Tulsa International Airport Opens Cell Phone Parking Lot

By Emory Bryan and NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Tulsa International Airport officially opened its cell phone parking lot Tuesday.

The cell phone parking lot is designed to eliminate some of the driving around in circles that people do at the airport. Instead, of circling and waiting for your person to show up, you can go to the cell phone lot and wait for the call. In just a minute, you can be at the terminal to pick up your passenger.

Airport officials say the free parking lot will help alleviate curbside congestion outside of the airport's baggage claim area.

In a news release, Tulsa International Airport says the cell phone lot, located just east of the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, will provide 25 free spaces for people to park their vehicles while waiting on arriving passengers and baggage.

"Denver, Boston, all the big airports have them," said Alexis Higgins, Tulsa International Airport.

Airport officials say the new lot will be especially helpful as airport contractors begin roadway construction in that area.

"Airports across the country have utilized this concept to provide their customers with a convenient, no-cost option when picking up passengers. We're pleased to be able to provide this service to our customers and hope that it improves their airport experience," said Jeff Mulder, Tulsa Airports Director.

Temporary signs have been placed along the airport's entrance road to direct drivers to the lot.

Permanent signs will be installed later this month.

David Matthews was one of the first people to pull in and try it.

"I saw this sign that said cell phone lot, and I had no idea what this was, but I thought I might as well park here and wait. So I talked to someone and they said I'm in the right place. It's pretty cool. I think it's a good idea," Matthews said.

The construction of the cell phone lot is a part of the overall airport roadway rehabilitation project. The project is funded through passenger facility charges.

With the cell phone lot now available, the airport plans to clamp down on parking and waiting along the curb at the terminal. 

There's also a plan to make the spot more inviting with a convenience store next door. That should open up sometime next year.