Executive Travel : Private Parking’s Romance With the Flying Public : Park-and-Ride Lots Are Luring Customers With Array of Services

Air travelers wary of parking in LAX’s long-term lots are nurturing an alternative market of a dozen private and hotel lots that offer everything from valet lifts to the terminal to free coffee and car washes.

Owners and operators of the many park-and-ride services around Los Angeles International Airport say 1994 was a banner year, with cars filling more spaces in private lots and nearby hotels instead of using LAX’s long-term lots B and C.

The private lots, like airport long-term parking, are away from the airport’s main terminals and provide shuttle rides to the terminal area. Park-and-ride companies distinguish themselves from regular long-term parking by offering enhanced security, frequent shuttles and special services--sometimes for a separate fee--such as covered parking space, auto detailing and general auto shop services.

“We’re definitely seeing a trend going upward,” said Bob Cornelison, general manager of Car Barn, a valet park-and-ride service with 1,030 underground parking spaces in an office building east of LAX. “Our revenue was up 8% in 1994 over 1993, and for January we’re up 9% over last year.”

On average, only 10% to 13% of the 12,388 parking spaces in Lots B and C are being used on any given day, said Diane Scully, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Department of Airports. But the lots can fill up on key holiday weeks.

“We know these (private) lots are taking away some of our business, but there’s no way we can handle all of it anyway,” Scully said.

On the other hand, parking spaces in the airport’s main lot across from the terminals are each used an average of 2.6 times a day, Scully said. Parking in those spaces--designed for short visits--costs $16 if used an entire day, compared to just $5 a day in Lot B and $7 a day in Lot C.

Park-and-ride companies say security, not price, is a major reason customers prefer to park with them. Scully said the airport’s long-term lots are “routinely patrolled by airport police.” Still, auto vandalism is not uncommon and cars are occasionally stolen from the lots, she said.

“You’re going to have that at any lot this size,” like at the Forum or a shopping center, Scully said. “If you lock your doors and keep your valuables out of sight, your car will be just as safe as if it’s parked in front of your house.”

Private operators are quick to tout their round-the-clock security. For example, three security officers are on duty at all times at Park One, including a lookout in a 40-foot tower who surveys the entire lot, says Gary Cootes, marketing manager for the lot.

Wally Park’s security system includes a network of hidden cameras, says marketing manager Elyse Silvia.

“No one has ever been hurt or mugged here,” Silvia said. Plus, “if something happens to your car, it’s easier to fight with a private company rather than the city.”

Business travelers, who account for at least three-quarters of park-and-ride customers, say convenience is the main reason why they pay between $9 and $15 extra to park in private lots. That’s why Brian Harms, vice president of Lane-Aire Manufacturing Corp., parks at Wally Park when he must fly to business meetings.

“It’s easier to just pull in and go out,” said Harms, who flies twice a month. “The airport is too expensive and crowded. Here, I never have to hunt for a space.”

Parking in Wally Park’s six-story structure costs $9.50 a day for self-service and $12.50 a day if you use a valet. Like most park-and-ride companies, Wally Park offers certain deals, such as one day of free parking with two days at full price--bringing the price of a three-day stay close to the remote airport lots. Shuttles make the four-block commute to the airport every five minutes or less.

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To lure customers from the less expensive city lots, park-and-ride companies offer a range of services that take advantage of the clients’ time away from their cars. For example, Wally Park’s valet customers can have their cars washed, detailed or serviced while they are away. Prices range from $14 to $100, Silvia said.

Up the street, clients at the Car Barn can sip coffee, read a complimentary newspaper and send faxes while waiting for the shuttle.

Car Barn valets will park your car in an underground space for $12 a day. Customers can have their cars washed for an additional $15 or waxed or detailed for $85. Frequent travelers can pay to join a Gold or Platinum club and receive parking discounts and coupons and bypass normal check-out lines.

“Car Barn is faster” than LAX’s Lots B or C, said writer Barbara Bottner of Sherman Oaks. “Lot C is bigger and it’s easier to lose your car there. I don’t need any aggravation when I’m going to the airport.”

Of course, if minimum aggravation is your goal, consider Airport Valet.

“Our customers just drive by our place and pick up a valet,” said Akram Aldajani, general manager of Airport Valet. “When they reach the airport, the customer gets off, we help them with their luggage, say goodby and give them a calling card. Then we bring their car to our parking lot.

When customers returns to town, they claim their baggage and call Airport Valet, Aldajani explained. “We meet them at the baggage claim, usually within five minutes. The customer signs the credit card slip and he’s on his way.” The valet takes a shuttle back to the lot.

This service costs $13.20 a day for stays up to six days long and $8.45 for stays one week long or longer. Airport Valet also offers car wash and maintenance services and will even perform a smog check test for $37.

Park-and-ride companies are beginning to forge ties with travel agencies and airlines. For example, United Airlines passengers who use the Park One lot can take advantage of “inside track” check-in, says marketing manager Cootes. Park One employees will call ahead to a United skycap with your flight information so that when you arrive at the curb your luggage tags and boarding pass will be ready.

Self-parking at Park One’s outdoor lot--just east of LAX’s Terminal One--costs $9 a day, and valet parking in a covered space runs $14 a day.

Some area hotels that shuttle their guests to and from the airport have begun to offer park-and-ride services as well. For example, you can park at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza for $8.50 a day or have a valet park your car for you at the Sheraton $14 a day.

For trips of less than a week, parking and riding is cheaper than taking an airport shuttle or a taxi. Shuttles from downtown Los Angeles to LAX cost $12 each way and taxis run about $25. From Long Beach or the Valley, shuttles cost $25 to $30 each way, and taxis are twice as expensive.

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Parking at LAX

The choices vary from a simple spot on the asphalt to specialized care and handling.

Hotel Lots

Several hotels along Century Boulevard offer parking for anywhere from $6 to $14 a day, including the Hyatt, Sheraton and LAX Marriott. Guests usually get a special rate.

Airport-Owned Lots T. Terminal Lots $16 a day. B. Parking Lot B $5 a day C. Parking Lot C $7 a day

Major private lots: (1) Airport Valet: $8.45-$13.20/day. Valet service to airport using your car. Wash, detailing, oil and smog checks. (2) Park One: $9-$14/day. Wash, wax and detailing, express check-in for United flights, fax-copy center. (3) Valet Air Park: $13.20/day for 1-6 days; $8.45/day for 7 or more days. Wash, detailing. (4) Car Barn: $12/day. Valet parking, underground garage. Wash, wax and detailing. Waiting room with fax machine. (5) Wally Park: $9.50-$12.50/day. Wash, detailing, gas, lube, oil. Mechanic on duty. (6) Auto Airporter: $10.85/day; $75 flat rate for 8-12 days. Wash, detailing.

Sources: Los Angeles Department of Airports, individual lots. Researched by KAREN KAPLAN and RICHARD DUPLER / Los Angeles Times