The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has expanded parking options and conveniences at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) in an attempt to improve the experience for travelers.
Beginning Nov. 1, the airport will begin accepting payments for parking via smartphone app. That same day, DCA will open a new 99-space surface parking lot a short walk from all terminals that will be designated short-term parking. Initially, airport officials say, entering and exiting from this lot will be allowed only with a credit card, but the smartphone payment feature will be added soon.
Additionally, re-striping of spaces and the removal of some barricades in another parking facility have created 100 more spaces there.
“Starting on Nov. 1, parking will be easier and more convenient at Reagan National,” says Paul Malandrino, vice president and airport manager for DCA. “With flights increasing, we have been hard at work finding ways to maximize existing parking space, expand options and install the latest technology to improve our customers’ travel experience.”
New parking rates will kick in the same day to help cover the costs of the additional services. The airport has been working for a while to make the parking experience better at DCA. In the spring, the airport introduced ePark, which allows travelers to guarantee in advance that a parking spot will be available when they arrive at the airport. A 1,200-space expansion to the airport’s garages was completed in 2010.
