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If you’re planning a getaway and want to drive to the airport, you probably already know that parking isn’t cheap. For that reason, you may have looked into other alternatives, like carpooling, ride-sharing or taxi.

 

However, if you plan accordingly, you can save hundreds of dollars on airport parking while also getting to indulge in the convenience this option brings.

1. Advance Booking

Prices for parking at the airport vary based on multiple factors, but booking in advance can ensure you get the lowest price possible for your airport of choice. Even last-minute flyers should book in advance because you’ll always pay less than what you would at the airport. 

 

To book your parking spot, call the airport or buy a space as an add-on to your purchased ticket. Buying a parking spot at the same time as your ticket will save you even more money.

2. Check Hotels

A few airport adjacent hotels offer incentives to book a stay with them, like free or discounted parking near the airport. For example, if you want to park near Nashville Airport, you can find hotels, like Avid Hotel Nashville, that offer cheap parking spot rates via OneStopParking.

 

Many hotels will offer you a parking spot for a small fee without you needing to stay overnight. Qualifying hotels also provide free shuttles or busses that drive you right to the airport.

3. Online Discounts

Most airports, official parking, and comparison websites will offer incredible deals periodically. If you find a website you like that offers great deals, sign up for their online newsletter and mailing lists so you continue to receive deals, cashback incentives, and discounts according to wetten.com

 

Make sure you visit these sites using a VPN or an incognito browser, or airports will charge you more based on your IP address. You can also remove your cookie cache after each visit.

4. Social Media Accounts

Airports and third-party discount websites will use social media to give exclusive deals to their followers. It pays to follow these accounts because you’ll receive scheduled updates on other important matters, like flight risks, cancellations, and changes/updates to TSA protocols.

 

At the same time, social media can open the door to impulse spending. While you’re unlikely to spend frivolously on tickets, you may buy a ticket upgrade or air-travel item you later regret. 

5. Credit Card Rewards

Travel credit cards can be a great addition to your wallet if you fly frequently with a specific airline. Many of these credit cards allow you to earn rewards on travel purchases and offer sky-high signup bonuses. Some travel cards will enter you into draws for free trips or add-ons.

 

Alternatively, you could sign up for an Air Miles Credit Card, which earns you miles for each dollar amount you spend. It’ll take a while, but you’ll eventually be able to use your points for parking.

6. Frequent Flyer Miles

Parking garages and airlines across the United States offer deals on parking for travelers who regularly fly through the frequent-flyer program. Frequent flyer membership programs are only usable for a single airline, so you’ll need to be loyal to a specific company.

 

The more you book and fly with a company, the more points you earn. The longer you stay with an airport, the better your discounts will be. However, this will limit your airline options.

7. Avoid Peak Periods

The easiest way to save money on parking is by avoiding peak periods, like Christmas and Summer. Parking in Spring and Fall can be less than half the price of busier seasons, like Winter. Try to avoid holidays or events that center around school and college. 

 

When booking an international flight, research what events are taking place during that month. Sometimes the price of your departure ticket will rise based on culture-specific holidays.