When going on a trip, a lot of people opt for parking at the airport. However, airport parking is actually not a great option for your wallet, or for your car.
First, it’s very expensive compared to other options out there.
For instance, long-term parking for John F. Kennedy airport is $18 per day — and for a week-long trip, that adds up to $126. The most expensive airport parking is at London Heathrow Airport, where you can spend up to $244, Forbes noted.
This added expense may have been, at one time, very necessary depending on where you live. But with the advent of rideshares like Uber and Lyft, not to mention expanding mass transit, driving yourself to the airport seems to be becoming a thing of the past.
In addition, there is a risk that you could return to a damaged car. Not all airport lots are covered, leaving your vehicle exposed to the elements. Plus, there’s no accounting for other drivers accidentally scratching doors, denting bumpers, or cracking windows.
Instead of parking at the airport, there are actually a lot of good alternatives. Besides mass transit and Uber, travelers can also opt for a Park-Sleep-Fly option that lets you park your car in a safe parking lot at a nearby hotel in exchange for one overnight stay. This gives you a more competitive rate for your parking.
Plus, there are websites that can search for off-site parking spots that are still as convenient and come at a much cheaper rate.
