Did you know that more than 40% of adults in the United States suffer from obesity? Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for this condition. Perhaps worse is that more and more adults and children are gaining weight across the country, choosing the convenience of fast and nutrition-deficient foods over healthy eating, exercise, and positive life choices. From an aesthetic standpoint, being overweight is a struggle - clothes don't fit right, people make uncomfortable comments about how you look, and everyday activities are less appealing.
From a health and wellness standpoint, however, being obese is much worse. Your life is literally on the line. The people who love you and depend on you to be in their lives could lose you sooner than you expect. With time, you have a higher chance of suffering from significant, life-changing issues such as:
While obesity is a serious problem, a new medication on the market is giving hope to millions of men and women across the U.S. This game-changing treatment is called Semaglutide in Lake Park, FL. This anti-obesity medication is unique because it treats obesity as a chronic metabolic disease, rather than a problem that can be solved through sheer willpower. The best part? Semaglutide and other medical weight-loss peptides are now available at Global Life Rejuvenation.
At Global Life Rejuvenation, we understand that losing weight is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our medical weight loss clinic offers custom medical weight loss plans tailored to your body, rather than plans based solely on your age or weight. In fact, our team of doctors and practitioners provides personalized guidance to help you achieve real results and live a healthier life.
Because the truth is maintaining good health and fitness are crucial in the modern world. Research has shown that viruses and diseases are more likely to affect those who are overweight and unhealthy. At Global Life Rejuvenation, we take a comprehensive, custom approach to medical weight loss that includes peptide therapy and more. We then work with you to make positive lifestyle changes, so you can lose weight, get healthy, and boost your wellbeing permanently - not for a few weeks or months.
If you're ready to get back to loving your life with more energy, confidence, and positivity, medical weight loss with peptide therapy may be for you. But to truly understand the benefits of peptides like Semaglutide, it's important you grasp what peptide therapy is and how it benefits your body.
Many individuals turn to peptide therapy to enhance their overall wellbeing by boosting hormones. Different types of peptides can target different areas of health, such as collagen peptides that can help improve skin, hair, and gut health.
Other peptides, such as AOD 9604, CJC 1295, and Semaglutide in Lake Park, FL, are incredibly beneficial for losing weight. Compared to vitamin supplements, peptide therapy works differently as peptides are already part of the proteins in our bodies, making them easier to absorb and benefit from. Conversely, our bodies can sometimes fail to absorb all the nutrients present in multivitamins, leading to their excretion through urine.
However, it's important to note that weight loss is a complex process that involves various factors like age, genetics, lifestyle, exercise, and diet. While peptides like Semaglutide can provide much-needed assistance in achieving your weight loss goals, they are most effective when combined with healthy dietary choices, regular exercise routines, and overall healthier lifestyle choices.
If you've already tried different weight loss plans and diets but haven't had any success, medical weight loss with peptide therapy may provide that extra boost you need to realize your goals.
If you're looking to lose weight and keep it off, diet and exercise are important, but it can be difficult to stick to a routine. For busy adults and parents, Semaglutide can be a helpful tool for weight loss. This injection, approved by the FDA for diabetes and obesity, works by stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and improve long-term health.
You may be wondering to yourself, "That sounds great, but how does this type of peptide work?" Semaglutide acts like glucagon in your body, which signals to your brain that you're full and don't need to eat anymore. When you take Semaglutide, and you try to overeat, your body waves a proverbial red flag as if to say, "That's enough."
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By reducing glucose spikes after meals, it reduces inflammation, which is important for overall health. Additionally, Semaglutide helps your pancreas secrete insulin, regulates the glucose levels in your body, and even has anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling to lose weight, peptide therapies for weight loss like Semaglutide can be an invaluable addition to your weight loss plan from Global Life Rejuvenation.
When combined with healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise, Semaglutide can help provide:
There are multiple medications available to combat obesity by suppressing appetite and promoting weight loss. However, Semaglutide stands out as an exceptional option.
A recent study of 2,000 obese adults examined the effects of Semaglutide when combined with a diet and exercise program. The results were compared to those who only made lifestyle changes without taking Semaglutide. After 68 weeks, it was found that half of the participants using Semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, with nearly a third losing 20%. In contrast, those who only made lifestyle changes lost an average of 2.4% of their weight.
