DIA debuts express pay parking for additional fee

Flying out of Denver International Airport takes some planning. You budget for gas, coffee and a $14 airport sandwich, and then you get to the parking exit and you’re slapped with a parking bill that rivals a new car payment. DIA can’t make parking cheaper, but it can make paying for it faster.

The airport launched Express Pay on Tuesday, Oct. 13. It uses license plate recognition, so you don’t need a ticket or a card at the gate. When you drive in, a camera reads your plate and the gate opens. You park, catch your flight and come back. When you leave, the gate opens again, your card is charged and you get a receipt by text. “This enhancement is another step in modernizing our parking operation and helping travelers save time,” said Dave LaPorte, DIA’s interim CEO.

You can sign up ahead of time in the ParkMobile app, or scan a QR code on the signs at DIA and enroll online through ParkWhiz. You can pay one time or turn on autopay for future trips. Express Pay works in DIA’s garages, economy lots and shuttle lots. Premium Reserve isn’t included.

That speed may cost a little extra. DIA’s service terms reportedly add a 5 percent fee to each parking charge. On a long trip, that adds up, especially since DIA parking ranges from free to more than $160 a day for the fanciest spots. If you’d rather keep the 5 percent, tap-to-pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay still work at the exit. Cash is accepted only at the Level 5 kiosks inside the terminal.