Here are some ways to save time, money, and aggravation if you want to park at an airport. Airport parking can be difficult in peak travel times, such as just before and after a holiday. At many airports, you can park just outside the airport and ride their free shuttle to and from your terminal, getting better service at a significantly lower cost. More importantly, many of these off-airport parking services will let you call ahead or go online to reserve a spot and have peace of mind, knowing that you can simply pull up and leave your car rather than drive around a crowded airport parking lot hoping to find a legal parking spot. Click here for a list of these airport parking facilities:

Long Term Parking: This web site not only lists off-airport parking facilities by state and city airport, but also includes their address, phone number, directions, a map, services available (valet parking, car wash, etc.), and provides printable discount coupons and online reservations. Where the parking is provided by a nearby hotel, make sure you are reserving parking rather than a hotel reservation. Follow the instructions on each parking facility’s page – don’t just print the coupon; you need to click on the link on the facility’s page to enter your reservation.Avistar has facilities adjacent to many airports, and their web page makes it easy to check rates and reserve parking at any of their locations. You can reserve online, and get maps, directions, and a local traffic report for where you will be parking.

There are a few other parking websites out there, and many of them work by charging you a deposit to hold a reservation, which includes a flat fee of few dollars (generally 3 or 5 dollars) to support their own operations. They are a convenience if you don’t luck out at the other parking sites I’ve mentioned, but because you aren’t dealing directly with the company that is providing the service, you are adding a middleman to the process that can complicate matters in the event that you need to cancel or change your reservation or if some other surprise comes up. One such site, which is pretty easy to use, is Airport Parking Reservations. You select your airport from their list of 65 airports, and they will list the affiliated parking facilities that are nearby. Enter the dates and times you plan to arrive and return at the parking facilities, and their system will let you know which facilities are available, how much of a deposit you need to pay now (plus their $5 fee), and how much you will have to pay at the parking lot. Taxes and fees are included in their calculations. Be sure to print your online reservation/receipt and bring it with you so that your deposit and reservation are honored and credited against your parking fees.

Please note that we are not affiliated with the companies mentioned in this article. Bon Voyage!