It's obvious, then, that Semaglutide is a safe and effective supplement for your weight loss journey with Global Life Rejuvenation. But who is the ideal patient who should be taking it?
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or higher and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, or if your BMI is 30kg/m2 or higher, the FDA recommends Semaglutide for weight loss.
As medical weight loss experts, one thing our doctors and practitioners know at Global Life Rejuvenation is that true weight loss isn't dictated by medicines. It's achieved by sticking to a combo of exercise, healthy life choices, and healthy eating habits. From there, peptides like Semaglutide in Lake Park, FL are great for taking your weight loss efforts to the next level of success.
One area where many patients fail in this process is with their diet. If you're considering Semaglutide treatment, keep these diet tips in mind.
To enhance your dietary habits, a practical approach is to concentrate on consuming whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. These food items are rich in nutrients and can provide a feeling of fullness and satisfaction while also promoting your overall wellbeing.
Eating mindfully involves being fully present and engaged during meals. This entails taking the time to enjoy the flavor of your food, being aware of your body's hunger and fullness signals, and avoiding distractions like electronics or television.
To maintain good health and support weight loss, it's crucial to drink plenty of water. It's recommended to drink at least 8-10 cups of water daily. You may also try adding low-calorie drinks like herbal tea or infused water to keep things interesting.
Planning your meals in advance is an effective approach to maintaining a healthy diet. Set aside some time each week to plan your meals and snacks, keeping in mind to incorporate a balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will prevent impulsive food choices and guarantee that you have nutritious options available when hunger strikes.
Unlike many medical weight loss clinics, which only offer cookie-cutter weight loss plans and one or two additional fat-busting solutions, Global Life Rejuvenation provides access to new, innovative supplements and medicines. If you're used to fad diets and "quick" weight loss plans, peptides like AOD 9604 and others may be new to you. To help build your foundation of healthy living knowledge, let's take a look at a few of the most popular weight-loss peptides and medicines available at Global Life Rejuvenation.
Often combined with Semaglutide regimens, AOD 9604 is known to promote fat breakdown, inhibit lipogenesis, and support tendons and cartilage. However, most recently, it has gained popularity due to its ability to boost metabolism and aid in burning fat.
What sets AOD 9604 apart is that it stimulates the pituitary gland without affecting tissue growth or blood sugar levels. Additionally, it can burn fat without causing overeating, making it a viable option for obese men and women who are trying to implement better eating habits.
Interestingly, AOD 9604 activates your body's fat-burning processes without requiring an HGH receptor. It also releases obese fat cells and reduces the accumulation of new fat cells. By helping to regulate blood sugar and manage insulin levels, AOD 9604 is excellent for weight loss but also for other maladies like inflammation.
Some conditions that this powerful peptide can help address include the following:
This medical weight loss supplement Is technically a combo of two peptides. These substances work by stimulating your pituitary gland to produce more of your body's natural human growth hormone, which is secreted during both waking and sleeping periods.
This results in increased protein synthesis and levels of insulin-like growth factors. As hormone secretagogues, they help release hormones into circulation while mimicking the pituitary gland's production. Extensive research has been conducted on the effects of CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin. As a tool for medical weight loss, it has shown very promising results.
That's because when growth hormone levels increase, nutrients are transported through the body faster, more fat is burned, and weight management becomes simpler. Additionally, because CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin increase the amount of growth hormone in your body, it stimulates the breakdown of triglycerides in adipocytes, leading to improved fat metabolism and reduced abdominal fat.
Benefits of CJC 1295 and Ipamorelin for weight loss include:
A Methionine Inositol Choline (MIC) injection is a mixture of lipotropics that aid in fat breakdown. The key components - methionine, inositol, and choline - work together to metabolize fat cells and eliminate stored fat deposits in the liver and body. Methionine is an important amino acid, inositol contributes to proper cell formation, and choline is a water-soluble nutrient that promotes healthy liver function. When combined, these compounds may help reduce body fat.
When used in conjunction with a medical weight loss plan from Global Life Rejuvenation, MIC injections can be a powerful addition to reclaiming your health and wellbeing.
