New airport services promises to pamper your car while you're away

06-18-2006

 

Starting on or about July 1, travelers who park at Pittsburgh International Airport can have a variety of car care and maintenance procedures performed while they're away.

A new company, Pittsburgh Airport Valet Parking, will offer a menu of automotive services, including hand washes, detailing inside and outside, oil changes, re-fueling and tire rotations, in addition to a guaranteed spot and quick, convenient drop-off and pickup of their vehicles.

Ron Carnevali, a principal of the new service, said departing drivers will be able to leave their cars at the drop-off point on the ground floor of the short-term parking garage by the Enterprise rental station. After selecting desired services, they simply can walk across the street and enter the baggage level of the landside terminal or take the elevator up to the ticketing level. When they return from their trip, their vehicle will be waiting at the drop-off point, warmed, ready and serviced.

Pittsburgh Airport Valet Parking has 28 spaces in the short-term garage and 300 more in a nearby lot that is fenced and patrolled. The valet parking charges will be $24.99 for the first 24 hours and $19.99 each subsequent day. That compares with daily charges of $17 in the short-term garage, $9.50 in the long-term lot and $6.50 in the extended lot.

The airport had valet parking at one time and officials had been interested in bringing it back, said Jeff Martinelli, public affairs manager for the airport authority. The company operating the new service is leasing the space and the authority will receive a percentage of the revenues.

Although fees for supplemental services are still pending, Mr. Carnevali says they will be comparable with charges for similar services elsewhere. For example, he expects a hand washing of the vehicle's exterior to be about $15, and oil changes in the range of places like Jiffy Lube. He also estimates an average stay of three to four days per car and figures to handle about 75 cars a day.

No reservations are required at this time. A Web site is still being developed, but in the meantime for information call 412-472-3001.

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