Portland International Jetport has begun enforcing parking regulations more strictly in recent weeks, particularly in the Pick Up Lot near the baggage claim area, where some vehicles have been left unattended for hours, even days, an airport official said.

The 20-space lot at the far end of the arrivals area is reserved for drivers picking up people who are expected to emerge from baggage claim within minutes.

“It’s basically an extension of the curb in front of the passenger terminal,” said Zachary Sundquist, assistant airport director. “Vehicles must be attended at all times. If you need to park for a longer period, the first hour in the parking garage is free.”

Because the Pick Up Lot is so close to the terminal, unattended vehicles are strictly prohibited under federal law, Sundquist said. The jetport started monitoring parking in that lot more closely about a month ago.

“We were having a problem with people leaving their cars unattended for extended periods,” he said.

Some left their vehicles because they had to go to the bathroom, Sundquist said. Others parked their vehicles and got on a plane, intending to use the Pick Up Lot as free long-term parking. Those vehicles were towed.

Short-term free parking also is available in the so-called cellphone lot, which is farther from the terminal and meant for people waiting for planes to land and unload. However, vehicles in that 102-space lot also must be attended at all times.

Parking management at the jetport has grown more challenging as flights out of Maine’s largest airport have increased in recent years. A record 2.4 million travelers passed through the jetport in 2024, up from 1.7 million in 2015.

It’s even tougher during school vacation weeks and holiday weekends, including this one — Monday is Indigenous Peoples Day. The following warning is posted on the jetport’s website:

“Due to high volume around Indigenous Peoples Day, many of our parking lots fill up quickly. We highly recommend passengers that can be dropped off or use rideshare apps/taxis do so.”

Customers arriving through Tuesday should expect to be diverted to overflow lots, the notice states. The Pink Lot near Exit 46 of the Maine Turnpike, which has regular shuttle service, is recommended for those arriving between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“We recommend adding an extra 30 minutes to your travel times to accommodate remote parking and shuttle service,” the notice states.

Jetport officials plan to reconfigure and expand existing surface parking at the airport, which they say would add 265 long-term spaces. However, neighbors are fighting the proposal in court, arguing that expanding the parking garage would have fewer environmental impacts.

Passengers can check parking availability and prices on the parking page of the jetport’s website.