San Antonio isn’t just another city with a military base, it’s Military City U.S.A., a place where service, sacrifice, and community pride run deep. Every day, thousands of veterans, active-duty members, and military families travel through San Antonio International Airport (SAT), whether heading to new assignments, visiting loved ones, or returning home from service abroad.

For years, SAT has shown its appreciation by offering free parking to veterans and disabled veterans, making it one of the few major airports in Texas with that level of benefit. It was a small but powerful way for the city to say “thank you” to those who’ve served.

However, starting November 1, 2025, the airport’s long-standing policy is being updated. The change is part of a larger modernization initiative that includes:

• A new license-plate recognition system for automated entry and exit

• Expanded parking options to support terminal growth

• Updated eligibility rules for veteran and disabled-veteran parking privileges

While this means not all veterans will continue to receive free parking, SAT still honors the military community with meaningful discounts and smoother technology. The new structure ensures that Purple Heart recipients and former Prisoners of War (POWs) retain full free parking, while other service-connected veterans benefit from discounted rates and free surface-lot access.

Whether you’re flying out for a family trip, medical appointment, or PCS orders, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new disabled veteran parking rules at San Antonio International Airport, and how to make sure you still get the benefits you’ve earned.

If you’re a disabled veteran flying out of San Antonio International Airport after November 1, 2025, you’ll still receive parking benefits, but not all veterans qualify for free parking anymore.

• Purple Heart recipients and POWs: Free parking in all lots (up to 30 days).

• Other disabled veterans (DV plates): Free surface-lot parking + discounts in garages (50% off long-term, 25% off short-term).

• Must use veteran validation exit lane for verification.

• Avoid prepaid reservations,  they can cancel your discount.
  
  

🎖 Who Still Gets Full Free Parking

Beginning November 2025, only the following veterans retain full complimentary parking at SAT:

✅ Purple Heart recipients
✅ Former Prisoners of War (POWs)

They can park in any lot or garage for up to 30 days per visit at no charge.

These honors reflect the highest recognition for sacrifice and service, and San Antonio continues to support those who have given so much.

🚗 Updated Rules for Disabled Veteran Plates (DV)

Veterans with Disabled Veteran license plates or other service-related designations will no longer receive completely free parking in every airport lot.
Instead, SAT will provide a tiered discount system:

• Free in the surface lot (includes terminal shuttle)

• 50% off long-term garage rates

• 25% off short-term garage rates

The airport’s new license plate recognition system automates entry and exit. But if your plate isn’t pre-registered or validated at exit, you may be charged automatically.

🧾 How to Avoid Billing Errors

Follow these steps to ensure you get your discount:

1. Pre-register your license plate at FlySATParking.com.

2. Enter and exit through veteran validation lanes so staff can confirm your eligibility.

3. Avoid prepaid reservations, the online system doesn’t apply veteran discounts.

4. Bring supporting documents (plate, ID, or DD-214 if required).

5. Check your receipt before leaving. If you’re charged incorrectly, contact Metropolis/SP Plus, SAT’s parking operator, for a refund.

📅 Policy Highlights (at a Glance)

🏗 Why San Antonio Airport Changed the Policy

According to city officials, the airport’s modernization project includes:

• Upgrading to digital license plate readers

• Streamlining parking management

• Preparing for terminal expansion

The updated policy is also consistent with other Texas airports that have transitioned to digital verification. The goal is to make the system more efficient and fair, while still recognizing the city’s deep respect for veterans.

💡 Travel Tips for Veterans Using SAT

• Arrive early if using the surface lot shuttle.

• Keep plates clean and visible for the camera system.

• Validate at the exit booth, not the kiosk.

• If traveling for medical or VA-related purposes, ask about additional waivers.
  

• For longer trips (30+ days), call the parking office to confirm your stay eligibility.

