How To Get Cheap Airport Parking
In this short guide we take a quick look into how to get cheap airport parking.
In This Guide:
One of the major factors that determines whether or not to park your car at the airport is cost. The cost of airport parking can significantly eat into your budget, especially when travelling alone. As a result, finding the best deal at a price you are happy with is key. This said, as with many things, the cheapest price is not always the best and most suitable options for your requirements. However, the good news is that with a little knowledge and planning you will be able to find the best option to suit your requirements and budget.
What Is Cheap Airport Parking:
There is no one ‘set universal’ price for airport parking. The cost of airport parking varies depending on which airport you are flying from in the world. The bottom line is that if you want to park your car at the airport, it will cost you money. How much money you pay for the dates and duration you require, will be determined by the going rate for that time.
Cheap airport parking is simply defined by what you yourself are happy with paying. What sounds cheap to one person, may not seem cheap to another. The best policy when searching for airport parking is to book in advance. If you see a good price and think it is cheap compared with other prices, book it! As we have previously mentioned, airport parking fluctuates on a regular basis. This means that the cost of airport parking may be higher or lower from one day to the next. Due to this fact, when you are searching for airport parking, it is essential to compare prices with each other.
Cheapest Airport Parking:
If you are searching for the cheapest airport parking, then the follow 3 types of parking are worth considering.
Park and Ride Airport Parking:
Park and Ride airport parking is usually one of the cheapest types of parking available. The reason why it is the cheapest form of airport parking is because the car parks are further away from the airport terminals. As a result, you are required to park your vehicle and then catch a shuttle bus to the airport. The shuttle buses are free and run at regular times throughout the day and night. The journey is usually between 5-15 minutes, so you need to factor in these transfer time to your journey. Due to the Park and Ride option being less convenient is one of the main factors as to why it is a cheaper option.
Independent Car Parks:
The majority of airports all have major companies who operate the main off-site car parks. However, there are often smaller independent companies that offer parking close to the airport. These smaller companies generally offer a more competitive price, so they are worth considering.
Non-Flexible:
A ‘Non-Flexible’ option can be cheaper if you are absolutely certain that you will not need to cancel or amend your booking. A non-flexible booking simply means you will not receive a refund if you cancel your booking. As a result of this stipulation, they are generally a cheaper option.
When Is Airport Parking Cheapest:
Airport parking is generally the cheapest when you book in advance. As we have previously mentioned, prices are determined by ‘supply and demand’. Not only that but they also operate on a dynamic pricing structure, which increases the price as the dates get closer. As you can imagine, during peak periods is when the prices are the highest.
Bearing this in mind, travel in the ‘low season’ can often see some of the cheapest prices for airport parking. Below are 3 things to consider if you want to find the cheapest airport parking.
Book Early In Advance:
Booking as soon as possible will generally guarantee you secure the best price. Booking early on a ‘Flexible’ booking, will ensure you can book your parking with the flexibility to cancel or amend your booking if needed.
Avoid Turning Up On The Day:
Turning up at the airport on the day of travel will result in you paying a much higher rate. Avoid excessive fees and book in advance, even if it is a few hours before you travel, you will still save money!
Travel During Low Season:
Travelling during the low season or ‘Off-Peak’, will generally save you money on your airport parking. Demand is less and as a result, parking companies have more spaces they want to fill. This then results in better offers, discounts and deals.
Does Airport Parking Get Cheaper Closer To The Time:
No, unfortunately airport parking does not get cheaper closer to the time, it generally gets more expensive. Due to the fact that it works on a supply and demand basis, where spaces are limited, the price will increase rather than go down. As more parking spaces are booked and availability becomes less, the remaining spaces become more expensive.
However, this is not always the case, such as in quiet periods but it is always better to book well in advance.