No matter the hour, Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States.
The Phoenix City Council has approved the first valet parking program at Sky Harbor International Airport, giving Phoenix travelers another transportation option besides Uber and Lyft this holiday season.
The City Council awarded FreedomPark Airport Valet Services a contract to begin a pilot program after a brief presentation by FreedomPark President John Kundmueller in which he thanked council members for recognizing the need for valet parking at the airport.
Greg Roybal, of the Phoenix Aviation Department , said FreedomPark was one of five companies that responded to the city’s request for proposals for valet services at the airport. The Aviation Department made the request in March in response to customer feedback.
“The airport exists to serve its customers efficiently and businesses that provide those services are always sought. The valet parking program is one customers have requested,” Roybal said.
Kundmueller said Freedom Park will provide Phoenix travelers with a much-needed service especially during the holidays. But this need may not be as big as the city and FreedomPark anticipated, as other transportation and parking options at the airport offer similar solutions at lower prices.
After some controversy in 2015, the City Council approved Uber and Lyft to transport passengers to and from Sky Harbor, though the vote passed with a margin of 5-4. Since that vote, many use this option to get to the airport for a reasonable price. For example, an Uber ride from downtown Phoenix to Sky Harbor would cost around $11, according to the Uber app.
According to the company’s website, FreedomPark charges $24 per day up until five days, and then $20 per day beginning day six. However, long-term parking companies with shuttle services, like Park Blue Sky, for example, charge daily rates of $9.75 for uncovered parking and $11.75 for covered parking. FreedomPark’s $24 a day charge could be a problem for cost-conscious travelers.
But Kundmueller wasn’t concerned about competition because FreedomPark offers a unique experience.
FreedomPark hopes to make it easier for Phoenix travelers to catch their flights.
FreedomPark, which has been operating at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport since 2011, boasts a few extra perks with its airport valet services. Kundmueller talked about the company’s ability to track customer flight information so the customer’s car is curbside at the perfect time. The company’s website also lists extra car services, like oil changes or car inspections, that customers can schedule for an additional fee while their car is with the valet.
FreedomPark is prepared to be ready by the holidays. According to Roybal, the contract requires the company to be operating by Nov. 21.
“We’re ready to get to work,” Kundmueller said.
He said FreedomPark purchased 200 parking spaces in the airport parking garage and another off-site overflow lot to prepare for the busy season.
