12 Critical Tips to Saving on Airport Parking

Off-site, satellite, airport parking is a boon for travellers. Often they prove to be cheaper than parking lots run by airports, and online discounts and other conveniences make the option even more attractive.

Satellite parking lots face competition and so it is easy for those in the know to make big savings.

Here are some insights:

1. Keep a tab on offers

As the race for success becomes intense, all sites run attractive offers, giving away coupons or web-only deals. Many offer an e-coupon that entitles the user to a day's free parking at selected parking lots. Other offers give away a day if you park for two days or 50% off on the first day's charge.

2. Check for offers

If you are a frequent user of parking lots, check for offers where a parking operator with a major presence near airports you use offers a 50% discount if you purchase a certain number of parking vouchers online or on the phone using your credit card.

3. Check for rate variations

Many parking sites have a different rate for different parking positions. Check on the kinds of parking and rate differences.

4. Ask for rates depending on the length of stay

Rates vary so if you are going to need parking for a week then you could get a higher discount than the daily rate on offer.

5. Frequent user program

Many operators run a frequent-user program where repeat customers are offered many facilities. This is similar to frequent flier programs.

6. Discounts for motoring-organisation members

Find out if the parking lots you use offer special discounts to members of the AA, the RAC or other such organisations. In fact, AA members often save between 10 and 20% on parking. Some sites even offer the service of picking up and dropping your car from the airport terminal.

7. Do your research

Compare providers, the rates on offer, as well as facilities at the place you need to park. If you are clever you can get more for less.

8. Use the Internet to check daily and weekly offers

Before you travel use the Internet to check on daily and weekly parking offers. There are free days, discounted weekly rates, and guaranteed rates on offer at various times. You can avail the offer by making a booking online or printing out the page with a code and presenting it to the cashier at the parking lot.

9. Keep track of promotions

Do this especially during holiday seasons. Many parking lots accept coupons and give away discounts offered by consumer products.

10. Pre-book

Often pre-booking parking can get you a saving of even 60% and more.

11. Ask your hotel

Hotels often offer parking specials, so make use of the extra facility being offered by the hotel you plan to stay in.

12. Ask your travel agent

Some travel agents who book flight tickets offer advice or coupons for parking at the point of exit and entry. Ask your agent when you book your flight.

Off site parking is not just fast and convenient it can be a saving too.