The idea of travelling to unexplored destinations is an exciting prospect. And, to have a pleasant trip, it is necessary to start the journey on an agreeable note. You ought to make the right decisions about packing or commuting, or you may set yourself up for a big disappointment. Suppose you are flying to Jaipur in an hour and have booked a cab to reach the airport. But at the last minute, the driver cancelled, and you missed your flight because of the delay! Wouldn’t this feel as if your worst nightmare came true?
Thus, it is to prevent such instances that pro-travellers choose to drive themselves to the airport. Since self-driving means not relying on anyone, it is convenient and hassle-free. But, this doesn’t mean that reaching the airport in your own car doesn’t present any challenges. Self-drivers often complain about the inconveniences of airport parking. It might be that the available parking near the airport is far away, the fee is high, or the security measures are inappropriate. So, to help them, here are a few airport parking tips to save time and money. Let’s have a look!
What are the common parking issues at airports?
The common challenges faced by self-drivers when parking near the airport include:
- Unnecessary traffic:
In airports with limited ground-side capacity, the probability of a shortage of parking space is quite high. Especially during peak hours, the rush at the parking area is bound to increase. Even if some flyers decide not to park here, the area surrounding the premises will experience massive congestion.
- Damaged vehicle:
Pro-travellers are hesitant to use the unmonitored parking area because of the risk of potential damage. Many small accidents occur on the spot because of the hurry and absent-mindedness of fellow passengers. Since finding scratches, dents, and broken glasses upon return is not pleasing, people commonly prefer monitored parking.
- Inefficient parking:
While airport parking helps generate revenue, the space is also used by employees. In a hurry to be on time, sometimes the workers do not adequately park their vehicles. This is also the case with fellow passengers who are late and do not have enough time to park right. It further reduces the available parking space.
- Faraway parking space:
When parking near the airport, flyers look for a spot near their terminal. It ensures they do not get late to catch their flight and aren’t required to walk a long distance to find their vehicle. But, a lot of times this doesn’t happen. The customers do not find an appropriate spot for stationing their cars, which adds to their frustration.
What can be done to save time ar the airport parking?
Here are a few tips about parking near the airport that you should know:
- To arrive in time for your flight, it is ideal to leave your home early. You should plan things such that you arrive at the premises at least an hour before. It will be helpful in case there is congestion or heavy traffic at the parking facility. Doing so will ensure you do not miss your flight because you were busy finding a free spot.
- An airport parking tip to save time and money is to book your spot in beforehand. Otherwise, you may arrive at the facility to find all spaces booked. If that happens, you may have to use the private parking space. This can result in increased expenses and delayed arrival at the gate.
- Before you park your car at a faraway spot, you should remember you will have to drag your luggage from the car to the terminal or airport shuttle. To reduce the hassle of covering the distance, you are recommended to opt for suitcases with wheels. If you are carrying several bags, you can find a trolley at the airport. But, since some of them require coins to function, carry a few in your pockets.
- To park right, make sure to go through the map of the airport in advance. Familiarise yourself with the terminals and gates to avoid stationing your car at a spot opposite to where you need to be for entering the premises.
- The airport parking spots can be pretty expensive, which is why it is essential to budget for short or long-term stays. Since most airports practise dynamic parking, the rates may differ from high to low season and from one day to the next. Thus, it is advised to make enquiries in advance to find an inexpensive parking spot for saving a few bucks.
- While opting for valet parking can help you save time, it won’t reduce the costs. Since the service is not free, it will add to your expenses.
- When it is the holiday season, rush hours, or high travel season, you will likely face traffic because of the high numbers of arriving and departing vehicles. You may also witness long security lines and check-in queues, which means you will be short on time.
- If you are travelling during the peak season and rush hours you should consider that the airport services might be slow or overcrowded. So, you should plan your departure from home accordingly.
- Ongoing maintenance or construction work can force you to take detours to reach the parking spot. So, stay updated and plan accordingly if you do not want to miss your flight.
- Because of unannounced security measures, it is recommended to leave home a little early. Sometimes they restrict parking near the airport or conduct random security checks because of safety alerts. They might slow down traffic and cause you to be late.
Suggest a few tips to save money on airport parking
- Book your parking in advance:
Booking a spot in advance can save you from the hassle of driving around airport parking in the search of a suitable spot to station your car. Many companies nowadays use the dynamic pricing system, where the prices rise as you get close to the departure date. So, making a reservation in advance can save you a fortune.
Also, during the peak season finding parking near the airport becomes difficult. Most of the car parks at this time are full. This is why booking in advance is recommended as it can help you secure a spot and save you from last-minute inconvenience.
- Compare the prices:Booking a spot in advance can help you save money. And, to further reduce your costs, it is advised to make reservations only after comparing the prices. Many companies that provide parking services have special deals and offers for their new and loyal customers. So, you should contact them and enquire about their costs and ongoing offers. Doing so will help you make an informed decision.
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