VIP treatment
Upping the swank factor: Valet parking service launches at Hobby Airport
Since valet parking began this summer at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers might have taken advantage of the service before a mad dash to catch a flight . . . or to grab a stiff Bloody Mary (or two) prior to an overseas trip.
Now William P. Hobby, Houston's lesser airport, offers similar swank: On Monday, it launched its own valet parking service, which will be operated by USA Parking System.
"As the fourth largest city in the United States, Houston continues to lead the nation for economic growth and Hobby Airport is benefitting with more passengers — which is why we want to offer a premium service such as valet parking to elevate the customer experience," said Mario C. Diaz, director of aviation for the Houston Airport System (HAS), in a statement.
"We are also adding in value by including a free copy of USA Today and a complimentary bottle of water," Diaz continued.
That's in addition to the option for online reservations and premium car wash and detailing while you're away (prices start at $30), plus the innumerable other services that HAS offers.
To celebrate the launch, the airport system is offering customers a special introductory price of $20 per day through Jan. 7 (compare to $25 per day regular price, or $17 per day for self-parking in the terminal garages) — just in time for the holiday travel season.