Airport parking crisis? How to save money while securing a space
As travel bounces back to pre-pandemic levels, we've already seen expensive flights, scarce rental cars and limited hotel rooms affect those looking to get away.
Now, due to an increase in the number of those flying, combined with more of those travelers driving themselves to the airport than before, parking is the latest part of the travel infrastructure to feel the strain.
Sold-out airport lots and price increases have been reported across the country, with dire warnings about limited availability ahead for the busy Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season. Here's what you're likely to find when you pull into the airport this summer -- and how to ensure your car has a place to park.
Sold-out airport parking and increasing prices across the country
In a May 10 press release, San Francisco International Airport warned its customers that “SFO expects parking garages to be at or near capacity during the summer travel season.” To make matters worse, one Park ‘N Fly lot near SFO was just sold last week to a shopping mall developer for $85 million, taking 1,840 spaces off the market and further hurting supply. Doug Yakel, public information officer at the airport, told The Points Guy "while parking rarely sells out, given the anticipated traffic, we recommend guests book their parking at least one week prior to the start of their trip."
Other airports are facing a parking surge as well.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) shared via its Twitter account on May 16 that "Sunday was our busiest day at the TSA checkpoints since early 2020 ... This means you need to arrive early and plan your parking ahead of time at parking.flylax.com especially as the Memorial Day holiday nears!"
The Port of Seattle issued a parking alert for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 15: "The SEA parking garage is near capacity and continues to be extra busy this weekend. Please allow extra time to find a parking spot or consider alternate transportation." This increase in demand comes despite SEA raising airport parking rates by 7% in March.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport raised its parking rates 10%-25% in February for its garages, with Greg Roybal, public information officer for the airport, telling The Arizona Republic "the increase is due to high demand for parking."
During at least the last two months running, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has reported on a nearly daily basis via its Twitter account that some or all of its airport parking facilities had reached capacity and were temporarily closing. It suggests travelers allow extra time before their flights to deal with the parking situation.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) reopened a 1,400-space express parking area last week to meet increased demand. The lot had been closed since March 2020.
Last week, the Dallas City Council approved increases in parking fees of up to 44% at the Southwest Airlines hub Dallas Love Field (DAL). According to local outlet WFAA, Mark Duebner, the city's director of aviation, requested the increase because "As customer demand returns to pre-pandemic levels, parking rates need to be adjusted to reduce demand” as they’ve seen “parking availability dwindle.”
At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the situation is compounded by large-scale construction on a new international terminal that has taken multiple parking garage areas offline. The remaining on-site garages at IAH, especially at Terminal C, have already sold out multiple times in recent months.
Related: Tips to deal with a 'sold-out summer'
Strategies to deal with airport parking shortages
Reserve a spot ahead of time
Much like how you can no longer wait until the last minute to book your rental car, the same is true with airport parking spots. You can't assume there will just be an available spot at the airport -- especially during peak travel times.
Reserving a spot in advance (even on the day of your flight) not only secures you a coveted spot. You may potentially get it at a lower rate. For example, at IAH there are days the garages sell out. However, if you book online in advance you can still save 33% on the regular rates during weekdays and up to 50% off on the weekends.
While on-site parking may have the most acute space and demand constraints, even off-site parking lots can sell out. Be sure to use their reservation systems when available. Signing up for an airport or off-site airport parking app (like Park 'N Fly) can also provide discounts and special deals on top of ensuring you have a spot and managing shuttle service on the go.
San Francisco Airport suggests “travelers book parking early using SFO’s online booking system, which allows users to choose their parking dates and times and enter payment information.” If you don't have reservations, you should check ahead on the airport website or Twitter feed, where you may see alerts about parking capacity and shut-downs.
Expand your parking search off-site
Off-site airport parking can provide cheaper rates in exchange for dealing with a longer shuttle ride to reach the airport.
Increased parking rates are encouraging new entries and expansions in the airport-adjacent parking market. Around SFO, I’ve seen multiple new parking areas open in the past year. However, before booking with any off-site location, and particularly new offerings, carefully look at their shuttle service options and hours, and read user reviews of the parking lot service.
When booking alternate lots in my eternal quest for deals, I've had to deal with slow or unavailable shuttle service and some lots located in questionable areas. However, sometimes all it takes is 10 extra minutes of a shuttle service each way to save some cash and have access to an expanded list of parking options.
Use public transportation
While accessing and riding public transit with a full set of luggage is never fun, it will be significantly cheaper than any other option (aside from having a friend drop you off).
For example, BART trains from Oakland to SFO cost about $12, while a morning trip via Lyft, when available, is estimated at $70 (but actual prices can be higher) and taxis can run more than $100. Going by train from New York's Penn Station to Newark Liberty International (EWR) via NJ Transit, connecting to the AirTrain, will cost you $15.25 each way for an adult ticket, which may well be much more affordable than the $38-per-day rate for the on-airport lot.
Stay at an airport-adjacent hotel the night before your trip
Some hotels near airports offer free or greatly discounted parking at their lots for guests. Particularly if you’re going on a longer trip, parking your car for a week or two at an airport hotel will more than make up for the price of one room night.
Websites such as ParkSleepFly.com also make hotel parking available without a hotel room for rates starting at just a few dollars per day in some locations, which can help if you run into shortages at the airport itself.
Airport hotels generally have reliable shuttle service to the airport to serve their customers, many of whom are traveling airline staff members. I’ve personally saved money using this strategy multiple times at hotels near SFO.
Bottom line
Whether you want to save time with on-airport parking or search for discounted off-airport parking, like with everything else, there are ways to save money and time.
Regardless of your strategy, you should plan ahead for parking your car (or using alternate transport) at the airport this summer so you aren't left scrambling looking for a spot or a ride as the minutes before boarding tick by.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.