Request AppointmentLike other weight loss peptides and medicines on this page, Phentermine can help you lose weight when you stick to a medical weight loss plan that includes dieting, exercise, and smart life choices. It does so by reducing your appetite, which limits the number of calories you eat every day.
As is the case with Semaglutide, Phentermine has been approved by the FDA and is supported by clinical studies that show it can support weight loss. With time, patience, and healthy living, this supplement may help you reach your wellness goals sooner than you thought possible.
Request AppointmentIn the body, 7-keto-DHEA is produced from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is a hormone made by glands near your kidneys. However, unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into androgen and estrogen in your body. Instead, 7-keto-DHEA is used orally or topically to boost your body's metabolism. It also helps convert more of your energy into heat, instead of storing it in your body as fat, which can accumulate with time and lifestyle choices.
Much like Semaglutide treatment in Lake Park, FL, 7-keto-DHEA has been shown to be very effective for weight loss as well as a host of other issues. Additional benefits of taking 7-keto-DHEA may include the following:
Have you tried everything under the sun to try and eliminate the cellulite on your legs, arms, and other areas of your body? If you're like most people, getting rid of cellulite isn't just difficult - it's nearly impossible. Fortunately, those days are over. Lipo Sculpt Cream from Global Life Rejuvenation can help reduce the unsightly appearance of cellulite while also refining your figure and firming up your skin.
The active ingredients in this product have the ability to reduce and prevent the growth of fatty tissue while also improving microcirculation. They work together to treat both adipose and aqueous cellulite, and aid in the elimination of fatty deposits and excess water stored in the tissues. This results in a reduction of dimples and an overall improvement in the appearance of your skin.
If you have experienced success with a medical weight loss plan and reached your target weight but still suffer from cellulite, Lipo Sculpt Cream is a fantastic choice to consider. A few of the most common benefits include:
Are you craving a productive life at a healthy weight? Are you ready to make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones? The pathway to wellbeing starts by contacting our office for an in-depth consultation, where we'll learn more about your weight-loss goals and needs.
From there, we'll create a custom weight-loss plan tailored to your body. This plan will map out the steps of your weight-loss journey, including peptide therapies like Semaglutide in Lake Park, FL. Though every person's weight management goals are different, when you're a patient at Global Life Rejuvenation, you benefit from dedicated doctors and practitioners committed to improving your weight and, in turn, your health.
Whether your health is on the line, or you don't like how being overweight makes you look and feel, our team is ready to guide you toward long-term health and happiness. This way, you can get healthy, stay in shape, and fall in love with your newfound body.
Alberta’s alpine lakes are superior. It’s controversial, I know, but Colorado can’t be the best at everything. And it’s good to get out of the state sometimes, even if you’re staying within the Rocky Mountains.Don’t get me wrong; I’ve seen and admired many of Colorado’s lakes, but may I propose Banff National Park in Canada for your next alpine lake adventure?The trek to the northern section of th...
Alberta’s alpine lakes are superior. It’s controversial, I know, but Colorado can’t be the best at everything. And it’s good to get out of the state sometimes, even if you’re staying within the Rocky Mountains.
Don’t get me wrong; I’ve seen and admired many of Colorado’s lakes, but may I propose Banff National Park in Canada for your next alpine lake adventure?
The trek to the northern section of the Rockies is just a two-hour flight from Denver to Calgary International Airport, followed by a 90-minute drive into the park.
From the first sign, you’ll be blown away by the views. The mountains have rock faces at a scale you just don’t see in Colorado. And every lake is a different hue of vibrant blue or green.
Plus, who doesn’t love a hike-in-only teahouse? The area has a few of these historic cafes, which were the inspiration for this trip. There is truly nothing like drinking a piping cup of peach apricot white tea on a drizzly August day overlooking Lake Agnes. Add that to your bucket list!
I spent a week exploring with my friend in Banff and Lake Louise and we only saw a portion of this beautiful park. But I’ll share my highlights with you so you can plan to experience the wonder of the Canadian Rockies yourself.
(All prices are listed in USD.)
Passport: Duh.
Parks day passes:
Book in advance: We booked our August campsite reservation back in March when they opened up — it was a frenzied experience that avid Colorado campers will know all too well.
Getting around: I’d suggest renting a car for pure convenience. Although the buses are highly encouraged by the Parks Canada staff, they are not the most reliable and don’t drop off near most of the trailheads. If you do plan to use the bus, download the Token Transit app before your visit to make buying passes easier.
