The Thanksgiving holiday has historically filled the parking lot at Durango-La Plata County Airport, stressing travelers as they circle for a spot and worry about missing their flights. This year, the airport is trying to discourage driving and parking with a special deterrent: the daily parking rate will increase by $5, from $9 to $14 for the holiday period. Parking Wednesday through Sunday, for example, will cost an additional $25.
Will that be enough to convince travelers to leave the car at home and instead get a ride from a family member, neighbor or taxi-style service? A week from now, we’ll know.
Airport management says the increase isn’t about raising revenue; rather, it’s about encouraging more ride-sharing to ensure adequate parking during a busy time. To that end, the airport is working to create multiple parking and access options, including maximizing close-in roadway shoulders and other available flat surfaces, paved or not, and adding shuttle service from more distant locations. As a result, travelers should plan to arrive earlier than usual to evaluate their options and reach check-in on time. Do that.
An additional $5 a day? We might have said: double it.
For now, consider alternate transportation to the airport this week – and if you don’t, we wish you good luck finding parking (and a Happy Thanksgiving).
