Airport Parking Tips

Last Updated on May 15, 2014 by Jody Halsted

It’s one of the biggest hassles you can face when you fly…  Where are you going to park?  And how much is it going to cost?  The wrong decision will either cost you loads of money or the safety of your vehicle.  I think this airport parking video by HolidayExtras.com is every traveler’s nightmare come true…

Well, that or the scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off when the car park attendant takes the car for a joy ride.

But it raises a good point; you really just want your car to sit, quietly, until you return.

Since airports are often surrounded with parking options, how do you choose the best one?  Here are a few parking tips:

1)      If possible don’t leave your car at the airport.  While it can be a hassle, a little planning and team work can save you quite a bit of money.  For example, when I travel alone I will leave the car in short term parking and my husband will ask a friend or relative to help him pick it up.  When I arrive home he and the girls will either pick me up or, if I’m coming in late, he will ask someone to drive the car to the airport and leave it in short term parking so it is waiting for me.  This works best if I am gone for 3 days or longer as we live half an hour from the airport.

2)      Compare prices online.  If you google “airport parking” and the airport you are flying out of you’ll see many options.  Compare prices and make sure the parking area has a shuttle service-preferably included in the price-  to get you to and from the airport.

3)      If you are a member of an auto club don’t forget to check for discounts.

4)      Once you find a service look for reviews.  If someone had a bad experience you’re sure to find mention of it.  Just add the word reviews onto your previous search.

5)      Remember that space can be limited at busy airports and planning ahead just makes life easier.

HolidayExtras.com makes parking almost hassle-free in the UK.  Check out their site for Gatwick Airport.  It allows you to do everything in once place- pick your dates, your parking lot and view reviews.  Brilliant.

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by HolidayExtras.com.  All thoughts and tips are my own.