Cell phone parking lots simplify pickups at airports

At least 13 airports are sending motorists to "cell phone lots" to wait until the arriving travelers call for a ride, a new attempt to unplug road-clogging bottlenecks at passenger pickup spots, reports USA Today .

"Los Angeles International and Seattle-Tacoma opened their first cell phone lots last week, just in time to ease terminal congestion during the holidays. At least 11 airports opened theirs this year.

The lots, which are free, grew out of two trends of the past few years: the explosion in cell phone usage and post-Sept. 11 security measures that prohibit motorists from lingering outside terminals.

Airport managers say the lots reduce repeated looping by pickup drivers waiting for arriving travelers. The lots also reduce the slow, erratic driving — and illegal parking — of motorists trying to hang back to time their pull-up to a passenger's appearance.

The lots typically are no more than two-minute drives from the terminals. Most require drivers to stay with their car. Some limit waits to 30 minutes, although some airport officials say enforcement is likely only during busy times.

The Airports Council International-North America expects more airports to try the concept, but not every one has space. Michael Civitelli, Seattle-Tacoma operations manager, says the lot must be easy to reach and convenient to the terminal to succeed.

Related articles on cell-phone waiting lots at other airports:

-- Lindbergh Field, San Diego's International airport urges use of cell-phone lot

-- Phone and Go parking Lot at Tucscon International Airport

-- Philly airport gets lot for drivers awaiting incoming passengers

-- Cell phone lots open at US airports: Baltimore-Washington International Airport, Birmingham International Airport in Alabama, Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, Chicago O'Hare International Airport

-- Pulling over with a cell phone before Nice airport

emily | 11:00 AM | Cell Phones while driving/flying/sailing |
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