Major US airport triples parking fees with drivers forced to pay up to $100 per day as they cry ‘we have no choice!’

DRIVERS have been hit with a brutal parking fee hike at one of the busiest airports in the world.

The major airport in the US rolled out the price increase on Thursday and some parking prices have more than tripled.

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It’s the first parking price hike at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia in eight years – and it comes just ahead of the summer travel rush.

Airport bosses say the increase is needed to help fund major upgrades to parking infrastructure and cover raising costs.

For instance, a new deck with nearly 7,000 parking spots and smart tech is under construction and expected to open in late 2026.

Once that opens, the aging South Deck will be demolished and rebuilt.

But the upgrades come at a cost as travelers are stuck paying higher parking fees, especially in hourly lots.

“It’s crazy, we are paying $20 an hour,” one traveler fumed.

They feel they have no option but to stomach the increased fees.

“I am not surprised. I have no choice,” said another traveler.

NEW PRICES

The new construction comes as airport traffic keeps climbing with an estimated 125 million travelers expected each year by 2023.

Parking in the South or North Hourly Decks now costs $10 per hour, up from $3.

After day one’s $50 cap, it jumps to a $75 flat rate daily.

Rates at the International Hourly Deck are even higher.

It costs $10 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.

That’s $70 max on day one and $100 daily after that.

The South and North Daily Decks now charge a flat $30 daily rate.

The Economy Lots, meanwhile, are $20 a day, and the ATL West Deck, is $10 an hour or $30 for the day.

The ATL Select Lots range from $15 a day for uncovered to $20 for covered, and $40 for oversized vehicles.

And for those willing to park further away, the Domestic Park-Ride costs $15 a day.

The International Park-Ride Lot is double that at $30.

Airport GM Ricky Smith said the changes are necessary to keep up with demand and deliver “a safe, convenient and reliable experience.”

“This change allows us to invest in infrastructure that supports our efforts to enhance the customers’ experience while remaining competitive,” Smith told Fox local affiliate WAGA.

Ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are still options, but prices vary depending on the time of day and traffic.

The airport is also pushing the MARTA train as an alternative.

Its Red and Gold lines connect directly to the domestic terminal.

Officials urge travelers to check new rates in advance to avoid last-minute sticker shock.

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