How to Save Money on Airport Parking

The hierarchy of airport parking

From cheapest to most expensive:

1. Off-site lots with shuttle — $8–15/day.
2. Park-and-fly hotels — bundle 1 night + 7 days parking for $150 total.
3. Rideshare drop-off — costs vary; sometimes the cheapest if you live close.
4. Long-term economy lots — $12–25/day.
5. Long-term garage — $25–35/day.
6. Daily/short-term garage — avoid for trips over 24 hours.
7. Valet — usually 2–3x daily garage rates.

Off-site lot tips

• Reserve in advance via The Parking Spot, WallyPark, ParkSleepFly.
• Check shuttle frequency (every 5 vs every 20 minutes).
• Some include luggage assistance and water bottles — small but nice.

Credit card credits

• Some travel cards include parking credits or shuttle reimbursement.
• The Amex Hilton/Marriott cards stack with park-and-fly packages.

Rideshare math

For trips longer than 4 days, rideshare is usually cheaper than airport parking even at premium rates.

The smart sequence

1. Pin the flight in FlightyFlow.
2. Book parking the day before based on the predicted on-time status.
3. If a delay or cancellation comes early, you can adjust before you've left home.