Calgary to Banff: I’d highly recommend the bus service Brewster Express if you’re looking for an easy way to get from Calgary International Airport into the park or vice versa. They are efficient and operate by reservation only. My round trip from Calgary to Banff, then Lake Louise to Calgary, cost around $200.
I flew with two packs, one 65L with all my “big” gear (tent, sleeping gear, hammock) and the second, a 40L pack that had my day-one essentials in it that would work as my carry-on and day pack.
What to know about flying with gear:
— Fuel canisters and bear spray aren’t allowed in planes so you have to purchase those after you land. We paid it forward on our way out of the park by passing leftovers over to other campers.
— Hiking poles must go into your checked bag as do any utility knives, according to TSA.
— My JetBoil stove went in my checked bag on the way there and came back in my carry-on; both were TSA-acceptable.
This is a beautiful and well-maintained campground with drinking water, food storage, bathrooms and showers (with hot water, even). The tent camping area is protected by an electric fence to keep bears and other animals away. The firewood is free. The only downside is that despite the name, there is no lake access to Lake Louise from the campsite.
This is a huge campsite right outside the town of Banff. It has its own Roam bus stop and is just a short walk from Two Jack Lake. There are no showers but there is drinking water, flushing toilets, sinks for dishwashing, bear boxes and free firewood.
If you’re leaving the campsite by bus, it’s free to use Roam Transit but you’ll have to pay on your way back.
C-Level Cirque
Get ready for an incline! This one is steep but the views are worth it. You’ll hike a part of Banff’s history when passing by old mining shafts along Cascade Mountain. Tip: When you come across the first mining building ruins, take the smaller trail offshoot behind the building for a view back toward Lake Minnewanka.
Plain of Six Glaciers — Big Beehive — Lake Agnes Tea House
If you only do one long hike, do this one. You seriously cannot beat it. You’ll see three alpine lakes (Lake Louise, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes), visit two historic, hike-in-only teahouses, and hike to the glacier that feeds Lake Louise. You’ll do a steep incline with switchbacks to start, and spot a waterfall before stopping at the Lake Agnes Tea House for a pick-me-up. Continue around Lake Agnes, where you’ll summit the Big Beehive, and then turn back around to hike downhill in the forest, where you’ll follow a river toward the glacier and second teahouse. Then, it’s downhill until you wind up on the backside of Lake Louise to finish off the loop. There are many ways to make this trail shorter but I’d highly recommend the full loop as well as stopping at the teahouses for a steaming cup of tea, a sandwich or a bowl of soup.
Sulphur Mountain Trail
You could take the eight-minute gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain or you could spend two glorious hours sweating your way up the switchback climb. Either way, the top will service gorgeous views, as do many of the lookouts along the trail. Got tired on the climb? You can take the gondola back down or test your knees’ endurance on the descent. The best part? The trailhead is also the parking lot for the Banff Upper Hot Springs (see below).
Sunrise bus ride to Moraine Lake
This is a must-do activity. Roll out of your sleeping bag at the crack of dawn to catch the 4 a.m. bus from Lake Louise Village up to Moraine Lake. Cars are no longer allowed up to the lake due to popularity so you have to book a shuttle anyway; might as well make it for sunrise! You’ll hike up to the rockpile in the dark and the sun will rise behind you and illuminate the lake and its vibrant aqua water. If you have clear skies, you’ll be able to see the nine peaks that surround the lake, too.
Pro tip: Bring along your camp stove (shoutout to JetBoil) so you can make coffee while you wait in the cold.
$128, morainelakebus.com
Via ferrata at Mount Norquay
If you want a break from the hiking, try tackling a via ferrata. It is a protected climbing route where you’re using steel cables, rungs and ladders to climb. No climbing skills are required and this activity is available to people over 12. The views are incredible. If you’re not already a climber, this may be your chance to hang off a rocky cliff without risking a fall. The views were spectacular and the guides are awesome.
$135-$275 depending on the route, banffnorquay.com
Banff Upper Hot Springs
A first-come, first-serve mineral hot spring that looks out over Banff. The single pool is hot and is a great option for muscle recovery if you have been hiking a lot like we were.
