Airport Parking Key Terms

Learn the terms you need to navigate on and off site airport parking

Airport parking is typically categorized as either on-site or off-site airport parking. On-site parking usually refers to daily or hourly parking for dropping off or picking up passengers, or for shorter trips. Economy or long-term parking is typically located farther from the terminal. Some private companies also offer additional airport parking shuttle services and valet services to make your travel more convenient and decrease the hassle of finding airport parking.

 

Smart parking

Smart parking is an innovation in airport parking that enables airports to streamline their parking systems by centrally tracking available spaces. Smart parking technology employs sensors in the parking lots to locate empty spaces and notify patrons when lots are full.
Try: The Plain Dealer explains smart parking and how it works in an article about its use at Hopkins Airport.

Shuttle service

An airport shuttle service is a privately run transportation company that organizes travel to and from the airport within a regional area. An airport shuttle service can be booked online or by phone and will pick you up and drop you off at home or the office. You can also get on an airport shuttle at the airport without booking ahead if your plans change.
Try: AirportShuttles.net offers a detailed description of what airport shuttle service entails.

Satellite parking

Satellite parking is a term used to describe parking lots located at the periphery of an airport, either on airport property or just off the airport, that are managed by the airport. Satellite parking typically includes a free shuttle service that operates on a 24-hour schedule to pick you up from the lot and take you to the airport terminal.
Try: Read the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority definition of satellite parking to learn more about how it works and what distinguishes it from other lots.

Cell phone waiting lot

The cell phone waiting lot is a recent development in airport parking solutions that provides a place for cars to wait when picking up arriving passengers. Drivers can wait in the lots for their party to call, and then proceed to the terminal curbside area.
Try: The Chicago Tribune describes the cell phone waiting lot as one of several measures airports have taken in recent years to improve parking infrastructure.

Off-site parking

Off-site parking includes parking lots and garages that are not owned or managed by the airport, and are located nearby. Off-site parking lots typically offer fenced lots or garages with security, and provide the option of reserving your space ahead of time. One type of off-site airport parking is hotel parking, with many hotels offering guests the option of leaving their car at the hotel and providing a shuttle service to the airport.
Try: GoNOMAD explains what off-site parking is and why many travelers choose to use it.

Frequent parker program

Airports and off-airport parking sites are increasingly beginning to offer frequent parker program options to travelers who use parking facilities monthly or several times per year. Like frequent flyer programs, frequent parker programs allow travelers to accrue points that can be redeemed towards parking privileges, discounts or rewards.
Try: Bradley International and Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority both offer descriptions of their airport-wide frequent parker programs.

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