10 Smart Ways to Cut Your Airport Parking Costs

10 Smart Ways to Cut Your Airport Parking Costs – As airport parking fees soar across the country—some jumping as much as 50%—travelers are feeling the sting of airport parking. I will never forget a recent cruise I took, and when I came back, I found out the parking for the week plus trip was $220. I about fell out of my chair. Sometimes the parking can cost more than the airline ticket. Whether you’re a road warrior or an occasional flyer, here are 10 tried-and-true ways to slash your airport parking bill:

1. Book Parking Online in Advance – Many airports and third-party websites offer discounted rates for reserving parking online ahead of time—often saving 20% or more versus drive-up prices.

 2. Use Off-Site Parking Lots –  Private off-airport lots typically cost 30-50% less than airport-run garages and often include free shuttles to your terminal.

 3. Compare Parking Options with Apps – Use apps like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or The Parking Spot to compare nearby parking lots, read reviews, and lock in lower rates.

 4. Try Hotel Park & Fly Packages –  Even if you’re not staying the night, many airport hotels offer parking + shuttle packages for cheaper than long-term airport lots.

 5. Consider Local Transit or Rideshare (Sometimes) –  For short trips, rideshare can still be cheaper—especially with parking prices nearing $30+ per day at major airports. Always run the math.

 6. Leverage Frequent Parker Programs –  Airports like Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver offer loyalty programs that award free parking days or discounts. Sign up if you travel regularly.

 7. Use Credit Cards with Travel Perks –  Some premium travel credit cards offer parking discounts or reimbursements as part of their travel benefits.

 8. Carpool to the Airport –  Split the cost of airport parking with a friend or co-worker if you’re flying together or live nearby.

 9. Avoid Premium or “Hourly” Lots –  Unless you need to be right at the terminal, avoid premium garages. Economy lots are often half the price, with only a short shuttle ride.

 10. Know the Parking Rate Increases –  Stay ahead of the game. Cities like Atlanta, Richmond, and Denver have all recently hiked rates. Always check the airport’s website for updated pricing.

 BONUS – Have Enterprise pick you up and rent a car to drop off at the airport – This is aggressive, but for someone living in Lincoln, NE, and departing from the Omaha airport, you can have Enterprise Car Rental pick you up from home and take you to the car rental office. You rent the car and drive it to Omaha and drop it off at the airport. My guess this will cost you about $60 compared to a 10 day parking fee of $220. 

Bonus Tip: At some airports, valet parking is now competitively priced—especially if you’re only gone a day or two. Don’t rule it out without checking! If you’ve found a parking hack you love, reply and let us know—we may feature it in next week’s alert.