$12.17 for adults, $10.50 for kids and seniors, hotsprings.ca/banff
Banff Ave Brewing Co.
There are some things that just taste better after a long day on the trail. A giant bowl of french fries and a White Wit (5% ABV) from this local brewery really hit the spot for us.
110 Banff Ave., 2nd Floor Clock Tower Village Mall, banffavebrewingco.ca
A terrifying accident took place at an iconic southern water park, leaving a small child potentially seriously injured. Show allExplore MoreRelated: Disney Closes Monorail Service to All Guests...
A terrifying accident took place at an iconic southern water park, leaving a small child potentially seriously injured.
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Theme parks are the ideal place for families to sit back and relax. Unfortunately, one family experienced a horrific accident as they were spending the day at a popular Southern location.
As reported by News Channel 9, a terrifying accident occurred at Lake Winnepesaukah, a beloved and extremely popular Georgia amusement park, one that left a young child potentially with serious injuries. The state of Georgia is currently investigating the terrifying incident involving the five-year-old child.
The child allegedly fell off of a water slide at the Lake Winnepesaukah amusement park. Self-proclaimed as “The South’s Favorite Amusement Park,” this iconic Park is located in Catoosa County.
The accident took place on Tuesday evening, with several eyewitnesses revealing more details on the horrifying situation. One visitor claims that they saw the child “fly out” of a green and yellow water slide. The Catoosa County Fire Department was able to confirm that the child fell around 15-20 feet off the waterslide, though which specific one is still yet to be determined.
Related: Disney Shutting Down ‘Indiana Jones’ at Park Indefinitely
At this time, the condition of the small child is unknown, but authorities are working quickly on figuring out the details and assessing the situation. The child was taken to the hospital.
Another visitor claims to have heard lifeguards blow whistles shortly after the child was spotted. The visitor says that they watched employees carry the child away.
Lake Winnepesaukah “Lake Winnie” opened on June 1, 1925, and has become one of the most popular destinations in the South. Part water park par theme park, this iconic location features dozens of rides and attractions.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned here at Inside the Magic for more details as they become available.
Did you get a drone for Christmas? Are you taking up a new hobby in 2023?Here’s what you should know about flying a drone in the Poconos.Register your drone"All drones, both recreational- and commercial-use weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs, must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration,” ...
Did you get a drone for Christmas? Are you taking up a new hobby in 2023?
Here’s what you should know about flying a drone in the Poconos.
"All drones, both recreational- and commercial-use weighing between 0.55 lbs and 55 lbs, must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration,” the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says.
Go to faa.gov/uas/getting_started/register_drone for details. The fee is $5 and registration is good for three years.
Additionally, recreational pilots must take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof that they passed.
Rules for recreational and commercial users vary in some respects, but all pilots should keep their drones within eyesight and no higher than 400 feet. Don’t interfered with manned aircraft or with emergency response activities.
Check with PennDOT (bit.ly/3YeLqHb) and the FAA (faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers) for more.
The FAA recommends you use B4UFLY, an app made with the help of Aloft, a drone technology company. The free service is also available in a desktop version at b4ufly.aloft.ai.
Here are some highlights of where you can — and can’t — fly drones in the Poconos.
Taking a zoomed out view of northeastern Pennsylvania, you’ll notice that B4UFLY shows two major red zones along the borders with New York and New Jersey. These are the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Drone flights are prohibited at both National Park Service sites unless approved by the superintendent in writing.
“The Superintendent and other NPS authorities have decided on an interim basis that to maintain public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, implementation of management responsibilities, equitable allocation and use of facilities, and to avoid conflict among visitor use activities the use of unmanned aircraft will not be allowed within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The park has several active nesting sites of threatened wildlife and the use of these unmanned aircraft would affect wildlife, view sheds and create unreasonable and unauthorized noise levels within these areas,” the recreation area says in its rules and regulations.
The Upper Delaware policy includes similar language, and mentions nesting bald eagles as being “of special concern.”
There is a small gap between these two red zones; you might consider going to Matamoras to get drone views of the river.
For the most part, you can’t fly drones at state parks in Pennsylvania. However, six parks do have designated flying sites, including Beltzville, Lackawanna and Prompton.
