The loss of 3,000 parking spots at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport has travelers scrambling for options

ATLANTA — It’s not too early to consider reserving a parking spot at or near Hartsfield Jackson International Airport if you plan to travel by air this holiday season.

Air travelers were caught a bit off guard by the closing of the South Economy Lot at the world’s busiest airport. Gone are 3,000 spots near the south terminal while crews construct a new parking deck that won’t be open until 2026. The loss sent travelers scrambling for parking options.

But there is always the option of reserving a spot ahead of time.

Peachy Airport Parking on Sylvan Road near Hartsfield-Jackson is hustling to expand its parking capacity ahead of the busy holiday travel season. Crews are paving and building covers for hundreds of new spaces. The owner said he hopes to have 500 additional spaces for Thanksgiving and another 1,000 covered spaces for the Christmas travel season.

Passengers like Zena Martin say it’s getting harder to claim a spot.

“You just have to remember to pre-book well in advance,” said Martin. “If it’s just a last-minute trip you may not be able to get in here.”

Travelers can reserve spots at any off-sight parking lots near the airport and shuttle to the terminal.

Alex Chaves, owner of Peachy Parking, said travelers are already making reservations for holiday trips.

“The benefit of making a reservation a month out is you get cheaper parking prices,” said Chaves. “People are trying to be more proactive in trying to save a buck.”

Some third-party websites allow you to reserve parking at hotels near the airport without booking a room. It’s possible to find a spot for around $10 a day but you might want to make a phone call before booking. One site lists DoubleTree as a place where you can book airport parking without paying for a room, but we called and the hotel tells us its airport parking is for “guests only.”

You can reserve parking at three lots run by the airport--- the Atlanta Park Select lot is a 5-minute bus ride from the terminal, the International Park and Ride, and the West deck is a 5-minute skytrain ride from the terminal.

We priced a 5-day reservation from the day before Thanksgiving to the Sunday after. The best deal is $55 for an uncovered Atlanta Park Select lot spot.

That’s if you book right now.