Sea-Tac to Re-Open Restricted Zone in Airport Garage

Reduced height limit allows for re-opening of most convenient spaces

(Seattle)-- The Port of Seattle, working closely with the Transportation Security Administration, has received approval to re-open about 2400 parking spaces in the public garage at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The spaces are located within 300 feet of the airport terminal and were closed in September because of security concerns.

Port staff worked to identify ways to provide safety while allowing the airport to use the premiere parking spaces again. During the spring, the airport garage came close to reaching capacity several times; it's anticipated that the parking spaces will be needed to meet the needs of travelers during the busy summer season.

"We will need the extra space in our garage for travelers, and the 2400 we just regained are our most convenient parking spaces," said Gina Marie Lindsey, Managing Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle. "We're very happy about being able to re-open them in time for the summer travel season."

In order to use the spaces, the TSA directed airport staff to reduce the maximum vehicle height in the garage from seven feet (the current height limit) to six feet six inches. This new height limit may affect about one percent of all garage customers.

"We think most sport utility vehicles, vans and trucks will still be able to use the garage," said Lindsey. "If you own one of those vehicles, I recommend you take a few moments to measure it to make sure it will clear a six foot six inch height limit."

The parking spaces were closed at the direction of federal officials concerned about car bombs. The TSA reviewed the Port's request to regain the parking spaces and determined that a consistent level of safety would remain intact with the new height limitations.

Port officials expect it to implement the change next week. New signs must be posted, and hard barriers must be erected to physically prevent over-height vehicles from entering the garage.

"We will put barriers at both entrances to the garage, along with signs directing over-height vehicles to appropriate parking," said Rod Hilden, General Manager of the airport's Landside Line of Business. "Along with putting up the barriers, it's equally important to let those with over-height vehicles know where they can park."

Airport customer service staff will be located at the garage entrances to answer questions and direct drivers to over-height and/or off-site parking lots, when necessary. An over-height parking lot is available at the airport; simply follow signs to the lot, which is most easily accessible from the south airport entrance (off International Blvd).

Hilden and his staff studied the possibility of imposing the reduced height only in the area affected by the federal rule (within 300 feet of the terminal). That proved unworkable, so the maximum height has been reduced throughout the garage.

Lindsey noted that the change in policy in the garage does not signal any relaxation of the policy about parking and waiting on the airport drives.

"We don't foresee any changes in the federal rules mandating that there be no parking or waiting on the drives," she said.