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Decide whether you need to go inside
If you want to meet a traveler in the terminal or help them bring out luggage, use a parking space and allow time to walk inside. If they can come to the curb independently, agree that they will contact you after collecting every bag and confirming their exit door.
A meeting plan should include the terminal, door and what to do if a phone is unavailable. Avoid arranging pickup solely around the scheduled landing time: reaching the meeting point can take longer than expected.
Use the correct terminal parking option
ANC lists short-term parking at both terminals, with a 15-day maximum in each. Its published parking information gives the first 30 minutes free. Check the airport's current rates and conditions before relying on a particular charge.
Choose the terminal your traveler actually uses, rather than the name that looks most familiar. Keep the parking ticket and note your space or level before entering the building. If the visit becomes longer than planned, refer to the posted tariff; our parking rates guide provides a comparison.
After the free period, both short-term facilities list $3 for 31 minutes to one hour. The daily maximum is $16 in the South Terminal garage and $13 in the North Terminal lot. See the full ANC hourly parking table for longer visits.
Wait in the free cell phone area
The airport provides a free cell phone waiting area at the DOT&PF Central Region Headquarters parking lot. From West International Airport Road, follow the Aviation Avenue exit and signs. Drivers must remain with their vehicles. See the official cell phone lot directions.
Use this area while waiting for your passenger's ready-to-collect message. It is not a substitute for parking while you leave on a flight or enter the terminal. Confirm the meeting door before pulling out, then follow the airport's signed route to arrivals.
Keep the curbside meeting straightforward
ANC asks drivers to collect passengers once they have their luggage and have identified their door. Parking along International Airport Road is prohibited; consult the airport's pickup guidance.
Have bags ready to load and agree who will help with children or mobility equipment. If someone needs additional assistance, parking and meeting them inside may make the process easier. For airline wheelchair service, arrange help with the airline in advance rather than expecting the driver to organize it at the curb.
Plan the approach and the next journey
Check the flight status before setting out, then use our directions guide and airport map to choose a meeting plan. Allow flexibility for baggage collection, traffic and conditions on the day.
If you are flying instead of collecting someone, compare parking for the full time your vehicle will be away. A short visit and a multi-day stay need different cost comparisons. Search parking reservations for your Anchorage departure, or read the long-term parking guide.