Thinking long-term, airport parking is a money-saver, but it appears not to be true! Have you ever parked your car in a parking lot for a week or longer and been greeted with an eye-popping bill? You are not alone. Initially, it appears like a safe and convenient choice, but behind such a promise comes a myriad of extra fees. Taxes, fees, shuttles, and even fines can add up quite quickly. Why is it so expensive to leave a car? In this blog, we will break down all of those usually neglected expenses because it’s time for you to invest your hard-earned money in things that matter. Prior to making your next long-term parking, be sure to read this because it could potentially save you a significant amount of money, stress, and time.
Why Long-Term Airport Parking Isn’t as Cheap as It Seems
Long-term parking at an airport can appear to be a cheap alternative, but the truth is a myriad of added costs behind it. Even the most apparently uncomplicated parking solutions can ironically turn out to be the most difficult and costly.
Most parking lots contain extra charges like taxes and service fees that inflate the base cost without consent. Although the majority of individuals do not pay much attention to such matters, tax and other additional pertinent payments can be disastrous when incurred during a longer parking stay. Additional fees like security or insurance can be great chisellers in the price for individuals who intend to park for fantasy vacations.
Shuttle services promise to offer transportation without extra fees, but roundtrip terminal fees might have the effect of driving up the standard parking fee paid by the customer, even if they are not technically marketed as such. Before you know it, your “cheap” parking spot is no longer a bargain.
Hidden Fees You Didn’t Know About in Long-Term Parking
Many parking lots add some type of extra charge, which makes your final receipt an expensive one. Be sure to read the fine print before you park.
- Service Fees: Most parking lots also have additional service fees that aren’t disclosed beforehand. These can cost a substantial amount of money.
- Taxes: Some parking lots charge taxes over and above the listed price. They can cause the final price to be more than anticipated.
- Shuttle Charges: While the cost of some parking lots provides free shuttles, others also charge for the trip to the airport. Make sure to double-check:
- Overtime Pickup Fees: Some companies charge additional fees for early bird and late return pickup times, which fall outside the scheduled period.
- Late Stay Fees: If your allocated parking time extends, like staying overnight, late stay fees may be incurred.
- Safety Add-ons: Additional fees for protective add-ons such as security cameras and around-the-clock watch are charged by some garages.
- Reservation Fees: A reservation fee is sometimes levied by parking websites for internet reservations, which may be small but cumulative over time.
What to Look for When Booking Airport Parking to Avoid Extra Fees
Additional or misleading charges can easily be skipped over when booking airport parking. To avoid problems during your booking, pay attention to the following elements:
- Look for Charges Not Listed: Check for additional service and booking fees. Lots of times, they are found in the caveat section.
- Provide Shuttle Services: Confirm that shuttle rides are free. Some places include transport to the airport, but not for the claimed shuttle services.
- Look for Taxes: Some parking spaces add taxes that are hidden until checkout. Look for whether those taxes need to be booked in advance.
- Fees for Overnight Stay: For long-term parking over a certain period, ask for their policies on overnight or long duration stays.
- Flexible Pickup Times: Clarify if there are any fees associated with picking up your car earlier or later than the booked time.
- Security Costs: Some places charge extra for heightened security restraints. Make sure that’s clear before booking.
- Cancellations and Refunds: Understand the process of changes and cancellations for ever-changing documents after bookings are made. In varying circumstances, fees might be routed.
Being attentive to all these details allows you to select the best parking deal you want.
Tips to Save Money on Long-Term Airport Parking
Saving money on long-term airport parking doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some simple tips to keep costs low:
- Book Early: Many parking lots offer discounts for early reservations. Booking ahead can save you money.
- Compare Prices: Check different parking options. Prices can vary a lot from one lot to another.
- Look for Coupons: Search online for parking discounts or special deals. You might find promo codes or sales.
- Use Off-Site Parking: Parking outside the airport can be cheaper. Many off-site lots offer great rates with shuttle service.
- Join Loyalty Programs: Some parking companies have rewards programs. You can earn points or discounts on future bookings.
- Dispense with Airport Hotels: Airport hotels may or may not offer parking as part of their package, but it is likely to be overpriced. Check their prices against average long-term lot rates.
- Refrain from spending additional funds on Economy Lots: If you don’t mind walking a little farther, select the economy lot; these offer lower rates, and shuttle rides offer better value.
With these instructions, you can keep your parking expenditures low while still maintaining the ease of access you desire.
Alternative Parking Options to Avoid Hidden Costs
To avoid any additional fees, look into the following parking options:
- Off-Site Parking: Off-airport lots are more cost-effective than airport-owned lots. Though they may be a shuttle ride from the terminals, savings are worth it.
- Park and Ride: Many companies provide park and ride services. One parks their vehicle at a supplied lot, and a shuttle takes them to the airport. This is a fairly priced and highly convenient option.
- Private Parking Spaces: Some people lease their driveways or private parking spaces. This offers a cost-effective solution for some people, given that there are no additional charges involved.
- Public transport: If one lives closer to the airport, the use of public transport can eliminate parking costs entirely.
- Hotel Parking Deals: A number of hotels situated around the airport have been known to offer parking deals that come with shuttle transport to the terminal, which are at times cheaper than airport parking.
- Carpooling/Ridesharing: While travelling in a group, try riding-share or carpooling. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also saves one from parking expenses altogether.
With all these alternatives considered, travelling individuals can avoid costly parking charges while arriving on schedule for their flights.
RS Express Parking: Cost-Effective Parking Approach
RS Express Parking allows customers to park without incurring hidden fees. You can conveniently park near Dublin Airport and make your flight because access to the airport is easy. Shuttle and other service fees are also absent. Tourists who want to save on parking costs can park at RS Express Parking because everything is available at a reasonable fee. So why wait? Book your space today by calling +353 83 489 6505 or support@blog.rsexpressparking.com.
FAQs
Why are long-term airport parking rates so expensive?
Long-term airport parking often includes hidden charges like service fees, taxes, shuttle, and security fees, making the final bill much higher than expected.
How can I avoid hidden fees when reserving an airport parking slot?
Always look for additional costs, check the fine print, compare different prices, understand shuttle service, security, and cancellation policies.
Does off-site parking cost less than parking at the airport?
Generally, off-site parking lots are cheaper than on-airport parking and may also offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, which adds to the savings.
What can be done to reduce airport parking expenses?
Getting the best prices requires booking, comparing prices, and requesting discount coupons and loyalty programs.
Is there any likelihood of additional charges with off-site airport parking?
While off-site parking tends to be cheaper, reading the fine print is still necessary, particularly regarding shuttle, security, and reservation fees. However, RS Express Parking promotes its prices without extras.
