Short-term parking rates rise at Pittsburgh airport while new economy lot offers $7 daily rate

Jun. 8—Parking costs for drivers spending less than an hour at Pittsburgh International Airport will double compared to earlier this year under new parking rates put into place Monday.

But to serve fliers seeking a low-cost daily rate, the airport created a new economy lot for a $7 flat rate. A news release said the economy parking area, located near the extended lot, is within a 10-minute walk from the indoor moving walkway that serves the landside terminal.

Short-term parking rates now are $4 for the first two hours and $26 a day. The previous rates were $2 for the first hour, $4 for the second hour and $16 per day.

The rates for the long-term lot also changed: the first hour is free, the second hour is $3 and the daily charge is $16.

The economy lot is the first new parking option in nearly three decades, the airport said. It opened Monday, as the new rates at the other lots went into effect.

For the complete parking fee schedule at the airport, click here.

The changes were made as the passenger traffic increases after a slowdown from the coronavirus pandemic. In April, traffic increased 1,200% over March traffic, the airport said.

"After a very tough year, people want to get away from home and spend time with loved ones no matter where they may be," Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said.

The parking changes were made in response to an increase in what the airport calls "ultra-low cost carriers" like Allegiant and Spirit that offer low-cost flights to popular destinations, Allegheny County Airport Authority spokesperson Bob Kerlik said.

Price is an issue with these travelers, Kerlik said, and the economy lot offers a deal.

The new lot was part of the extended parking area. It was created to match demand for the customers using the cheaper airlines to "keep us competitive," Kerlik said.

Airlines are resuming curbside check-ins for passengers. Southwest resumed those services June 1 and American Airlines plans to do so June 29.

Tom Davidson is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tom at 724-226-4715, tdavidson@triblive.com or via Twitter .