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Don’t forget to do this before heading to the airport this summer

May 23, 2024
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3 min read
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Don’t forget to do this before heading to the airport this summer
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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

Summer 2024 is fast approaching, and with record crowds expected at airports over the next few months, there's no doubt it will be a busy travel season. In fact, more than 3.5 million people are expected to fly in the U.S. over Memorial Day weekend alone.

At many airports across the country, busy travel periods equal full parking lots. In the last few years, we’ve seen parking lots regularly hit capacity at numerous airports across the country, and we expect the same to happen at some destinations again this week. A few airport social media accounts are already offering some warnings to that effect.

To ensure a spot for your car at your preferred airport, plan to lock in that reservation now or in the very near future. As an added bonus, booking in advance is sometimes cheaper than the drive-up rate.

packed parking lot
A packed parking lot at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in July 2022. SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Many airports' websites have a parking reservations page where you can input the day or time you’ll arrive and indicate when you plan to leave.

This can ensure you'll have a spot and potentially also save valuable predeparture time hunting around for one.

Related: Best credit cards for booking flights

Booking in advance can save you money, too

Another thing to remember is that you can often tap into some discounts if you book your parking in advance. In some places, these savings can go as high as 50%, though that number varies from airport to airport.

For instance, by booking online instead of winging it, you could save $34.50 or more on a hypothetical two-day weekend booking in June at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

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Bottom line

When you're hustling to make a flight, the last thing you want to do is drive in circles for 20 minutes searching for an airport parking space — or not be able to get into the parking lot at all.

Airports offer the option to reserve parking spots in advance, so if you know you'll be driving to the airport, it’s a good idea to lock your space in right away. It could save you some serious money in the process.

Related reading:

Featured image by JOHN J. KIM/CHICAGO TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.