Parking your car at the airport can be stressful, especially if you are doing it for the first time. From figuring out what the various options mean (long term or short term? covered or uncovered? ) to finding the best parking spot for your car, there is a whole lot of stuff to do. While most of the parking lots do, in fact, offer the same basic service when it comes to parking, there are many other factors that make one parking lot different from another one. In addition to choosing a parking service provider, you also need to choose the type of parking that will save you the most money. You’ll also need to consider whether your car will be safe in the parking lot while you are away.
Quite a bit to handle along with the stress of traveling, right? We know no one wants that, and if you are also in the same boat or rather flight (pun totally intended!), here’s how to choose the best airport parking spot and make your travel worry-free.
Airport Parking Options
There are different parking options to choose from when it comes to airport parking. If you are looking for a good deal, you need to make sure that the car parking you choose offers you everything you need. Here are the different parking services that are offered at airports so that you can choose the one that suits your needs the best.
Onsite airport parking
As the name suggests, it is the parking that is available on airport premises. It is usually located just a short walk away from the terminal and offers an easy, convenient, and quick parking option. It is ideal for passengers who are going on business tours or are short on time.
Meet and greet parking
This type of parking involves being greeted by a driver at the terminal who will then park your car for you. This is the most convenient form of airport parking where you don’t have to waste time looking for a space to park your car. You also don’t have to worry about getting onto a transfer bus to reach your terminal. This parking option is ideal for families, business travelers, and nervous drivers.
Park and ride
Another common type of parking option available at the airports is when you park at the airport grounds and then ride a shuttle to take you to your terminal. This is a low-cost option but can take a little more of your time. It works best for people who want a simple experience, are bargain hunters, or just nervous drivers.
2. Take advantage of the best deals
The prices offered by airport parking lots vary from time to time. They are high during peak travel months. The earlier you book your spot, the better prices you can get. The prices of airport parking work on the simple supply and demand principle. The prices will be low if parking spaces are empty, and they begin soaring when the parking lots fill up. If you are looking for the best airport parking deals, then it is best to book in advance. However, make sure that your booking is flexible and refundable in case your plan changes for any reason.
3. Choose a reliable airport parking provider
You are literally leaving your vehicle in the hands of strangers when you park it at the airport. You need to make sure that the parking provider and the parking lot are safe and reliable. Choose a car park that has taken measures to control any criminal or anti-social activities. Talk to the service providers and discuss with them in detail any apprehensions you have. Only choose the ones that you feel are reliable and trustworthy. This will help you escape any costly and unpleasant surprises when you come back from your trip.
4. Short, medium, or long stay parking – Which to choose?
The next question, and one of the most important ones, are choosing between short, medium, or long-term airport parking.
Short and medium stay parking involves your car parked in a car park located within the airport premises. The car park is within walking distance from the airport. This makes it easy to park your car and walk to the terminal building.
Long stay parking lots, on the other hand, are located at some distance from the airport. They may or may not be located within the premises of the airport. Passengers are transferred to the terminal by bus from the long stay parking lots.
Short-term parking and medium-stay parking are much more convenient and hence, cost more. Long stay parking, on the other hand, is the cheapest option. However, there is a common misconception that long-stay parking is only for long trips. In fact, you can book a place in a long-stay parking lot even if you are going on just a 1 or 2-day trip. You will just have to walk a little more in this case, but it will be the cheapest option of them all.
5. Book your airport parking spot online
It is best to book your parking spot online, ahead of your travel to avoid any kind of last-minute hassle. This becomes especially important when you are traveling during peak times. Since everything takes a little longer during the rush hours, it is best to reserve your parking spot beforehand so that you can ease off some stress if you are already running late.
6. Look for covered spots
If you are traveling in extreme weather conditions and need to park your car at the airport, it is best to look for covered parking spots. This will save your car from weather extremities and also save you the hassle of cleaning the car when you get back from your trip.
Choosing the best airport parking will not be stressful if you follow the tips mentioned above. Choose the airport parking that not only suits your budget but also keeps your car safe and sound.
Here are some of the best options for airport parking :
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RenĂ©e Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on smart car ownership and road travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make car ownership, driving, and trip planning easier for everyday travelers.
