What is a cell phone lot?

A cell phone lot, also known as a waiting area or staging area, is a designated parking area, typically located near an airport, where drivers can wait, free of charge, for arriving passengers.

• Purpose: The primary purpose of a cell phone lot is to alleviate traffic congestion at the airport's arrival terminal curbside. Instead of circling the terminal, which contributes to congestion and potential ticketing, drivers can wait in the lot until their passenger is ready to be picked up.

• Operation:

  • Drivers are expected to remain with their vehicles while in the lot.
  • The use of cell phones is essential to communicate with the arriving passenger. The driver should only proceed to the terminal curbside after the passenger has collected their baggage and is waiting at the designated pick-up location.
  • There are typically posted rules, such as no unattended vehicles and idling restrictions.
  • Time limits may apply.
  • Amenities in cell phone lots vary by airport, some providing restrooms and flight information displays.

• Benefits:

  • Reduced traffic congestion at the terminal curbside.
  • Elimination of the need to circle the airport repeatedly.
  • Avoidance of potential parking tickets for illegal parking at the terminal.
  • Free parking.

Here are some of the topics discussed above as links:

• Purpose
• Operation
• Benefits
• Cell%20Phone
• Parking
• Airport