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Airport Parking / Airports / Airport News / BUR / California Travel / → All Tags

Crazy Expensive Airport Valet Parking is One Amenity No One Wants

Oh heck—we had plenty of money in our travel pockets that we were looking to burn, but it looks like the most totally over the top airport amenity is now no longer available. The worst part about it all is that we didn’t even know it was available until it was gone.

Just outside Los Angeles at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank officials are pulling the plug on a valet parking option that will set you back a cool five digits per year. You’d think that with all the celebrities and super-rich running around Southern California that someone would pony up for the pricey parking, but apparently the $14,600 yearly option was just too darn expensive. With no takers, the airport has decided to eliminate the Black Diamond parking option that has been hanging around since the end of 2009.

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BUR / TSA / Security / Airport Security / → All Tags

The Zip Lane: A TSA Idea We Actually Like

Earlier this month, the TSA launched a ski-themed trial that allows people to pick a security lane based on how familiar they are with airport screening. We didn't cover it because it's a stupid idea. Everyone *thinks* they're an expert, which is one of the (many) reasons the checkpoints are always so fubar.

But the agency's new gimmick is a good one. If you've got only enough carry-on luggage to fit under an airplane seat, you get to cruise through a special Zip Lane. Since its based on something instantly measurable--luggage size rather than experience--only unburdened travelers will get to use it.

The lane is only open for four hours a day, but it's in operation during peak flight times. The pilot program at Bob Hope Airport was a rousing success, at least according to the TSA. For now the Zip Lane is only available at BUR, but the agency plans to offer it at other airports soon.

Related Stories:
· Zip Lane [TSA Blog]
· TSA coverage [Jaunted]
· Airport Security coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: robjtak]