Christmas comes with many activities, including traveling for vacations with your family. Most airports are often crowded with people, luggage, and vehicles during this time of the year.
You’ll likely find yourself leaving your car in the airport parking lot, hoping you’ll find it exactly as you left it when you return. As much as these airports ensure the safety and security of travelers, you must take precautions if you’re planning to leave your car.
Another issue you’re likely to face with Christmas airport parking is finding a space. Remember, almost everyone is traveling, and the parking spaces can be crowded. This can mean that finding a parking space at the airport can become tricky as the holiday rush is in full swing.
To make this process easier, we have compiled some useful tips on surviving airport parking this Christmas.
Be An Early Bird
Don’t wait until the last minute to scramble for parking with the rest of the travelers. Book your parking space well before the crowd gets too big and the prices hike.
If you book your airport parking early, chances are you’ll get the good discounts that most airport parking companies like One Stop Parking offer. You can also watch out for sales such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which offer great discounts on parking spaces.
Consider Parking Lot Offsite
There’s no need to scramble for space in the crowded airport parking lot if you have offsite options. Offsite parking lots are usually cheaper and offer bigger spaces compared to the ones at the airport. For example, onestopparking.com offers convenient and affordable offsite parking options near most airports.
However, check the terms and conditions of these offsite parking lots before you book one, as some may differ from those at the airport. Also, compare rates before making a choice.
Be Prepared
Before heading to the airport, ensure your car is in top condition. Check for fuel levels, engine oil levels, and other vital components of your car that could cause problems mid-journey. Keep all important documents, like your driver’s license, car insurance, and registration documents, handy.
Having everything ready will help you save time during the parking process.
Finally, be sure to have your exact drop-off and pick-up times to ensure that your car is safe at the airport parking lot. Most importantly, double-check if you have all your luggage before leaving the car.
Consider the Security of Your Car
While most holiday airport parking is safe and secure, it is always a good idea to take extra precautions and ensure the security of your car. Ensure you have an anti-theft device installed in your car, and consider getting insurance for parking at the airport.
Some airports may also offer additional security options, such as CCTV cameras, for added protection. Be sure to ask the authorities about these options before booking your parking space.
Only choose a Christmas airport parking operator that guarantees the highest level of security for your vehicle. The facility should have gated parking, a well-lit area, and 24/7 security surveillance. Don’t leave anything to chance because you don’t want to return to a stolen or vandalized car.
Be Flexible
Christmas plans may change at any time, and you do not need the parking you booked anymore. Consider airport parking with a cancelation policy so you won’t be charged if you can’t make it.
Many facilities offer a flexible cancellation policy and a money-back guarantee. This allows customers to get a full refund for parking reservations that are canceled within 24 hours of their arrival date at the airport.
Check online reviews to see how the company handles cancellations or changes in bookings. Some companies may charge you a nominal fee if your reservation is canceled at the last minute or changed significantly. If their customers struggle to make changes or get a refund, stay away from them.
Know the Hidden Charges
Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you should pay extra fees, especially those that you haven’t planned for. It can be devastating to be hit with hidden charges on top of the already expensive airport parking.
This is why you should always read the fine print before booking. Do your research and find out if there are additional fees for services like car washing or special accommodations that may not be covered in the package cost.
Also, check if there is a fee for parking over a certain period of time. If you are returning later than planned, make sure there won’t be extra charges to cover the time you spend away from your car.
Consider Hotel Parking
There are many hotels near airports that are happy to offer long-term parking services. This is a convenient way to leave your car while you’re away. Most hotel parking packages also include transportation service to and from the airport, so you don’t have to worry about finding your own way there.
If you’re looking for extra convenience, try booking an airport hotel with long-term parking packages that include more than just parking. Some hotels may offer complimentary food and drinks, as well as other amenities, for a hassle-free airport trip.
You can even choose to spend the night in the hotel before you fly so you can rest and relax before your long journey, ensuring that surviving airport parking this Christmas is a breeze.
Set Aside Enough Time
Everyone is rushing to their destinations this Christmas, and if you don’t have enough time on your side, you’ll end up missing a good parking spot. That’s why you should always set aside enough time for the whole process.
When booking a holiday airport parking space, make sure to factor in the check-in and security clearance times at the airport. Also, remember that it can take some time to travel from the parking lot to the terminal, depending on the distance.
Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get everything done before your flight departs and avoid unnecessary stress or hassle.
No one wants to worry about their car when they’re away on vacation, so make sure you take extra steps to ensure its safety. Surviving airport parking this Christmas can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead and make the right decisions.
At One Stop Parking, you can book a parking space quickly and easily. We offer great prices and packages that meet your specific needs, so you don’t have to worry about expensive charges or hidden fees. Contact us today to book your holiday airport parking.