MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL – With more than 22,000 parking spaces, there is virtually always a place to park at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.  However, during busy travel times, particularly mid-week, travelers haven’t always been able to find space available at the terminal of their choice – until now.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission has launched eParkElite, a new program that guarantees its members an open parking space at the MSP terminal of their choice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter how busy the airport is.

“eParkElite is geared toward busy frequent travelers who place a premium on time-saving and convenience,” said Jeff Hamiel, executive director of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP International Airport.  “By becoming an eParkElite member, you gain assurance you will always find a spot available at the terminal your flight departs.”

Members of eParkElite receive a small transmitter to place on the dashboard of their vehicle.  When they approach the designated parking area at either terminal, the parking ramp gate arm raises automatically, marking the time they entered the parking facility and providing access to waiting parking spaces.  Parking capacity is managed to ensure there are always sufficient spaces for eParkElite members at both terminals.  The transmitter automatically raises the gate at exit and marks the time they left for electronic billing purposes.

An added benefit is that, if members so choose, they may share their eParkElite transmitter with others on days they aren’t using it.  For many companies, that means multiple employees can benefit from a single eParkElite membership provided only one person is traveling at a time.

Members pay $95 per month, a one-time $20 activation fee, and the regular hourly and daily Terminal-1 Lindbergh e-Park rate for the time they are parked in an airport ramp.  Charges are automatically billed to the member’s account.  Members can check their account and print a receipt online.

People interested in becoming an eParkElite member can find additional information as well as an application on MSP’s web site, www.mspairport.com, or by calling 612-726-5650 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.