Beginning Friday, October 1st, 2021, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE hereafter) will be implementing a new pricing structure for all on-site parking options– including the surface lot, the garage, Fast Lane and the Premier parking lot. (Valet parking is offline due to COVID-19 staffing challenges, but has plans to return at a later date). These needed daily maximum changes will support the ongoing projects taking place throughout the terminal and the garage – ultimately enhancing the traveler’s overall experience.
“Parking rates, or daily maximums, at CAE have not changed since 2004,” said Mike Gula, Executive Director of CAE. “While we try to avoid rate increases that impact the traveler, we want the community to know that we’re reinvesting much of this revenue back into making this airport as effective and efficient as possible.”
As of October 1st, the new parking daily maximums at CAE will be:
Surface Parking
- First ½ hour – FREE (This is an increase in grace time for those picking up or dropping off passengers)
- Each additional ½ hour – $1.00
- Daily Rate – $10.00
Garage Parking
- Each ½ hour – $2.00
- Daily Rate – $14.00
Fast Lane (Accessed with issued pass)
- $10.00 – Surface parking
- $14.00 – Garage parking
*Customers are able to utilize either lot and still take advantage of a touchless exit.
Premier Parking (Accessed with issued pass)
- The Premier parking lot is a parking option designed for the frequent flyer. The limited-access lot offers flat-rate parking right outside the airport terminal. This application based option is $1,000 per year.
Handicap Parking
- 1st day free (Subsequent days will be charged at the regular rate depending on lot location)
CAE’s new pricing structure for the garage parking remains the most cost effective parking option among other statewide airports.
CAE Updates and Enhancements
Some of the enhancements CAE has already implemented that travelers have found helpful include the parking guidance system in the covered garage and the online pre-book parking capabilities.
The parking guidance system was installed in the summer of 2020 and allows for travelers to find open parking spots quickly with the assistance of red and green LED lights above each spot indicating which are taken, and which are available.
Launched in late 2020, CAE patrons can now pre-book and save on the spot. CAE’s online parking system allows travelers the option to pre-book parking in either the surface or covered garage lots and save on regular parking rates for extended stays.
Finally, also in 2020, CAE resurfaced the surface parking lot, updated signage and increased lighting throughout the parking lot.
For more information about the updated parking rates and online parking offerings at CAE, please visit: https://flycae.com/airport/parking/.