Premium airport parking offers premium services and facilities compared to regular airport parking options. It is located closest to airport terminals, sometimes even connected via covered walkways or shuttle services. Premium parking facilities provide travelers with services like valet parking, car washing, oil changes, luggage assistance, and airport shuttle transportation.
Premium lots are designed to maximize convenience and minimize stress for travelers. They cater especially to frequent business travelers who value time-saving and luxury on their journeys. Premium parking garages offer security features like 24/7 video surveillance, gated entries, and security patrols. Some facilities even have amenities like WiFi lounges, conference rooms, and luggage storage.
Unlike regular airport parking which is self-serve and sparse on services, premium parking aims to provide an all-inclusive, luxury experience for discerning travelers. Premium facilities are staffed 24/7 and aim to anticipate customers’ needs proactively. The goal is to remove hassles like finding a spot, lugging luggage, and catching a shuttle so travelers can focus on their flights instead of parking.
Why Choose Premium Airport Parking?
There are several key reasons travelers choose premium airport parking over regular parking facilities:
1. Convenience
Premium parking offers unmatched convenience compared to regular airport lots. Premium facilities are located just steps from airport terminals, eliminating lengthy shuttle rides or walking required with remote economy lots. Many premium services like valet parking or luggage assistance also maximize convenience for travelers.
2. Security
Security is a major perk of premium parking. Facilities feature gated, well-lit garages under 24/7 camera surveillance and frequent patrols by security guards. Keycard garage access and optional valet service also minimize security risks. Premium parking provides peace of mind for travelers that their vehicles are safe.
3. Time-saving
For rushed business travelers or families on vacation, premium parking can save valuable time. The proximity to terminals cuts shuttle transfer times significantly. Valet parking elimates the need to find a spot altogether. Pre-booking options minimize time spent parking on arrival. Premium parking allows flyers to maximize time savings and minimize parking headaches.
4. Extra Services
From car washes and oil changes while traveling to luggage assistance and airport lounge access, premium parking offers a wide array of extra services regular lots simply don’t provide. For a premium price, travelers can enjoy door-to-door service and hotel-like amenities to simplify travel.
How to Book a Premium Airport Parking Spot?
Booking premium parking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee a spot. There are a few ways travelers can secure a premium parking reservation:
1. Online Booking
Most premium parking operators allow online reservations via their website. Travelers select the dates needed and book a spot instantly online. Many also offer online-exclusive discounts on booking. Online booking provides quick, 24/7 access to premium parking reservations.
2. Phone Booking
Calling the premium parking facility and speaking to a reservations agent is another booking option. This allows travelers to ask questions and get personalized advice from staff. Phone booking also provides access to promotions not available online.
3. Walk-in Booking
Some premium lots allow drive-up bookings without reservations, but availability is not guaranteed, especially during peak travel times. Walk-in booking works best for travelers with flexible schedules who don’t need a guaranteed spot.
Advance booking via website or phone is recommended to secure a spot at preferred premium parking facilities. Last-minute bookings are usually much more expensive if even available.
What are the Features of Premium Airport Parking?
There are several premium features travelers can enjoy at premium airport parking facilities:
1. Close Proximity to Terminal
Unlike remote economy lots, premium parking facilities are located just steps or a short shuttle ride from airport terminals for maximum travel convenience. Some are even connected to terminals via indoor walkways.
2. 24/7 Surveillance
State-of-the-art security features like closed-circuit cameras, gated entries, and regular patrols by security guards provide secure, stress-free parking.
3. Valet Service
For ultimate travel luxury, valet service eliminates having to find a spot at all. Travelers simply pull up, hand over keys, and head straight into the terminal.
4. Car Wash and Maintenance Services
Many premium lots offer car washes, oil changes, tire rotations and more while travelers are away so their vehicle is road-trip ready upon return.
5. Shuttle Service
Even premium lots not connected to terminals via walkways provide frequent, convenient shuttle transportation so travelers don’t have to walk or take public transport with luggage.
6. Pre-booking Option
Securing a guaranteed spot in advance is a key perk travelers appreciate compared to driving around hoping for an open spot.