✈ Official Resources

• 🖱 FlySATParking.com – Disabled Veteran Parking Info

• 🧾 SAT Parking Validation Form (PDF)

• 📰 San Antonio Express-News: Veteran Parking Policy Update

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Disabled Veteran Parking at San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

1. Do disabled veterans still get free parking at SAT?

Starting November 1, 2025, only Purple Heart recipients and former Prisoners of War (POWs) will continue to receive free parking in all airport lots and garages for up to 30 days per visit.

Other veterans with Disabled Veteran (DV) or service-related plates will still receive benefits, including free surface-lot parking and discounted garage rates, 50% off long-term and 25% off short-term parking.

2. Why is San Antonio Airport changing its veteran parking policy?

The changes are part of SAT’s modernization and technology upgrade project, which includes a license-plate recognition system and new infrastructure for terminal expansion.
These updates help streamline parking, ensure fairness, and reduce system misuse, while continuing to provide special benefits to those who served.

3. How do veterans qualify for free or discounted parking?

Veterans must have one of the following license plates:

• Purple Heart

• POW

• Disabled Veteran (DV)

To qualify, make sure your plate is registered in the airport’s system and use the Veteran Validation Exit Lane when leaving SAT. This is where staff confirm eligibility and apply discounts.

4. Can veterans make parking reservations online?

No, do not prepay or reserve parking online if you plan to use veteran or disabled veteran benefits.
Prepaid systems process payment before discounts apply, and refunds are not guaranteed. Always drive in, park, and validate in person for your benefits to apply.

5. How long can veterans park for free?

Eligible veterans (Purple Heart and POW) can park for free for up to 30 consecutive days per visit.
Disabled Veterans using the free surface-lot option also get up to 30 days of complimentary parking. After 30 days, standard rates will apply.

6. What documents do I need to prove eligibility?

In most cases, your veteran license plate is enough because the camera system automatically reads it.
However, it’s always smart to keep one of the following with you:

• Veteran ID card or VA-issued card

• Driver’s license with veteran designation

• DD-214 or official service documentation

7. What should I do if I’m charged incorrectly?

If you’re billed by mistake, keep your receipt and contact Metropolis/SP Plus, SAT’s parking operator.
You can also reach out to the airport’s parking office through FlySanAntonio.com. Refunds are typically processed once proof of eligibility is verified.

8. Is the parking system fully automated now?

Yes. SAT uses a license-plate recognition system instead of paper tickets. It scans your plate upon entry and exit.
This system makes parking faster but requires veterans to pre-register their plate or validate at exit to ensure the benefits apply.

9. Does this policy apply to all Texas airports?

No. Each Texas airport sets its own rules:

• San Antonio (SAT): Free for Purple Heart & POW, discounts for DV plates

• Austin-Bergstrom (AUS): Free economy parking for disabled veterans

• Houston (IAH & HOU): Varies by lot and availability

San Antonio remains one of the most veteran-friendly airports in Texas, even with the updated structure.

10. Where can I find official updates or register my vehicle?

Visit the official pages below for the latest policy and online registration:

• FlySATParking.com – Disabled Veteran Parking Info

• SAT Parking Validation Form (PDF)

• City of San Antonio Airport News

San Antonio has always been a city that respects service, and these new parking changes at San Antonio International Airport are part of a broader effort to modernize, not minimize,  veteran benefits. While the system is evolving, Military City U.S.A. continues to honor those who served through special access, discounts, and programs that reflect deep community appreciation.

If you’re a veteran or military family traveling through SAT, take a few minutes to register your vehicle, keep your documentation handy, and use the validation lane so you can still enjoy the parking benefits you’ve earned.

And if you’re planning your next move,  whether it’s buying, selling, or relocating to San Antonio,  I’d be honored to help you transition home with the same integrity, loyalty, and precision we lived by in uniform.

Christopher Beal, Realtor®
Veteran Real Estate San Antonio: The Beal Group
📍 Serving San Antonio, Helotes, Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Mico & surrounding areas
📞 (210) 882-8583
🌐 www.veteranrealestatesa.com
📧 gobealgroup@gmail.com