The first question might be whether to bring your car to the airport at all. Airports used to be notorious for car thieves lurking in the shadows but today’s video surveillance and security have certainly curbed much of that. Having a car stolen is a terrible experience. It happened to me once, and I actually saw the thief drive away on the surveillance camera after the fact.
This all came as a flashback to me recently when returning from a trip and looking for my car only to find that the remote door opener was not generating any beeps. My heart sank as I thought about my afternoon plans being ruined, calling the police, having the 30 day wait period to see if the car was found … and then suddenly I realized I was on the 1st floor when I had parked on the 2nd floor. What a relief 🙂
So you are traveling and have to get to the airport… what should you do? The best and first choice may be a good (and reliable) friend to drop you off or pick you up. This gets you to the gate, and ultimately costs you some friendship points and perhaps some gas or a nice dinner (or a souvenir). If you travel every month of course, you may find that your friends won’t pick up your calls anymore and might want to consider other options.
The decision to drive or to take a shuttle or cab is often determined by how far from the airport you live and the length of time you are traveling. When we were in Austin, it was well over $100 each way for a shuttle or a taxi (no Uber in Austin). From our new home in South Florida, we are only about 20 minutes for MIA and FLL and taxis are $60 and $30 respectively and Uber about 1/2 that. We’ve not found a public transportation method that makes sense yet.
If staying at hotels, check with the hotel also to see if a free shuttle service is provided or if they can arrange a car. Of course the convenience of being dropped off at the gate with a taxi or lift is great and avoids the hassle of parking and getting to the gate from parking areas that are often quite large and can be far away from check-in. Just that can save you 1/2 hour or more at some airports.
Having your own car gives you a freedom to leave on your own when you want, and when you get back immediately have your own wheels to go where you want without delay and cost. So once you’ve decided you are taking your car, you will find that parking at the airport often has many options. These include valet, indoor garage, outside, or shuttle parking. There are also many companies that have established lots close to the airport that offer lower pricing and offer a shuttle to get to your flight and to come pick you up.
While the convenience of valet or walking from the car to your gate is a plus, this is certainly something you pay a premium for and one must decide it it’s best to spend that money here, or save it for other things on your holiday. Typically, getting to the airport a little earlier would allow one to save $5-10 a day or even more. This can add up to 100s of $ for a 10-15 minute wait depending on the length of your travel.
Things to look for with remote lots include:
- How often does the shuttle pass?
- How long is the shuttle ride?
- Is the shuttle 24 hour, or does it operate during your travel times?
- (Don’t forget that you may also be delayed for mechanical or weather reasons)
- Is the parking covered?
- Are there security cameras?
One should also plan some extra time no matter what, even if you are planning to park at the valet or at the covered parking near your gate, you may arrive and find that it’s full. There could be an accident along the way, or you may even run into car trouble. Look ahead at the airport layout on line also and see where your gate is so you can determine the best lot or at least the best side to park on.
Leave yourself a little extra time, have a backup plan in mind for parking, and you’ll get there more relaxed. Better to have an extra 30 minutes at the airport for a coffee or a drink before your flight than being too late to board, or to check your luggage. Did you know that checked luggage has to be loaded 1 hour before international flights? We didn’t know that until we once were lucky enough to get bumped in front of the line with 62 minutes before our flight!
More on luggage in a future tip …
Safe and happy travels!