“Drone and (unmanned aerial systems) operators need to contact the park office of the flying site that they plan to visit to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations,” the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says. “Please be advised that the entire park at each of these locations is not open to UAS or drone usage. Only the designated flying site within each park is open to UAS use.”
Drones are prohibited over this military installation.
“If you see something, say something - unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems have the ability to surveil, disrupt or potentially strike Army assets. It is everyone’s responsibility to report all sightings of unmanned aircraft systems,” the depot says on its Access Control page.
Drones flights are prohibited over prisons such as USP Canaan, which is near Waymart in Wayne County.
This 5,700-acre lake is clear for takeoff, according to B4UFLY.
| Updated: 2:33 p.m.As the first phase of the new $4.1 billion Salt Lake City International Airport prepares to open on Tuesday, passengers will start to see changes now on where they can make TRAX connections and where they should park if they want to find their cars when they return from trips.The Utah Transit Authority says it will cease direct TRAX Green Line service to the airport ...
| Updated: 2:33 p.m.
As the first phase of the new $4.1 billion Salt Lake City International Airport prepares to open on Tuesday, passengers will start to see changes now on where they can make TRAX connections and where they should park if they want to find their cars when they return from trips.
The Utah Transit Authority says it will cease direct TRAX Green Line service to the airport beginning Friday through Monday as a new temporary station is prepared there. People seeking to take TRAX to the airport will need to exit at the 1940 West Station and take a shuttle to terminals. A shuttle to that station from the airport will also be available at ground level at the terminals.
That shuttle service will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, 6:20 a.m. to 11:20 p.m. on Saturday and 6:20 a.m. to 8:52 p.m. on Sunday.
Beginning on Tuesday when the new airport facilities open, TRAX will use a new temporary airport station. Passengers then may take a shuttle from it to the new airport terminal.
UTA aims to finish a new permanent station next summer at the airport, which will be adjacent to the new terminal. The current, or old, terminals must first be demolished to make way for extension of TRAX rail lines to that new station. UTA has said the new station and extension will cost $18.6 million.
Meanwhile, airport officials are urging travelers who leave on trips now but who will return after the new airport opens next Tuesday to park in the economy lot rather than the current garage — which will be demolished after new facilities open.
The airport will not allow access to the current garage after Monday. Cars that are parked there on Tuesday morning will be moved to the new garage, and a parking attendant will be on-site to assist passengers in locating their vehicles.
As part of the first phase of the new airport, a new garage will open on Tuesday with twice as many stalls as the current facility.
Beginning on Tuesday, passengers being dropped off by car at the airport will access the terminal by a new roadway. An elevated road is available for passenger drop off, while passenger pickup is at ground level.
Overnight on Monday and Tuesday morning, current terminals and the parking garage will close and a new garage, terminal and a concourse for Delta Air Lines will open.
Some gates for all other airlines — with access from the new terminal via a pedestrian bridge — will continue in use until Oct. 27, when another new concourse will open for those airlines.
The airport has added a navigational map to the SLC International phone app to help passengers find their way. The airport encourages all passengers to allow extra time to find parking and access their gate, especially those flying out of original airport gates, because the walk from the new terminal to the original airport will take longer.
The first flight scheduled to leave the new airport on Tuesday is a 6 a.m. Delta flight to Atlanta. The first flight scheduled to arrive is a Delta flight from Idaho Falls at 7:20 a.m. Passengers departing and arriving will be greeted with a water spray salute and each will be given an airport coin to commemorate opening day, officials said.
Airport officials want to regulate Avail as a car rental business, but the peer-to-peer vehicle service warns blurring that line will “backfire across the country.”Just days before the busy Memorial Day travel weekend, the revamped Salt Lake City International Airport hit the brakes on the car-sharing service Avail.Launched in Utah in 2019, the company quickly became a disruptor of the car rental industry nationwide. Travelers flying out of...
Just days before the busy Memorial Day travel weekend, the revamped Salt Lake City International Airport hit the brakes on the car-sharing service Avail.
Launched in Utah in 2019, the company quickly became a disruptor of the car rental industry nationwide. Travelers flying out of the airport can park their car with Avail for free while they’re gone, and passengers flying into Utah can borrow the car for less than a traditional rental. The person loaning out the car either makes a few bucks on the side, or at least comes home to a sparkling clean vehicle and no parking fee.
