Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is rolling out a ticketless parking system just in time for the busy holiday travel season. The new system, operated by Metropolis, uses license‑plate recognition to eliminate paper tickets, allowing drivers to park, travel, and exit the garage with a simple text‑message receipt.
How the system works
When a vehicle enters the garage, cameras capture the license plate and automatically open the gate. If the driver has a Metropolis account, a welcome text is sent confirming the lot and displaying the rate. After the flight, the driver returns to the exit lane, where the gate lifts instantly and a digital receipt is delivered via text. For those without an account, a cash‑service lane remains available, and QR‑code, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or saved credit‑card options are offered for quick payment.
Integration with existing Metropolis locations
The airport’s system mirrors the technology already in use at several Metropolis‑run garages around Louisville, including sites near Jewish Hospital and the University of Louisville Health campus. “Once you have that account, it is truly checkout‑free commerce anywhere you see a Metropolis sign,” said Ed Krafcik, vice president of aviation for Metropolis.
Airport expansion context
The parking upgrade arrives amid the $1 billion SDF Next expansion, which is adding a larger TSA screening area, a new international concourse, and updates to Concourses A and B. Airport spokesperson Natalie Chaudoin noted that passenger traffic has risen 40 % since 2018 and the airport now serves nonstop flights to more than 40 destinations. “All really good things happening here at SDF just to give people more options to where they want to go,” Chaudoin said.
Benefits for travelers and families
By removing the need for paper tickets, the system reduces wait times and simplifies the parking experience for families juggling holiday luggage and children. The transparent rate display and mobile receipt also help travelers keep track of expenses, aligning with the airport’s goal of making the journey “as seamless and nice as possible.”
Options for those who prefer cash
Recognizing that not everyone wants to create an account, the airport continues to offer a full‑service lane staffed by an attendant. Drivers can pay cash, receive a handicap discount if applicable, or scan a QR code to settle the fee in under 30 seconds.
How to get started
Travelers can set up a Metropolis account by scanning the QR code posted throughout the airport or by registering online before their trip. All that is required is a license‑plate number, a payment method, and a phone number.
The ticketless parking rollout reflects SDF’s broader commitment to modernizing infrastructure and improving the traveler experience, a priority that aligns with the airport’s ongoing expansion and the region’s growing demand for efficient, family‑friendly transportation options.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
