http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0110skyharborpark.html

Airport parking rates jump today

Ginger D. Richardson The Arizona Republic Jan. 10, 2006 12:00 AM

Add a few dollars to your vacation slush fund.

Starting today, you'll need the additional cash if you plan to park at Sky Harbor International Airport on your way out of town.

Daily parking fees have increased to $8 from $5 in the economy surface lots, and to $10 from $7 in the economy garages. Rates in the pricier terminal garages increased to $20 from $16.

The changes took effect at 12:01 a.m.

Airport officials decided in the fall to increase the parking fees after being plagued by a parking crunch for the better part of last year. Economy lots and garages closed intermittently throughout the year, especially during the busy holiday travel weeks, and the Terminal 4 parking garage filled to capacity on eight occasions.

Officials have the authority to increase the fees even further if the changes don't curb demand.

"Although, we're really hoping this initial increase will alleviate the problem," said Alexandria Van Haren, a Sky Harbor spokeswoman.

Anyone who parked a car in airport lot or garage late Monday will pay the previous parking rate for the duration of his or her stay; all cars entering after 12:01 a.m. today will be charged under the new rate structure.

Reach the reporter at ginger.richardson@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-2474.