New business makes airport parking fast and convenient

Need a ride to the airport? Local entrepreneur Rich Jacobs has that ride for you and a place to park, too, with his new business, Las Vegas Park and Fly.

Jacobs bought the Park and Fly lot just south of Tropicana Boulevard at 4490 S. Paradise Road thinking it would be a great place to rent cars to tourists. Soon after he decided a better opportunity could be had in long-term parking. So Jacobs sold off his rental fleet and put shade coverings in the secure parking lot.

On May 27, he opened what he said is the area's first private covered valet parking lot within seconds of the airport.

As patrons drop their cars off on the way to the airport, one attendant parks the vehicle while a second employee immediately shuttles the customer to the airport.

"You don't have to wait, we'll park for you while you get to the airport," Jacobs said.

Travelers and their luggage are dropped off at the departure gates. Jacobs said the trip takes about 60 seconds. He said the best part is there is no need to circle the airport parking lot searching for a space and travelers don't need to lug their luggage through traffic.

Once the travelers return, they use one of four courtesy telephones at the airport to call the Park and Fly staff for a pick up. Jacobs said pick ups are also swift since his shuttle is authorized to pick up in the same uncrowded area limousines and shuttle buses use.

"Usually it only takes us about 90 seconds to pick you up," he said.

While car owners are away on business or vacation, their cars are watched over by a 24-hour staff with the assistance of a 16-camera surveillance system. Since the lot has less than 90 covered spaces, Jacobs said no car will be ignored.

Patrons also can choose to have their car washed, waxed, vacuumed or even filled with gas while they are away.

Jacobs said even though he has just opened, the lot is already filling up with customers. He said other than a rental car agency up the road, there aren't many companies in town that offer off-the-airport parking.

"There's no one here doing this the way we are," he said. "I'm really proud of what we've done here. I know it's going to take off."

Jacobs said he's surprised to be among such a small group of parking entrepreneurs, especially when neighboring markets in California, Arizona and Utah are covered in miles of park and fly lots.

"I know we're going to be meeting a demand," he said.

The long-term parking rate at the Las Vegas Park and Fly is $8 a day. Lower rates are available for hourly use.


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