This Strategy Can Save You Money on Airport Parking Costs

Travel costs add up quickly. Even if you set a vacation budget and plan well, additional costs can creep up on you, making your trip even more expensive. One cost many people forget to factor into their budget is airport parking fees. 

If you're not hitching a ride to the airport or using public transportation, airport parking costs can be high. Here's how to save money on airport parking fees so you have more money to spend once you arrive at your destination. 

You may be able to get a deal on airport parking 

As a frequent traveler, I usually avoid leaving my car at the airport. Since I'm often gone for two or three weeks at a time, airport parking costs can easily cost me hundreds of dollars. Driving and parking my car is the most ideal option for an upcoming trip I have scheduled, however. So I found a solution that will allow me to save a significant amount of money on this travel expense. 

My airport keeps increasing its parking rates. It's undergoing extensive repairs and upgrades, so I assume that rising parking prices are helping to fund these projects. The continued price increases are frustrating. But I learned that by making a parking reservation online and pre-paying for this expense, I can save a lot of money and get a better deal. 

I'll need to park my car for 10 days during my next trip. Usually, I'd pay $15 per day or $150 to park in my preferred lot, the second cheapest parking offering available. The lowest-tier lot has minimal parking slots, no shuttle, and a long walk to the airport. I'll pay $12 per day by pre-booking instead of $15. That means I'm looking at a $120 expense instead of $150. 

By taking an extra moment out of my day to book parking, I saved myself $30. On recent rides home from the airport this year, I paid between $46 and $67 for an Uber ride. That is the cost paid before leaving a tip. For this trip, driving and parking will be cheaper than using Uber. 

While not available everywhere, some airports offer discounts like this. You may want to see if this service is available at your home airport the next time you need to park your car while on vacation. It could help you reduce your spending and make your travel experience easier. 

Another way to save on parking costs

If this isn't available or onsite airport parking fees exceed your budget, there may be other ways to save money. Another solution to consider is parking at nearby offsite parking lots. Many companies provide more affordable parking options and will take you to and from the airport via shuttle at no extra cost. You may want to see if this strategy could help you park your car while on vacation without depleting the funds in your bank account. 

Consider additional travel costs as you plan for your next trip 

Airport parking costs are one of many additional expenses that could quickly drive up the price of a vacation. Be sure to budget for these costs so you're not in for a surprise. When paying for travel costs, consider using a travel credit card to earn rewards on your spending. For additional ways to save money, check out our personal finance resources.