal that parking fees generated around $229 million last year—outpacing revenue from food, rental cars, or hotels.
Conney has adjusted his travel habits, preferring to take buses to the airport instead of enduring the escalating parking fees. Despite his attempts to appeal the charges for his two-minute overstay, DIA’s parking management confirmed that the policy stands firm and charges are determined based solely on the duration of the vehicle’s stay. Although right now there are no plans to amend the rate structure, passengers do have the option to contest charges they deem unfair.
