Ruth Haines
Parking at the airport can be expensive, and many people wonder if there are ways to avoid the high costs of leaving a car at an airport for an extended period. Some airports offer free parking for short periods, such as 30 minutes, but for longer stays, the fees can add up quickly. There are some tricks to get free parking, such as booking an overnight stay at a hotel for a few days after your trip and using their shuttle service to the airport, but this method may not be ethical. Some airports also have loyalty programs that offer rewards and discounts on parking fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free parking at the airport | Possible, but may come with hidden costs |
| Free parking at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport | Available for 30 minutes in all lots |
| Free parking at Norfolk Airport | Available for 30 minutes; complimentary electric vehicle charging stations available |
| Free parking tricks | Unethically, book a hotel stay for a few days after your trip and cancel once you leave the parking lot |
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What You'll Learn
- Free parking at the airport may be possible, but it could come with hidden costs
- Some airports offer free parking for the first 30 minutes
- Motorcycle and bicycle parking is often complimentary at airports
- Booking an overnight stay at a hotel and using their shuttle service can help you avoid parking charges
- Loyalty programs can help you save money on airport parking
Free parking at the airport may be possible, but it could come with hidden costs
Free parking at airports is possible, but it often comes with hidden costs and inconveniences. While some airports offer complimentary parking for short periods, such as 30 minutes, longer stays usually incur significant charges.
One example of a potential hidden cost is the case of a person who shared their experience visiting their partner in a different city. They chose to park at the airport for free but ended up prolonging an unhealthy relationship due to the convenience of free parking. This illustrates how free parking can influence decision-making and potentially lead to unintended consequences.
Additionally, some airports provide loyalty programs that offer rewards and discounts on parking fees. While these programs can provide benefits, they also encourage repeated use of the airport's parking facilities, which may not be the most cost-effective option in the long run.
Another strategy to obtain free airport parking is to utilize hotel shuttle services. By booking an overnight stay at a hotel, individuals can take advantage of the hotel's airport shuttle and leave their car parked at the hotel for free during their trip. However, this approach may involve unethical practices, such as misrepresenting travel plans to the hotel staff.
Furthermore, free parking may not always be located conveniently close to the airport, requiring additional transportation arrangements. This was evident in a discussion about Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport, where individuals sought free parking options nearby due to the high cost of parking at the airport.
In summary, while free airport parking may be achievable through various means, it often comes with hidden costs, inconveniences, or ethical dilemmas. It is essential to consider these potential drawbacks and make informed decisions to avoid unexpected expenses or unintended consequences.
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Some airports offer free parking for the first 30 minutes
While it is not common for airports to offer completely free parking, some airports do offer free parking for the first 30 minutes. For example, the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) has a monitored, free 30-minute waiting area. Similarly, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers free parking for the first 30 minutes in all lots.
There are also other ways to get free parking at airports. One way is to sign up for a loyalty program, such as the one offered by The Parking Spot, which allows members to earn free parking and access exclusive member offers. Additionally, some hotels may offer free parking for guests, so booking an overnight stay at a hotel near the airport can be a way to get free parking. However, this may involve some unethical trickery, such as booking your overnight stay for a few days after your actual return date and then cancelling once you leave the hotel.
Furthermore, some airports provide free shuttle services to and from the rental car terminal and parking lots. This can be a way to avoid parking fees, as you can take the shuttle to the airport and then use a ride-share or public transportation service to get to your final destination.
Lastly, some airports have underutilized Cell Phone Lots that offer free parking for a limited time. These lots are typically meant for ride-share vehicles and pre-arranged taxis to wait, but they can also be used by travellers if there are no designated waiting areas.
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Motorcycle and bicycle parking is often complimentary at airports
Some airports in Europe also offer free motorcycle parking, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in the Netherlands, which has free designated covered motorcycle parking by the control tower, and Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark, which offers free parking for bicycles and motorcycles. Additionally, some airports in the United States have free bicycle parking, such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which provides five courtesy bicycle parking areas for passengers and employees, with the option to register for parking durations of up to 14 days.
