Reno Airport opens rest of parking garage

All 2,400 parking spaces at Reno/Tahoe International Airport will open Thursday, just in time for the Thanksgiving travel week.

According to airport officials, every vehicle entering the parking structure for short- or long-term parking will be inspected by airport personnel. Vehicles in the surface lot south of the parking structure will not be inspected.

"We are pleased to provide full utilization of the parking structure to serve our customers," said Krys T. Bart, executive director of the Airport Authority of Washoe County. "It may take a little longer to enter the parking structure, but our number one priority is to provide a safe and secure airport." Airport patrons need to continue to allow extra time when traveling to the airport.

On Sept. 11, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an order that prevented any unattended vehicle from being within 300 feet of an airport terminal building. This action caused Reno/Tahoe Airport's parking structure to close. On Sept. 27, 40 percent of the parking spaces in the structure outside of the 300-foot rule became available to the public.

The FAA has agreed to waive the 300-foot rule at Reno/Tahoe provided that every vehicle entering the facility is inspected. In addition to their presence at security checkpoints, National Guard members will also patrol the airport terminal curbs.

Enclosed trucks, panel vans and oversized vehicles are restricted to the surface lot south of the parking facility. Parking rates remain the same.