(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Brian Myres, St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority Board Chair.)

Effective October 1, 2022, daily fee parking rates at the St. Cloud Regional Airport will increase to $7 per 24-hour period. This is an increase from $5 per 24-hour period.

The fee increase is intended to help manage capacity in the parking lots during peak travel periods to ensure space is available for those who need it. 

“Demand for on-site parking exceeded capacity last Spring when both Allegiant and Sun Country were operating flights from the Airport,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Brian Myres. “In anticipation of that same level of service this Fall, we are hoping to manage some of the demand so we have space for travelers who aren’t able to make off-site parking arrangements.”

Short term parking will continue to be free at the St. Cloud Regional Airport for up to two hours for those dropping off and picking up. 

“Short term users can park in any of the available spots in both the paved and gravel overflow parking lots,” said Airport Executive Director Bill Towle. “We still want people to be able to assist those they are bringing to the Airport for a flight, as well as be able to come inside and greet people arriving at the Airport.”

The paid parking system is a Pay by Plate parking kiosk, meaning your license plate is your proof of payment. There will be two convenient kiosks: one located outside the terminal building and the other inside the terminal. Pay kiosks/stations are credit card only. Don’t forget to note your license plate when leave your vehicle!

The kiosks are easy to use touch screens that prompt you through the process. Enter your license plate number. Select your payment method. Choose your length of stay. You can enter your cell phone number to receive an electronic receipt or print a receipt for your records. No need to place a receipt on your vehicle dashboard.

The Airport is also utilizing the Parkmobile parking app, allowing travelers to use their mobile device to pay instead of needing to use a pay kiosk for an even smoother experience. Parkmobile is also being used by the City of St. Cloud for parking in ramps and downtown streets. Thus, many customers may already have the app on their mobile device. Parkmobile is easy to use and has great user information on their website at https://parkmobile.io/.

Go to the St. Cloud Regional Airport web site at www.stcloudairport.com for additional information.