Tips For Getting Cheaper Parking When You Travel
If you plan to find long term parking in the airport when you travel, you will have to approach it like a major project! This is one of the biggest pain points that you will have to contend with when you chalk out your vacation plans.
Parking problems range from simple to complex, and unless you know how and why they are caused, you may not find the right solution.
How Airports Started Out
If you cast your mind back to when airports were first built, they started off as functional structures designed only to serve as waiting areas for flyers. They had the basic amenities and most people were dropped off and picked up by taxis or chauffeur driven cars, or they would arrive at the airport via public transport.
Airports have come a long way since then. They first began as designated locations for landing and take-off of military aircraft, and many of them were later assigned for civilian use. By the 1950s commercial flights had become popular and airports had to modernize and expand based on the in-flow of passengers and crew. Multiple terminals facilitated the movement of several aircraft at a time. Early airports were often located beyond city limits, but with the boom in air travel, they had to become more accessible and soon, cities began to grow towards and around airports. They have now become an integral part of urban life, trade and commerce, connecting people from all parts of the world.
In the 1950s, paid parking was introduced for the first time in Cleveland, Ohio. The idea gained widespread popularity and soon airport design itself began to incorporate parking space as one of the essential elements.
Why Is Parking Such A Problem in Airports?
Airports garner much of their revenue from parking, and parking areas may be within the airport premises or located at a short distance away with shuttle bus facilities to and from the terminals.
One of the main reasons for parking problems in airports is the inefficient use of existing space. Parking lots within airports have to be well managed, with state of the art monitoring systems to ensure that all the available space is properly used. Empty trolleys, badly parked vehicles, poor lighting and people crossing unexpectedly can create huge stress.
Traffic congestion around the entrances and exits is another headache for travelers. Vehicle damage, theft and vandalism are a hazard in poorly managed airports. If parking lot regulations are not enforced, it can lead to chaos. You could waste a lot of time, energy and fuel cruising around the parking lots looking for a suitable space.
Added to all these disadvantages, the one that annoys people the most is the high cost of parking in airports. Whether it’s for an hour or a month, parking fees can hike your overall holiday costs significantly, and you have to factor this amount in when you’re drawing up your vacation budget.
Cheaper Parking : Tips and Tricks
Facilities for short term car parking in Tullamarine Airport are available under different categories. You can opt for parking within the airport premises or off-site. Different rates are available such as value, terminal, premium, valet, long and short term.
Recently, there has been a huge amount of construction work going on in the area, leading to the closure of several parking bays.
Play it smart and use these handy tips and tricks to find great parking spaces and deals:
- Book In Advance: Grab your parking slot as soon as you firm up your travel plans. This way you have the time and leisure to comparison shop and take advantage of great deals, discounts and offers. Try to book at least 10 weeks in advance, and you could get parking for at least 60% less.
- Opt for Safe Off-sites: Off-site parking is much cheaper than within the airport premises. However, if it is located too far away from your terminal, you could end up paying again for transportation to get you there.
- Pay Online: Avoid wasting time at the turnstiles hunting for change or for your card to be swiped. Make the payments in advance online and save time and effort. Making payments online could put you in line for getting good deals, discounts, coupons, promos and loyalty programs.
- Frequent Flyer: If you travel regularly out of a particular airport, look for deals that bundle your miles with free or discounted parking.
- Social Media: Check social media sites for useful information and tips on finding cheaper parking. Experienced travelers often share their hacks for affordable parking options.
- Coupon Sites: Trawl through your local coupon sites where you could get cheaper parking coupled with a meal or a drink.
- Hotel packages: If you live far from the airport, consider traveling a day earlier. Book yourself into a hotel nearest to the airport and avail of their free parking. You can leave your car safely in the hotel parking lot and pick it up when you return.
- Smaller airport: If you have the option, consider flying out from a smaller airport. These airports aren’t as congested and you are sure to find convenient parking there.
- Use Apps: Parking services have their own apps that give you all the information you need to pre-book your space. You can also use comparison pricing apps that tell you which options are the cheapest and where.
- Use Your Credit Card: Check if your credit card service provides bonuses for parking. Some of them consider parking charges as part of your travel and dining expenses. The other advantage with using credit cards is that you can defer payment and also pay in installments
There is no doubt that parking fees can eat into a major chunk of your holiday budget. Consider other options such as asking a friend or relative to drive you to the airport. Some travelers report that they have tried renting out their cars for the duration of their vacation. While this may not be your cup of tea, it is certainly quite a lucrative option provided you select a reliable and trustworthy rental company. The bonus is that you could get a free car wash and drive off in a squeaky clean and shiny vehicle when you get back after your holidays!