Make it quick: Charlotte Douglas cuts time allowed for free parking

CHARLOTTE — A free hour of parking in the Hourly Deck at Charlotte Douglas International Airport is no more.

Now, a short stay of 15 minutes or less won’t cost you, but any longer than that and the fee will be $6.

A spokesperson for the airport told Channel 9 the increase in passenger traffic and hourly parking demand necessitated the change. It went into effect on Jan. 15.

The spokesperson said the hour of free parking was implemented as a courtesy during construction of the curb front roadway in front of the terminal. The extra time was allowed to give enough time and space for passenger pick-up and drop-off during the construction, they said.

That project was completed a while ago, but the change in time permitted for free parking was delayed due to COVID-19, the spokesperson said.

The airport spokespersons said 15 minutes free parking was the standard before construction on the new Hourly Deck began in 2015.

Signage was added in the parking deck to inform airport visitors of the change.

The airport spokesperson said 15 minutes of free parking will continue to be offered and parking in the Cell Phone Lot will also remain free without a time limit.

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