Airport parking can be a stressful and expensive experience for travelers. However, with a little knowledge and planning, savvy travelers can save money and avoid the hassle of hefty parking fees.
Airport Parking Costs
Let’s start with the basics. The cost of airport parking varies widely depending on the location and duration of your stay.
To give you an idea, here are the average daily and weekly rates for some of the largest airports in the United States:
– Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: $14/day, $96/week
– Chicago O’Hare International Airport: $40/day, $280/week
– Los Angeles International Airport: $12/day, $96/week
– New York John F. Kennedy International Airport: $18-33/day, $126-231/week
– San Francisco International Airport: $18-40/day, $126-280/week
It’s important to note that these are just averages and the actual cost of parking can vary greatly.
Some factors that can influence parking prices include the proximity of the parking lot to the airport terminal, the availability of covered parking, and the demand for parking during peak travel times.
Varying Prices among Different Airports
In addition to the differences in parking prices at different airports, there can also be significant variation in prices among parking lots at the same airport. For example, at the Los Angeles International Airport, parking rates for the “Terminal 1 Lot” ($16/day) are significantly higher than rates for the “Economy Lot E” ($12/day).
To avoid paying more than necessary for airport parking, it pays to do your research in advance. Check the airport’s official website for information on parking rates and locations, and consider calling or emailing the airport for up-to-date information.
Ways to Get Better Rates and Avoid Hefty Fees
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of airport parking costs, let’s move on to some strategies for saving money and avoiding hefty fees.
Off-Airport Parking
One option that many travelers overlook is off-airport parking. Many hotels and parking facilities near airports offer “Park and Fly” packages, which typically include a one-night hotel stay and shuttle service to and from the airport.
Depending on the location, these packages can be significantly cheaper than on-site airport parking. To find off-airport parking options in your area, try a quick web search for “off-airport parking [your airport name]” or visit airportparks.com, which lists off-airport parking options for airports around the world.
Park, Sleep, and Fly Packages
If you have an early flight or are returning late at night, it may be worth considering a “Park, Sleep, and Fly” package. This type of package includes a one-night hotel stay and up to two weeks of parking at the hotel.
In some cases, the hotel may even provide shuttle service to and from the airport. Park, Sleep, and Fly packages can be a good way to save money on airport parking and avoid the stress of rushing to the airport the morning of your flight or driving home late at night after a long day of travel.
Airport Loyalty Programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, joining an airport loyalty program can be a great way to save money on parking and other airport-related expenses. Many airports offer loyalty programs that allow members to earn points or cash back on parking, airport dining, and other airport-related expenses.
For example, members of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s “On-Airport Parking” program earn one point for each dollar spent on parking, with rewards ranging from free parking to airport dining vouchers.
Public Transportation
Depending on where you’re traveling to and from, public transportation can be a cost-effective alternative to airport parking. Many airports are well-connected to local transit systems, which can provide easy and affordable access to and from the airport.
Before your trip, research local public transportation options and plan your route in advance. Many transit systems offer trip-planning tools, such as Google Maps, that can help you find the most convenient route to and from the airport.
Online Discount Sites
Finally, don’t overlook the power of online discount sites for saving money on airport parking. Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial often offer deals on airport parking, with discounts ranging from 10% to 50% off the regular price.
Before purchasing a deal, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that the parking lot is located near the airport and that the deal is valid for the dates of your trip.
In Conclusion
Airport parking can be a frustrating and expensive experience, but with a little knowledge and planning, travelers can save money and avoid the hassle of hefty parking fees. Whether you choose off-airport parking, a Park, Sleep, and Fly package, an airport loyalty program, public transportation, or online discount sites, there are plenty of options for getting better rates and avoiding hefty fees.
If you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, chances are you have questions about airport parking. In this section, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about airport parking, from the duration of parking to the disadvantages of using airport parking.
Parking Duration
Q: Can I park my car at the airport for a week?
A: Yes, most airports have designated long-term parking areas that allow travelers to park their cars for a week or more.
However, it’s important to note that the cost of parking for a longer duration can be significantly higher than short-term parking. Q: What if I need to park for a longer duration than a week?
A: If you need to park your car for longer than a week, it’s worth doing some research ahead of time to find the best long-term parking options. Many off-airport parking facilities offer discounted rates for longer-term parking, and some hotels offer “park and fly” packages that include extended parking.
Payment Process
Q: When do I pay for airport parking?
A: The payment process for airport parking can vary depending on the airport and the parking lot.
Some airports require payment at the time of entry, while others allow you to pay when you exit. Some parking lots have automated payment kiosks, while others require you to pay at a cashier’s booth.
It’s a good idea to check the airport’s website or call the parking lot in advance to find out their specific payment process. Q: What forms of payment are accepted for airport parking?
A: Most airport parking lots accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash for payment. However, it’s always a good idea to check in advance to ensure that the parking lot accepts your preferred form of payment.
Q: How is the hourly rate calculated for airport parking?
A: The hourly rate for airport parking is typically calculated based on the number of hours parked, with a maximum daily rate.
For example, if the hourly rate is $5 per hour and the maximum daily rate is $40, you would be charged $40 for parking for any length of time over eight hours.
Long-Term vs Short-Term Parking Costs
Q: Is it cheaper to park long-term or short-term at the airport?
A: In most cases, long-term parking is significantly cheaper than short-term parking at the airport.
For example, at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the daily rate for the “Main Parking Garage” is $40, while the daily rate for the “Economy Parking Lot E” is only $17. Q: How much can I save by parking long-term rather than short-term?
A: The exact savings will vary depending on the airport and the duration of your stay, but in general, you can expect to save between 50% and 75% by choosing long-term parking over short-term parking.
Disadvantages of Airport Parking
Q: What are the disadvantages of using airport parking?
A: While airport parking can be a convenient option, it does come with some potential downsides.
The primary disadvantages of airport parking include:
– High cost: Airport parking rates can be significantly higher than off-airport parking or public transportation options. – Vehicle damage: There is always a risk of vehicle damage or theft when leaving your car in a parking lot, especially if the lot is not well-lit or monitored.
– Limited availability: During peak travel times, airport parking lots can fill up quickly, leaving travelers with limited options. – Distance from terminal: Depending on the parking lot and the airport, you may need to walk a significant distance or take a shuttle bus to reach the airport terminal.
In Conclusion
Airport parking can be a convenient option for travelers, but it’s important to understand the duration of parking, payment processes, the cost difference between long-term and short-term parking, and the potential disadvantages of using airport parking. By doing your research and exploring alternative parking options, you can make an informed decision that saves you both time and money.
In conclusion, airport parking can be a costly and stressful experience for travelers, but with a little knowledge and planning, there are several ways to save money and avoid the hassle. By considering off-airport parking, park, sleep, and fly packages, airport loyalty programs, public transportation, and online discount sites, travelers can significantly reduce their parking costs and avoid the disadvantages of using airport parking.
With the answers to these frequently asked questions, travelers can now make informed decisions about their airport parking and enjoy a more seamless and cost-effective travel experience. FAQs:
1.
Can I park my car at the airport for a week? A: Yes, most airports offer long-term parking options.
2. When do I pay for airport parking?
A: Payment processes vary by airport. Some lots require payment at entry, while others allow payment when leaving.
3. Is it cheaper to park long-term or short-term at the airport?
A: In most cases, long-term parking is significantly cheaper than short-term parking. 4.
What are the disadvantages of using airport parking? A: Common disadvantages include high cost, risk of vehicle damage or theft, limited availability, and distance from the terminal.