You Need To Know About Parking Changes at the Missoula Airport

The Missoula Airport is going through changes. The expansion has been impressive and it's not done yet. As the airport continues to expand, airlines have added more direct flights, and even a new airline, Sun Country Airlines, is now offering service at the Missoula Airport.

Read More: Missoula Montana Gets A New Airline Featuring Nonstop Flights

There's another change that has happened at the airport that impacts a lot of people who drop off or pick people up at the airport, the parking. Drivers used to be able to park on both sides of the road while waiting to pick someone up or drop someone off. That is no longer the case. You can only park on the right side of the road in front of the airport and those spaces are limited. You can no longer park on the left side of the road by the curb, it is a lane for driving, not for parking.

Commercial Vehicle Zone

If you want to use the left side of the road you have to be an "authorized vehicle", like an Uber, Lyft, or airport shuttle, and those have to park in the designated area. You aren't allowed to park in the street anymore. The airport has added a "Passenger Pickup Lot" where the first hour of parking is free.

Only One Lane Available

As I was picking up someone from the airport, I noticed cars double and triple parked dropping off and picking people up. There was a car that parked in the no parking zone, put on its hazards, and just stayed there, blocking the lane. With the vehicles being parked where they were, it left just one lane for people to exit the airport. I saw multiple cars almost get into accidents with cars illegally parked, there was nowhere for them to exit the area. The construction zone at the airport is also cutting down the amount of lanes used to exit.

Some Rules Haven't Changed

With the additions of more flights and airlines that means there are going to be even more passengers. They will be using the crosswalks to get to the parking lots. Be aware of pedestrians and their luggage. Drivers still need to stay with their vehicles, that rule has been in place for a long time and hasn't changed. If it's been a while since you have been to the airport you should be aware of these changes. If you want a parking space in front of the airport you, will need to get to there much earlier than you used to.

If you want to park in the no parking zone and put on your hazards, don't be surprised if you are asked to move your vehicle or it can be ticketed or towed. The best option is to use the parking lot that has been designed to pick people up and it is free for that first hour.