7. Dedicated Customer Support
Premium facilities provide dedicated support teams ready to handle parking, reservations, and any other travel issues promptly via phone, text, email, or in person.
8. Flexible Payment Options
Premium parking allows various payment options like credit card, debit card, mobile pay, corporate billing accounts to maximize convenience.
9. Frequent Flyer or Loyalty Program Benefits
Many premium parking operators offer rewards programs giving discounts and free parking to frequent travelers.
10. Accessibility for Disabled Passengers
Premium parking offers wheelchair assistance, priority disabled parking, and escorts to improve accessibility for disabled passengers.
What are the Costs of Premium Airport Parking?
Premium parking comes at a premium price compared to regular airport self-parking. According to The Parking Spot, the average daily rate for premium airport parking in the United States is $45. Rates vary significantly by airport, demand, and length of stay. The average hourly premium parking rate is $8-12 with a maximum daily rate around $75 for high-demand airports like LAX. Monthly parking at premium lots averages $250-$500.
Valet parking is an even more expensive premium option with average daily rates of $60-$100 depending on the airport. For example, daily valet parking at Miami International Airport costs $75 while LAX charges $95/day. Offsite valet parking is usually cheaper than terminal-attached options.
When pricing premium versus regular parking, travelers should weigh the convenience against costs. For a 1-2 week vacation, premium parking could add $100-$300 versus economy parking a shuttle ride away. Frequent business travelers may find premium parking worth the 5-10X higher daily rates given the time savings and luxury perks.
How to Save Money on Premium Airport Parking?
Though premium parking is pricey, there are ways savvy travelers can save:
1. Early Booking
Booking early, especially for longer stays, can yield significant discounts of 10-25% off drive-up rates. Last-minute bookings will have little to no discounts.
2. Use of Promo Codes and Discounts
Many premium lots run promotional discounts and coupon codes which travelers can take advantage of by booking directly via the company website.
3. Joining Loyalty Programs
Frequent parking at a single premium provider and joining their loyalty program can earn free parking stays and priority access for heavy travelers.
4. Comparing Prices Online
Travelers can use comparison search engines to find the lowest price among multiple premium parking providers for their trip dates. Comparison shopping ensures the best rate.
Comparing premium parking rates, booking in advance, and utilizing coupons and loyalty programs can partially offset the higher prices of premium parking. The extra services and luxury may balance out the costs for many travelers regardless.
Premium Airport Parking vs Regular Airport Parking: Which is Better?
When choosing between premium and regular airport parking, travelers must weigh factors like cost, convenience, amenities, and length of trip:
- For short 1-3 day trips with just carry-on luggage, regular airport parking can suffice to save significant costs over premium.
- For long 1-2+ week trips with checked bags, premium parking likely justifies the higher price through sheer convenience.
- For business travelers making frequent short trips, premium parking offers worthwhile timesaving benefits and luxury perks regular parking lacks.
- Cost-conscious families may still prefer regular parking on vacation and tolerate a bit less convenience to pocket significant savings.
- Vehicles needing maintenance like oil changes are better served by premium lots that offer these and other extra services.
- Travelers with mobility limitations benefit most from premium parking’s proximity to terminals, valet service, wheelchair assistance and more.
Overall, premium parking best serves frequent business travelers and anyone prioritizing maximum convenience and luxury for a long trip. Regular parking fits most cost-conscious travelers willing to sacrifice some luxury for the savings. Travel circumstances and priorities determine whether premium airport parking’s benefits warrant the higher prices compared to regular parking.
Conclusion
Premium airport parking provides travelers with an array of luxury amenities and services designed for maximum travel convenience. From covered garages to valet service to baggage assistance, premium facilities aim to remove every parking frustration. The price is steep, but frequent business travelers find the time savings and luxury perks well worth the premium price. With growing airline traffic and busier travel schedules, demand for premium airport parking and its unmatched convenience will only increase in the coming years. Savvy travelers need to weigh costs against benefits, travel needs, and frequency to decide whether premium airport parking is a wise investment over regular parking.