Making the Most of Airport Parking

How to get the features you want when parking at airports

Airport parking can be a hassle to manage when finding a place to leave your car in the long or short term, and when paying for costly airport parking in major metropolitan areas. At many airports, however, there are alternatives. By planning ahead and making the most of airport parking, you can avoid paying too much for parking and make sure you get the services you want.

Airport parking coupons and off-site lots are a good way to save on long-term airport parking. If you have concerns about leaving your car unattended for a long period of time, a limo or premium parking service may be your best option for longterm airport parking.

Get the airport parking that's best for you by investigating the following options:

1. Look into off-site airport parking and shuttles;

2. Use premium parking services to get the most from your airport parking rates;

3. Consider safer alternatives to traditional airport parking.

 

Get cheap airport parking from off-site parking services

Many off-site airport parking services provide parking lots and decks where you can park close to airports for less than the standard airport rate. These services may also have airport parking coupons available online for special savings. Typically, off-site parking services offer free, 24-hour shuttles and cost about five dollars less per day than airport lots.
Try: The Park 'N Fly Network is one airport parking service that allows you to search online for rates for your departure airport. Another alternative is to search AirportService.com for airport shuttles nationwide that will take you to the airport from another parking location.

Use valet and premium parking at airports to get the most for your money

While airport parking can be fairly expensive without providing much for your money, premium parking services offer parking for about the same rate as the airport with additional patron benefits and rewards. When using a premium airport parking service, you can add extra services such as car wash, fueling and even laundry.
Try: WallyPark offers premium parking with rewards and member benefits in Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles and several other cities in the U.S. Other valet services may be offered in your local area, like The Airport Valet, which serves the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Consider safety when finding long-term airport parking options

Making the most of airport parking also means making sure your vehicle is safe from harm while you're away. Some airport parking lots and decks may be poorly lit or unsecured, and even off-site airport parking services may be targets for break-ins. Consider alternatives to traditional on- and off-site airport parking for the best security.
Try: When using an airport parking finder, you may get offers to park at alternative sites like self-storage or industrial sites. A good recommendation is to park at a site that is gated and has secured access and surveillance, such as Storage Solutions. If you're interested in parking at a storage site, contact a local company directly to determine whether they offer parking. Another option is to use secured parking at the airport, like that offered at Logan Airport in Boston with a Parking PASSport Gold membership--ask your local airport whether they offer something similar.

 

• Take safety into consideration when planning for short-term airport parking as well. Allow yourself sufficient time to find a parking space when arriving at the airport so you can choose a space that is in a well-lit area near sidewalks and open areas for the best visibility.

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