Airport Greed.
Brisbane Airport Corporation is a very greedy company. You only have to look at the millions of dollars profit it is raking in from every direction, watch it sell off airport land to the highest bidder, and go there to pickup a loved one to feel the sting of the BAC profit machine.
While I have no problem paying to park in the car park when I am taking people to the airport, I have a problem paying to pick them up.
When they are flying out, I like to go into the airport and see them off at the gate; I like to enjoy an overpriced coffee and slice of cake with them while we wait for the boarding call. I don’t mind helping the BAC make money while this happens.
But when I am there to pickup someone who is flying in, I just want them to phone me when they have their bags, and drive round to the pickup point, have them jump in, and we go.
I don’t think I’m alone in this feeling, but the BAC wants to sting us all for some parking dollars.
They could do something to meet us halfway though. How about creating a small area, about the size of the Kingsford Smith Memorial site. Setup two or three rows of angled car spaces, such that a car can pull in from one side and pull straight out the other; Set this up for people like me who want to sit in our cars for 10 minutes until our passengers are ready.
Now, why not charge $1 for the privilege? Have a cash only machine on the boomgate that lifts it to let you in for a buck. I’d be happy with that.