Avail partners with a commercial airport parking and shuttle company to make everything work. But the Salt Lake City airport put an end to Avail’s business May 23, when it required that partner to stop working with third parties, including peer-to-peer services.
“We had to make a lot of cancellations,” said Avail CEO Mike Osborn. “A whole bunch of customers are scrambling at the last minute, and prices are just crazy right now.”
Demand for travel is surging as people get vaccinated and destinations ease restrictions.
That trend, coupled with a vehicle shortage from the pandemic, made Avail one of the few affordable choices for a temporary set of wheels. And with the car-sharing company now offline in Utah, its customers are not happy.
“I just got an email saying that they are canceling our reservation, and that we cannot park with them,” one customer wrote in a May 23 Yelp review. “I had to go find other parking, and pay for it. Avail is a scam company that will leave you hanging last minute.”
Osborn said it’s no coincidence the airport shut down his business ahead of a peak travel period. He suspects the powerful car rental industry lobbied against Avail.
“We know these companies really well; we know how aggressive they are,” Osborn said. “We’ve seen them in every market try to influence airport officials.”
The CEO added that the 14 other Avail-serviced airports — including Denver, Phoenix and Los Angeles — are more open to innovation.
Shane Andreasen, a director at the Salt Lake City airport, said his office has been trying since Avail’s beginnings to get it to sign a car rental operating agreement.
“They don’t view themselves as a rental car company, and they so far have refused to sign our agreement,” Andreasen said. “We have an obligation to treat similarly situated tenants the same. ... We can’t give one of them a competitive advantage over the other, and that’s really what they’re looking for.”
The airport currently has nine car rental companies on-site. Those companies competed in a bidding process and received 10-year contracts.
“With those terms comes a really high level of service and also a high expense,” Andreasen said. “They rent the facilities from us. They pay a significant amount of rent, so we’re always looking to preserve their revenue stream.”
The airport also allows six car rental companies to operate off-site, with a shuttle service, via permit.
“They pay 10% of gross revenues to access the airport,” Andreasen said. “And that’s industry standard across the country.”
Avail’s business model attempts to skirt car rental fee requirements, he added, creating an unfair business environment.
Osborn said the airport’s requirements instead place an unfair burden on his business. He already pays taxes to the city for cars that stay overnight at his partner parking lot, as well as a vehicle use fee every time a shuttle takes his customers to the airport.
Asking Avail to pay an additional 10% of its revenues to the airport, he argued, is like being taxed twice.
“That’s the crux of it here,” Osborn said. “... The model for rental cars did not contemplate also a parking element.”
He especially bristled at the notion of signing a permit labeling Avail as a car rental company instead of a car-sharing service.
“As soon as we blur that distinction, then that backfires across the country,” Osborn said. “Lawyers tell me it’s real important.”
The debate over car sharing isn’t limited to Utah. Earlier this spring, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled against Turo, a company with a similar model to Avail, after the operators of the Boston Logan International Airport alleged the company illegally avoided paying car rental fees.
Some airports are willing to explore pilot programs with car-sharing companies. Denver International is allowing Avail to operate, at least for now, on a daily $10 per parking stall fee plus 5% of the company’s local revenue, according to the Denverite news site.
The car-sharing clash harks to the “Wild West” days when ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Lyft began piling up cars in airport pickup lanes several years ago.
After ironing out some regulations and a fee structure, the peer-to-peer service was allowed to continue. Ride sharing now accounts for 70% of commercial trips to and from the Salt Lake City airport, and the facility has been heavily redesigned to accommodate Uber and Lyft.
Now, with car-sharing again transforming the way people get around, Salt Lake City airport officials and Avail operators are looking to the Utah Legislature to sort out the ensuing mess.
“Nothing’s sticking. I think a lot of airports are waiting for this to be handled legislatively,” Andreasen said. “... We’d like it resolved sooner rather than later.”
Rep. Robert Spendlove, R-Sandy, said he’s working on a bill for the next legislative session that would strike a compromise between car-sharing platforms, car rental companies and the airport regulating them.
“We’re trying to figure out how to level the playing field, to keep everyone on the same page,” Spendlove said. “It’s not an easy thing to do, but I’m committed to find a solution.”