Lois Larson
Parking at the airport can be expensive, and many people wonder if there are ways to park for free. While some airports offer free parking for a limited time, such as 30 minutes, longer-term free parking options may be available through certain hotels or loyalty programs. However, it is important to be cautious and ethical when seeking free parking, as some methods may have unintended consequences or be considered unethical. Additionally, the availability of free parking options may vary across different airports.
Characteristics and Values table for 'Can I park at the airport for free?'
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free parking at the airport | Yes, but only for 30 minutes at some airports |
| Free parking for electric vehicles | Yes, at least at Norfolk Airport |
| Loyalty programs for parking | Yes, at least at Norfolk Airport |
| Online parking reservations | Yes, at least at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport |
| Unethical tricks for free parking | Involves booking an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport for a few days after your trip and cancelling the booking after using their free parking |
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What You'll Learn
Free parking at hotels near the airport
When it comes to airport parking, you usually have two options: the hotel or the airport itself. While it can be challenging to find hotels near certain airports that offer free parking, it is not impossible. There are websites dedicated to helping you find and compare the best deals for your trip, with some even offering packages that bundle your room with a parking spot for greater cost savings.
These packages typically include a hotel room for the night before or after your flight, a parking spot for your vehicle for the duration of your trip, and a free shuttle service to and from the airport. This can be a cost-effective and convenient option, especially if you are travelling for an extended period.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Hotel parking lots often lack adequate security, leaving your vehicle exposed to the elements and potential safety risks. Additionally, shuttle bus services may be limited, and varying hotel policies can make it challenging to determine how long you can park.
One strategy to consider is using a shuttle company to guide you through the parking process and eliminate the need to coordinate between airport parking and hotels. This way, you can book your spot in advance, drop off your car, and have it returned to you upon your arrival back home.
Another strategy is to utilise the "Park, Sleep, and Fly" method, where you book an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport that offers free parking for guests. By calling the hotel and informing them of your mid-day flight and late return, you can request to book your overnight stay for a few days after your actual return date. On your departure day, you can drop off your car, check in at the front desk, and take the hotel shuttle to the airport. Upon your return, you can take the shuttle back to the hotel, pick up your car, and cancel your overnight stay. This strategy can help you secure free parking without having to pay for a hotel room during your trip.
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Free 30-minute parking at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers free parking for the first 30 minutes in all lots. This includes the Preferred, Standard, and Economy lots, which have varying daily rates. The first 30 minutes of free parking is especially convenient for ride-share drivers, who can use this time to wait for a passenger assignment.
The airport has recently undergone a parking lot enhancement project, which aimed to improve the parking experience for customers. This included addressing the deteriorating pavement and infrastructure, which had not been designed with larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks in mind. The project cost is estimated at $10 million and will be debt-funded, with repayment through airport-generated revenue, including parking fees.
While the airport does offer free 30-minute parking, it's important to note that there is currently no dedicated Cell Phone Lot. This means that those waiting to pick up passengers may need to utilise the paid parking options after the initial 30-minute free period.
Additionally, accessible parking is available at the airport, and individuals requiring assistance locating a space can contact the parking team at 540-362-0630 or 540-362-1999, ext. 239.
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Parking perks loyalty programs
While there are some tricks to get around paying for airport parking, such as booking a hotel stay and using their shuttle service to the airport, there are also legitimate ways to get free parking through airport loyalty programs.
Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) Business Travelers Rewards Program
This program has three tiers, each based on how often you park at the airport. Perks include free parking and gift cards for airport restaurants.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) parkIND Plus Program
Earn points toward free parking every time you park at the airport.
Heathrow Airport (LHR) Heathrow Rewards
Earn points by spending money at participating airport retailers, bars, restaurants, hotel partners, lounges, and pre-booked parking facilities. Points can be used for parking discounts or transferred to select airlines.
Paris Aeroport's Extime Rewards
This loyalty program is valid at both Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). After signing up, receive discounts on airport services like parking and luggage wrapping.
