Roberta Aguirre
Airport parking can be expensive, but there are ways to save money by using certain credit cards and joining rewards programs. Many airports accept credit cards as a form of payment, and some even have partnerships with specific credit card companies that offer discounted rates for cardholders. Additionally, some credit cards provide bonus points or rewards for travel-related purchases, which can include airport parking. These points can often be redeemed for free parking or other benefits. For frequent travellers, joining an airport's rewards program can also lead to significant savings, as these programs often offer free parking days or discounts.
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What You'll Learn
Credit cards accepted at airports
Credit cards are accepted at many airports for parking, including Sacramento International Airport, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport. Some airports offer discounts for specific credit cards, such as the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard at Philadelphia International Airport, which offers discounted parking rates for cardholders.
Additionally, certain credit cards provide rewards or bonus points for airport parking. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card count parking lots and garages as travel expenses, allowing you to earn 3x points on the CSR and 2x points on the CSP. Similarly, the Citi Premier Card offers 3x points on travel, including parking lots and garages.
It is important to note that not all airports accept credit cards for parking, and some may require the use of a ticketed parking system or a specific payment method, such as cash. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the payment options accepted by your specific airport before assuming that credit cards are accepted.
Furthermore, when it comes to airport parking, there are off-site parking companies that offer their own loyalty or rewards programs. These programs can provide benefits such as free parking days, discounts, or airline miles. Examples of such companies include Thrifty Airport Parking, ParkRideFly, and One Stop Parking. By enrolling in their programs, you can accumulate points or credits that can be redeemed for future parking or other perks.
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Loyalty programs for bonus points
Many airports and third-party parking companies offer loyalty programs that reward travelers with bonus points for parking, food, and merchandise purchases. These points can then be redeemed for discounts or free parking. Here are some examples of such loyalty programs:
Airport Loyalty Programs
- SDF Rewards Program: Members receive a transponder that tracks how frequently they park at the airport. Points can be earned and redeemed for free parking or other perks.
- Fly Lafayette Club at Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT): Members are automatically entered into monthly giveaways for prizes like 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.
- Heathrow Rewards: Members earn points by spending at participating airport retailers, bars, restaurants, hotels, lounges, and pre-booked parking facilities. These points can be used for discounts or transferred to select airlines.
- Paris Aeroport's Extime Rewards: This program offers discounts on airport services like parking and luggage wrapping. Points can be earned at participating retailers or when pre-booking parking, and can be redeemed for parking or retail purchases.
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) Susquehanna Club: Travelers over 21 who fly at least 25,000 miles per year can join this lounge and earn rewards.
Third-Party Parking Company Loyalty Programs
- ParkRideFly USA: Offers a point-based rewards system where each parking reservation earns 1 point, and 10 points give you a free parking day. New members earn 5 bonus points.
- Park 'N Fly Frequent Parker Program: Members earn one free parking day for every seven paid days. Elite members receive additional benefits, such as bonus award days and discounts.
- The Parking Spot: Operates at 21 airports and offers a loyalty program called theSpotClub, where you earn 5 points per dollar spent. A free day of parking is offered after seven paid days.
- Fast Park & Relax: Offers complimentary charging for electric vehicles and honors membership discounts for AAA, AARP, veterans, and active military.
- WallyPark: With locations in 11 cities, WallyPark offers a loyalty program called WallyClub where you earn 1 point per dollar spent, which can be redeemed for discounts.
- Thrifty Airport Parking: Thrifty offers a unique rewards program with two options, including the Preferred Reward Points program, where each paid day earns 1 point, and 12 points provide a free parking day.
- PreFlight Frequent Parker: PreFlight has lots at seven airports and offers a choice of rewards, including free parking days or airline miles.
In addition to these programs, some credit cards, such as the AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®, offer discounted parking rates at specific airports when used for payment. It is worth checking with your credit card provider to see if they have any partnerships with airports or parking companies that could provide bonus points or discounts on airport parking.
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Discounted rates with specific cards
Many airports offer discounted parking rates for cardholders of specific credit cards. For example, Philadelphia International Airport offers discounted parking rates for cardholders of the AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard. The designated parking area is identified by its own AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard entrance, and cardholders must use the card upon entry and exit to receive the discounted rate. The AAdvantage Aviator Mastercard parking area includes a set number of reserved spots on the ground level, and the rates are approximately 20% lower than the rates for standard short-term parking.
Similarly, Purdue University offers discounted parking rates for its employees at the Indianapolis International Airport. Purdue members can sign up for a free ParkIND Proximity Card using their Purdue email address and receive a discounted daily rate of $14 per day for parking on the fifth floor of the Airport Terminal Parking Garage. Purdue will reimburse faculty and staff for the full $14 per day rate when used for business travel. For personal travel, travellers can use a personal credit or debit card as the payment method in the account.
