Last Updated on June 11, 2023
Cell phone lots are a unique solution to solving the issue of short-term parking at airports and below I explain more about what these lots are and how they work!
- Helps to reduce and ease traffic and congestion in airports at the arrivals area
- A more relaxing experience for those collecting family & friends
The idea of a text and mobile phone (cellphone in America) area for motorists who are heading to an airport to pick up passengers is a popular idea in some countries, particularly in the U.S. for example, but is perhaps under-used in other countries.
These temporary parking areas mean that motorists can wait and view the Flight Arrivals board in the outdoor parking area and/or wait for a mobile phone message or call from the person you are collecting, before heading to the arrivals terminal.
Mobile phone (or cell phone lots as they can be known in American airports) offer airports many benefits and are thus a great option for airport managers to consider. Let us consider why:
Table of Contents
Benefits for an Airport (Avoiding Congestion)
Dealing with the problem of vehicle congestion in and around the arrivals terminal can be a significant issue at many airports.
From my own experience of using Catania Airport in Sicily twice a year, Catania–Fontanarossa Airport is a prime example of the need and potential benefit of a temporary mobile waiting area.
The increasing passenger numbers at this airport has resulted in a somewhat hectic and difficult-to-manage congested area directly outside the departures area but which also acts as the arrivals area from a passenger point of view.
Available land for such a parking area can certainly be an issue for an airport, but the available space need not be directly in front of the airport. Any location within a 5-minute drive tends to be sufficient.
The parking area itself is self-managed i.e. there is normally no need for any permanent staffing. A maximum of 60 minutes waiting time is recommended for those using this special parking zone.
Passengers call or text their driver once they are outside of the terminal and know which entrance number they need to be picked up from.
If you manage a relatively large airport,
- Create a pick-up point area outside arrivals for passengers being collected and with clear messaging that there is no waiting time allowed.
- Offering free Wi-Fi if an outdoor FID cannot be installed is another good option.
Cell Phone Lot Facilities for the Drivers
Sit, relax, and read a book, while you wait for your passenger/s.
The mobile phone and text parking areas are normally free for motorists and a very large all-weather outdoor FID (Flight Information Display) arrivals board is placed at one end of the parking area.
The temporary waiting area will normally include:
- Vending machines (for food and drinks)
- Large screen FID (or free Wi-Fi area)
Cell Phone Lot Rules
- Maximum 60 minutes stay
- No commercial drivers should enter the cell phone lot.
- Cars must never be left unattended.
- Only head to the terminal once you have confirmation that your passengers have collected their luggage.
Examples: US Airport Cell Phone Waiting Lots
- Minneapolis – St Paul’s International Airport
- Nashville International – cell phone waiting area
Dr Paul Symonds has a PhD in Wayfinding from Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK. Paul works with the signage industry, airports and other locations providing wayfinding audits, consultancy and training.
