The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has tightened security measures for curbside parking at all commercial airports, including the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. The nationwide TSA security standards prohibit unattended vehicles in front of the airport terminal and require that all unattended vehicles be towed.
“Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this heightened TSA restriction,” said Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Director, John Kinney. “The requirement isn’t something we can ignore. It’s difficult to push back on the TSA when there isn’t a commercial airport that I can think of in the country that allows vehicles to be parked and left unattended in front of a terminal for any length of time,” Kinney said.
The good news is that parking for the first hour in all airport parking lots is free. That means customers waiting for an arriving flight or seeing a friend off can park in any of the Airport’s short or long-term lots.
“It is likely we will eliminate angle curbside parking in front of the airport altogether this Spring,” Kinney said. “We think flow lanes like what you see at most other commercial airports will help to discourage unattended vehicles and allow just enough parking for quick pick ups and drop offs,” Kinney said. “The bottom line is airport security, which the TSA oversees, is strictly and uniformly being enforced at curbside nationwide.”
Beginning today, Airport staff will hand out Parking Alert cards explaining the requirement to guests parking at curbside. These cards will list options for unattended vehicle parking in areas other than the terminal curbside.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you in advance for your support and understanding as we place Safety and Security of all guest first and foremost at ASE,” Kinney said.
MEDIA CONTACT:
John Kinney - Aspen/Pitkin County Airport Director - 970-429-2851