In addition to card-specific discounts, some airports offer loyalty programs or membership programs that provide discounted parking rates. For example, The Parking Spot, which is available at 28 major airports, offers a Spot Club loyalty program that provides various benefits, including free days of airport parking and discounted rates for members. AAA members can also save at least 10% on their parking costs at The Parking Spot and Park 'N Fly locations, with certain restrictions.
It is always a good idea to check the website of the specific airport or parking provider to look for any available discounts or promotions. Some airports and parking providers may offer email newsletters or loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts and offers. By signing up for these programs or using specific credit cards, travellers can take advantage of discounted parking rates and save money on their travel expenses.
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Cashless payments at kiosks
Cashless payments are becoming increasingly common at airport parking kiosks. Many airports are moving towards a cashless system, where customers can pay by card or other digital methods. This trend is also seen at Sacramento International Airport, where cash is no longer accepted at parking lot cashier booths. Instead, customers wishing to pay by cash must use self-service kiosks located in the parking garage and outside specific terminals. Similarly, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has also gone cashless, with all major credit cards accepted at drive-up pay stations and self-service kiosks.
The benefits of cashless payments are numerous. For travellers, it means a smoother and faster checkout process, reducing wait times and providing a more seamless travel experience. For example, at Sacramento International Airport, customers can use their credit or debit cards directly at the exit to pay, avoiding the hassle of queuing at a cashier booth. This contactless method also reduces touchpoints, which is particularly beneficial for health and safety reasons.
For those who frequently travel and use airport parking, there are various rewards programs and credit cards that can help maximise savings and earn bonus points. For instance, Thrifty Airport Parking has a rewards program where members can earn one point for each paid day, and 12 points can be redeemed for a free day of parking. ParkRideFly, with a presence at 44 airports, offers a similar program where a free day of parking costs 10 points, and they also provide discounts for Mastercard small business cardholders. Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred Card, are also advantageous as they consider parking lots and garages as travel expenses, allowing cardholders to earn multiple points.
Additionally, specific credit cards like the AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard® offer discounted parking rates at certain airports. At Philadelphia International Airport, cardholders can access a designated parking area with rates approximately 20% lower than standard short-term parking fees. However, it's important to note that these spots are limited, and cardholders must ensure their accounts are in good standing to qualify for the promotion.
In summary, the shift towards cashless payments at airport parking kiosks offers travellers convenience, speed, and health benefits. With the availability of rewards programs and strategic credit card usage, travellers can also optimise their spending and accumulate rewards. As more airports adopt cashless systems, it is beneficial for travellers to familiarise themselves with the various payment options and take advantage of the opportunities that best suit their needs.
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Contactless payment options
Similarly, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has gone cashless, accepting all major credit cards at drive-up pay stations and pay-on-foot self-service kiosks. This not only reduces touchpoints for safer travel but also decreases wait times and makes online booking more convenient.
Some airports also have exclusive partnerships with specific credit card companies to offer discounted parking rates. For example, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has designated parking spots for AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard® cardholders, who can enjoy discounted parking fees upon entry and exit. Cardmembers must, however, ensure their accounts are in good standing to qualify for these promotions.
Additionally, many airport parking companies have their own loyalty programs or rewards systems that can be used in conjunction with specific credit cards to maximize savings. For instance, Thrifty Airport Parking has a Preferred Reward Points program where you earn one point for each paid day, and 12 points can be redeemed for a free day of parking. ParkRideFly, with a presence at 44 airports, offers its Frequent Parker Program, where a free day of parking nationwide costs 10 points, and you can earn additional discounts by paying with a Mastercard small business card.
When it comes to choosing the right credit card for airport parking, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred Card are popular options. Chase considers parking lots and garages as travel expenses, so you can earn 3x points on the CSR and 2x points on the CSP. The Sapphire Reserve card also offers a $300 annual travel credit applicable to parking fees. If you have a Citi Premier® Card, you can earn 3x points on travel, including parking lots and garages, but the Citi Prestige card does not offer the same benefit.
By utilizing contactless payment options, exclusive partnerships, loyalty programs, and strategic credit card choices, you can make the most of your airport parking experience and potentially save significantly on parking fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most airports accept credit cards as a form of payment for parking. Some airports, such as Sacramento International Airport, only accept credit cards at the exit.
Accepted credit cards vary by airport. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Diners Club are commonly accepted cards. Some airports also accept JCB and the AAdvantage® Aviator® Mastercard®.
Using a credit card for airport parking can offer several benefits. Some credit cards provide rewards or loyalty points for travel-related purchases, including airport parking. Additionally, paying with a credit card can often be faster and more convenient than paying with cash, especially at airports with contactless or unattended payment systems.