Fly Lafayette Club at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT), Louisiana
Members are entered into monthly giveaways. Each time you visit the airport and swipe your driver's license or membership card at a designated kiosk, you are entered to win monthly prizes such as meals, merchandise, and gift certificates.
GNV Ultimate Road Warrior Club at Georgia's Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
Offers monthly rewards donated by local businesses, including museums and restaurants.
The Spot Club
This is a parking-specific loyalty program that offers free airport parking. The more you park, the more points you earn. You can also combine your Shell Fuel Rewards account for further savings.
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Unethical tricks for free parking
Unethical tricks for free airport parking
Park at a nearby hotel
Hotels often provide free parking to their guests. Some hotels also offer "park, sleep, fly" deals, where you can arrive the night before your flight, stay at the hotel, park for free, and then take their free shuttle to the airport. An unethical trick is to book your overnight stay for a few days after your actual return date. On your departure day, drop off your car at the hotel, take the shuttle to the airport, and enjoy your flight. When you return, your car will have been parked for free.
Use public transportation or a ride-sharing service
Instead of driving to the airport, consider taking public transportation or a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. This eliminates the need to worry about parking fees.
Park at an off-airport location
Off-airport parking facilities are often significantly cheaper than parking at the airport itself. Look for coupons online or use websites that negotiate with parking vendors to find discounted rates. Alternatively, you can rent someone's driveway or parking space near the airport, which might be cheaper.
Get creative with parking tickets
If you find yourself in an unattended parking lot that requires a ticket, you can try buying a ticket for the one-hour rate instead of the full day. When you return, walk to the machine and print another ticket. This will make it appear as though you've only been parked for a few minutes, and you may be able to avoid paying the full daily rate. Note that this trick may not work at all parking lots and could result in fines or penalties if discovered.
Walk-in with a group
If you're travelling in a group, you can try the "bumper-to-bumper" trick. Have one person drive out slowly, and the other follows closely behind. The sensors in the barrier will think it's just one long car, and you'll only be charged for one vehicle.
Remember, these tricks may involve questionable legality and could have consequences if discovered. They are meant to be informative and entertaining, but it is not recommended to engage in unethical behaviour.
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Free parking for electric vehicles
While it is possible to find free parking at airports, it often involves some level of ingenuity and may not always be the most ethical approach. One method involves taking advantage of hotel parking lots that offer "Park N Fly" packages. These hotels typically provide free parking for guests who spend the night before their departure and utilize their shuttle service to the airport. However, to get free parking for an extended trip, you would need to be strategic.
Here's how the trick works: when booking your "Park N Fly" stay, inform the hotel that you're catching a midday flight and will be returning late, so you'd like to book your overnight stay for the end of your trip. This way, you can park your car at the hotel, use their shuttle service to the airport, and then, upon your return, take the shuttle back to the hotel and drive away without ever checking in. Remember to cancel your overnight stay after you've left the hotel parking lot to avoid any charges.
This approach can be particularly useful for longer trips, such as the six-month trip mentioned in the source. In such cases, simply book your return stay a few weeks after your actual return date. While this method can save you a significant amount of money on parking fees, it is important to consider the ethical implications of misleading the hotel about your intentions.
Additionally, it is worth noting that this strategy may not always work, as hotels could potentially catch on to such tactics and implement countermeasures. Therefore, it is essential to exercise discretion and not overuse this method to avoid causing issues for yourself or others who may utilize similar strategies in the future.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports offer free parking for a limited time, usually 30 minutes, in all lots for short-term parking. Some airports also have loyalty programs where members can earn points for every dollar spent on parking, which can be redeemed to save money on parking.
Some nearby hotels offer free parking for guests. You can arrive the evening before your departure, spend the night at the hotel, park for free until you return, and take their free shuttle to the airport. However, this method may be considered unethical by some.
Some airports have ongoing construction projects aimed at improving the parking experience, so it is recommended to check for project updates and changes to parking facilities. Additionally, some airports have specific payment methods for parking, such as credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, so it is important to be aware of the accepted payment methods before arriving at the airport.
