ABQ cell phone lot: where to wait for arriving passengers
Picking someone up at Albuquerque International Sunport? Wait at The Holding Pattern until they call, then drive to the arrivals curb. Here is where it is, the rules, and what it costs to park and meet them inside instead.
Checked October 14, 2026
Where is the ABQ cell phone lot?
2325 Sunport Loop SE, directly north of the main terminal and next to the Sheraton hotel.
Find The Holding Pattern on Google Maps
Rules
Free. Drivers must stay with their vehicle at all times. No commercial vehicles or trailers. No height restriction.
What's there
Two 15 ft × 25 ft flight information boards; 72 spaces plus 4 ADA spaces; two indoor accessible restrooms; benches and tables; 24-hour video surveillance; two Level 3 DC fast EV chargers at 30 cents per kWh.
Waiting at the curb and other options
- Besides the cell phone lot, the free Aircraft Observation Area can also be used to wait for arriving passengers. It is on Spirit Drive, south of the terminal and just east of University.
Meeting them inside instead
To walk in and meet your passengers in the terminal, you pay for short-term parking. The lowest posted price at a lot within walking distance:
| Time parked | Cost | Lot |
|---|---|---|
| 30 min | $3 | Parking Garage |
| 1 hour | $5 | Parking Garage |
| 2 hours | $6 | Parking Garage |
How these lots work at other airports: Airport cell phone lots explained.
Sources
From the airport's own pages. If something has changed, tell us and we'll recheck.
- Waiting/Viewing Areas — City of Albuquerque Aviation Department (Albuquerque International Sunport). Checked October 14, 2026.
- Sunport Unveils New Cell Phone Waiting Lot, The Holding Pattern, as Part of Ongoing Modernization | ABQ Sunport — City of Albuquerque Aviation Department (Albuquerque International Sunport). Checked October 14, 2026.
- ABQ Installs EV Fast Chargers During Infrastructure Week | ABQ Sunport — City of Albuquerque Aviation Department (Albuquerque International Sunport). Checked October 14, 2026.
- Parking Lots / Rates — City of Albuquerque Aviation Department (Albuquerque International Sunport). Checked October 14, 2026.