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

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.

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).

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.

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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.

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