Does the thought of driving to the airport make you nervous? Could it be because you always find yourself going around in circles? And that’s before you’ve even entered the building!
Outdoor or parking lot signs are a major contributor to how well an airport operates, and how happy people are to use it. After all, vacationers and business travelers have to get into the airport before they can find their way to their airline and gate. There are many signs to consider for an airport, and signage starts the moment cars come off the highway.
It is imperative that airports show people where they are going, and what’s coming next. Outdoor signs can be for anything from parking lots to outdoor garages. Knowing how to enter and exit safely is your number one concern for the public.
At the airport, people can quickly become overwhelmed as there are signs and adverts all over the place. Hanging signs for parking lots or other outdoor spaces should be color-coded, easily legible, and large enough to read from a distance. Effective signage in complex environments is a science and requires expert knowledge.
As people are coming into the airport, they will need to know several things, including:
- where to park
- how long a parked car can stay
- what areas are closed for renovation
- where parking is available for the disabled
- where to exit and enter
- where to watch out for pedestrians,
- and where to find particular businesses, such as car rentals.
All of this information can be provided to airport visitors right in the parking lot.
If they are using a parking garage, height requirements will also need to be visible on hanging signs, so travelers can easily tell if their vehicle will pass. Digital signage and LED displays work well on hanging outdoor signs. They are ideal for messages that must be seen at all times of day and in all weather conditions.
Wayfinding signs are among the first types of signs people will see. Hanging signs in parking lots or garages are too often poorly executed, causing confusion because they’re difficult to read, or worse, inaccurate. Customer satisfaction is always a priority, and at airports the stakes are high. No one wants to miss a flight or keep a loved-one waiting.
It all comes down to designing your signs with consistent cues. Everything from the sign itself to lighting, color, and position help people navigate through the airport. Some airports are very good at this. We would like to count your airport among them.
Don’t be the airport that disappoints and frustrates people. Excellent outdoor hanging signage is key to seeing more visitors come through your doors every year.