What Are the Different Types of Airport Parking?
Instead of hiring an Uber or taking a taxi to the airport, drive in your own vehicle. Under all the stress, the last thing you want is to wait for your driver to arrive, so pack your bags, hop in the car, and hit the road. Parking is available at the airport terminal, but there are many companies offering off-site parking as well. Parking facilities are usually located within five miles of the boundaries of the airport. Please note that airports offer various parking services, as follows:
Short-Term
If you’re picking up or dropping off someone at the airport, you can use short-term parking. Parking lots charge an hourly rate until the maximum daily rate is exceeded. If you’re away for less than a week, you, too, can opt for short-term airport parking. An incremental rate might be charged for every half hour of parking until the maximum limit is reached. Airports have only one official short-term parking lot, so they tend to fill up pretty fast. You might have a hard time finding a parking space, as more people are driving to the airport than ever before.
Daily
A maximum daily price is charged over a 24-hour period to protect customers from hourly charges that could add up. It goes without saying that daily parking lots are more expensive than long-term parking lots on account of the shorter time frame and the site, which is closely located with regard to the airport. Whether for leisure or business travel, you can park in a covered garage that’s connected to the terminal. Attention must be paid to the fact that many of these premises are private and aren’t associated with the airport. Ratings are an important factor in the decision-making process, meaning that customer recommendations are the best confirmation that a parking lot will meet your needs and wants.
Long-Term
When you leave your car at the airport for days on end, it’s considered long-term parking. Long-term parking lots are located far away from the airport, so it’s necessary to take a shuttle to the terminal. If you’ll be gone a long time (weeks or more), long-term parking is the most cost-effective option, offering peace of mind while you travel for pleasure or work. Many airports offer long-term parking, and John F. Kennedy International Airport is no exception. Just make sure to reserve parking at JFK airport ahead of time. Rates are significantly lower as compared to short-term parking, so you don’t have to stretch your budget to meet additional expenses.
Valet
Valet parking is a service in which guests have their cars parked by an employee; it requires a fee to be paid. You simply drop off your vehicle with the friendly staff, and they’ll take care of the rest. Some airports offer valet parking, and while this service is convenient, the convenience is more expensive than doing it yourself. Valet lots don’t offer overnight parking. At any rate, your car is treated to a wash, so it will be sparkling clean by the time you get back. Call the valet parking service at least half an hour before you arrive at the airport.
Off-Airport
If you’re flying overseas from Boston, parking off-site will offer you a legitimate advantage that’s worth considering when planning your trip. Boston Logan Airport parking lots are located a few miles away and offer lower rates. You can park your vehicle for a set fee and use a shuttle service to get to and from the airport and save a bundle in terms of money. While you’re away, CCTVs will be in use, and the staff will patrol the parking lot on a regular basis. If you book your reservation online, you can save even more money. In case you didn’t know, off-airport parking lots are springing up all over the United States, cementing cars as the default transportation mode.
If you’re not quite sure about driving yourself, there are several alternatives to airport parking. For example, you can ask a friend or a close relative to drive you to the airport. It’s a relatively small favor. Asking for a favor is fine as long as you don’t take advantage of your loved ones’ generosity. Reimburse their gas and tolls. If you live near a bus route or subway system, you can take public transportation to the airport. Keep in mind that many cities have dedicated lanes due to congestion, so you’ll get there faster.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking for airport parking for your next getaway, there are many options to choose from, including short-term, daily, long-term, valet, and off-airport parking. Airport parking is the cheapest when booked in advance, so secure your spot at the best price. The good news is there are many parking lots, and they’re adapted to the needs of different customers, meaning that if you have high requirements, don’t choose the least expensive option. Know precisely when you need to be at the airport so that you can book airport parking in advance. Pre-booking makes the process of traveling more efficient and smoother.
It’s advisable to go with a parking spot that can be paid for online when making a reservation. Still, if you’d like to pay in person, make sure it’s possible to pay by debit or credit card. Both large and small parking lots have their advantages and disadvantages. Nevertheless, if you choose a bigger parking lot, you’ll enjoy a standardized service. You can search and compare available parking lots online to identify the cheaper prices. Whether you’re gone for a couple of hours or flying for an extended trip, do everything within your power to make the experience easier.
It goes without saying, but when you park your car, don’t take up more than one spot. Maybe you’re having someone else drive your car. In that case, it’s a common courtesy to clean it up before you hand over the keys, so remove any dirt, grime, and dust stuck to the vehicle. Even if it’s not necessary, make sure to express your gratitude to the staff. Try not to forget anything in your car because it’s difficult for the driver to run back and get your vehicle if you do.
