Car pampering at JWA may get pricier

When arriving at John Wayne Airport to jet off to distant destinations in the next year, you can still have staff park your car and wash it too, but the service might end up costing more.

County supervisors are considering whether to continue the airport’s current contract with Parking Concepts Inc. or end the relationship in favor of working with LAZ Parking, which boasts a resume that includes managing parking operations in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego.

The contract would last for three years, with an option for renewal for an additional two years, according to a staff report.

Parking Concepts has managed valet, self-parking and remote parking lots at John Wayne Airport since 2001.

The board discussed the issue during its Tuesday meeting but failed to make a decision. The staff report recommends that the board vote to approve the contract with LAZ Parking.

LAZ indicated that it would not increase the cost of valet parking this year. However, if awarded the contract, the company plans to contract with Ultimate Detailing, which would raise car wash rates by $5 to $27 over the current cost.

Parking Concepts isn’t recommending an increase in current valet parking rates and plans to increase the cost of basic car washes by $1.

Car washes make up a small portion of the airport’s revenue; roughly one out of 25 people who park at the airport has a car washed, said airport Director Alan Murphy.

“We have two firms that are both highly qualified,” he said.

Supervisors will discuss the issue again Sept. 9.