12 Critical Tips to Saving on Airport Parking

Off-site, satellite, airport parking is a boon for travellers. Often they prove to be cheaper than car parks run by airports, and online discounts and other conveniences make the option even more attractive.

Satellite car parks face competition and so it is easy for those in the know to make big savings.

Here are some insights:

1. Keep a tab on offers
As the race for success becomes intense, all sites run attractive offers, giving away coupons or web-only deals. Many offer an e-coupon that entitles the user to a day's free parking at selected car parks. Other offers give away a day if you park for two days or 50% off on the first day's charge.

2. Check for offers
If you are a frequent user of car parks, check for offers where a parking operator with a major presence near airports you use offers a 50% discount if you purchase a certain number of parking vouchers online or on the phone using your credit card.

3. Check for rate variations
Many parking sites have a different rate for different parking positions. Check on the kinds of parking and rate differences.

4. Ask for rates depending on the length of stay
Rates vary so if you are going to need parking for a week then you could get a higher discount than the daily rate on offer.

5. Frequent user program
Many operators run a frequent-user program where repeat customers are offered many facilities. This is similar to frequent flier programs.

6. Discounts for motoring-organisation members
Find out if the car parks you use offer special discounts to members of the AA, the RAC or other such organisations. In fact, AA members often save between 10 and 20% on parking. Some sites even offer the service of picking up and dropping your car from the airport terminal.

7. Do your research
Compare providers, the rates on offer, as well as facilities at the place you need to park. If you are clever you can get more for less.

8. Use the Internet to check daily and weekly offers
Before you travel use the Internet to check on daily and weekly parking offers. There are free days, discounted weekly rates, and guaranteed rates on offer at various times. You can avail the offer by making a booking online or printing out the page with a code and presenting it to the cashier at the car park.

9. Keep track of promotions
Do this especially during holiday seasons. Many car parks accept coupons and give away discounts offered by consumer products.

10. Pre-book
Often pre-booking parking can get you a saving of even 60% and more.

11. Ask your hotel
Hotels often offer parking specials, so make use of the extra facility being offered by the hotel you plan to stay in.

12. Ask your travel agent
Some travel agents who book flight tickets offer advice or coupons for parking at the point of exit and entry. Ask your agent when you book your flight.

Off site parking is not just fast and convenient it can be a saving too.