However, it is important to note that not all airports offer free motorcycle or bicycle parking, and some may even forbid motorcycles from parking in regular car parking areas or have automated gates that do not accommodate motorcycles. Therefore, it is recommended to research the specific airport's policies or contact their parking officials for clarification.
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Booking an overnight stay at a hotel and using their shuttle service can help you avoid parking charges
While some airports offer free parking for the first 30 minutes, airport parking can be expensive, especially for extended trips. However, there is a trick to get free parking by booking an overnight stay at a hotel and using their shuttle service.
Firstly, call the hotel to arrange a "Park N Fly" stay, and tell them you will be catching a midday flight and returning late, so you want to book your overnight stay for the end of your trip. Book your overnight stay for a few days after your actual return date. On your departure day, drop off your car at the hotel, check in at the front desk, and confirm your overnight stay. Then, take the hotel shuttle to the airport.
When you return, take the hotel's shuttle back, get in your car, and drive away. Before you leave the hotel parking lot, remember to call and cancel your stay. This trick works because hotels usually offer free parking to their guests, and by using their shuttle service, you can avoid airport parking charges.
This method may not be ideal for longer stays, as the hotel may notice your car remaining in the parking lot for an extended period. In such cases, you can book your return stay a few weeks after your departure to avoid suspicion. While this trick may be unethical, it can help you save a significant amount on airport parking charges.
Additionally, some airports offer free waiting areas where you can park for free until your party is ready for pick-up. Utilizing ride-sharing services, public transportation, or taxis can also help reduce parking charges. However, always research the availability and reliability of these options at your specific airport.
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Loyalty programs can help you save money on airport parking
While some sources suggest ways to park for free at the airport, signing up for loyalty programs can help you save money on airport parking.
Park 'N Fly
Park 'N Fly offers a frequent parker program where members earn one free parking day for every seven paid days. The company has 17 lots across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Members who park for at least seven days will earn elite status, with silver, gold, and platinum status offering various benefits, including bonus award days and discounts.
PreFlight Airport Parking
PreFlight Airport Parking's frequent parker program provides a free day of parking for every six days of paid parking. Alternatively, members can opt to earn frequent flyer miles at a rate of 1 mile for every $1 spent on parking with participating programs from American Airlines and United Airlines.
ParkRideFly USA
ParkRideFly USA offers a point-based rewards system where members earn one point for every parking reservation and receive a free parking day after collecting ten points. The company has 46 airport locations, and new enrollees earn five bonus points.
Heathrow Rewards
Heathrow Rewards allows members to earn points by spending money at participating airport retailers, bars, restaurants, hotel partners, lounges, and prebooked parking facilities. The points can be used for discounts on shopping and parking or transferred to select airlines.
Paris Aeroport's Extime Rewards
Extime Rewards is a loyalty program valid at Paris-Orly Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. Members can receive discounts on airport services like parking and luggage wrapping and earn points when spending at participating airport retailers or when prebooking parking. The points can be redeemed for parking or at select retailers.
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot offers valet parking, covered parking, and uncovered parking at 28 major airports, including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Newark, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. While it is not explicitly mentioned as a loyalty program, AAA members can save 10% or more on parking reservations and receive two free days of airport parking when joining the Spot Club.
In addition to these programs, several major and regional airports offer their own loyalty programs, such as Denver International Airport. Signing up for these programs can be an effective way to save money on airport parking, especially if you frequently visit a particular airport.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports offer free parking for a limited time, usually around 30 minutes, in specific lots or garages. Some airports also have loyalty programs where you can earn points on parking fees, which can eventually be redeemed for free parking.
Some people have shared unethical ways of getting free parking at airports, such as booking an overnight stay at a hotel for a few days after your trip and then cancelling the booking once you return and leave the hotel parking lot.
You can consider taking a ride-share, taxi, public transportation, or shuttle to the airport instead of driving yourself and looking for parking.
