Back in July, we let you know about a major change for passengers at the Rockford Airport, now we know when those changes will occur.

The Chicago Rockford airport has always been the darling of airports for me because of the fact that it is close to home and for the fact the airport was one of just a handful, that did not charge for parking. Well, that is all going to change.

It was announced previously that the Chicago Rockford Airport would begin charging for parking in fall of 2017, but up until now, we didn't know when. I drove by the airport today and didn't see any pay parking indicators whatsoever, so I was hoping it wasn't going to happen after all.

On Tuesday, I placed a phone call to the airport to find out what was going on. According to Chicago Rockford Airport administrative assistant Dee Skinner, flyers will have at least another month to enjoy free parking, but come  mid-to-late October, the paid parking gates will be going up.

Show how much will it cost to park?

  • 0 - 2 Hours: FREE
  • Each Additional hour: $1 per hour
  • Per Day: $7.00
  • Max per Week: $35.00

Part of the me money will go to pay for parking staff. WIFR-TV reports tha:

Airport officials say having a parking staff on site 24 hours a day will add an extra layer of security as well as free assistance services like jump starts and tire inflation.

Still a bargain compared to the parking rates available at Chicago's Midway and O'Hare airports, that will set you back a minimum of $15.00/ day for economy parking.

Yep, the days of Rockford's free ride (or park) is almost over. It was nice while it lasted.

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