5 Reasons Why You Should Never Park at the Airport

Going to the airport is one of the most frequent things a travel enthusiast does.

However, even among seasoned travelers, there is a fairly heated debate about which is the best means of transportation to get to the airport.

Some people like to use their own car and park it at the airport parking lot, but in this article we will look at some reasons why you should always avoid this solution.

1. It’s Not the Cheapest Option

Plane flies over the parking lot

How much you pay for airport parking depends on the type of parking you select.

It will usually cost more the longer you leave your car at the airport, and that’s why in general it’s preferable to use alternate modes of transportation for longer trips.

For short trips you can consider consider getting to the airport by public transportation (bus, train or subway) or by cab.

Always weighing your options and calculating the expenses, but I can already tell you that in terms of price it will hardly be worth leaving the car at the airport parking.

2. Thefts Are Quite Frequent

Car with a broken window

Many people have the false perception that airports are the safest places in the world.

Maybe it’s true after security checks but you still have to be careful, especially with thieves.

I don’t know if you have noticed, but some airport parking lots have a sign telling you not to leave valuables in your car.

This means that thefts have probably occurred and that the airport will not cover any damage to or theft from your car.

Obviously, it’s best practice to never leave valuables in plain sight wherever you are, but parking security in many airports (especially the smaller ones) is extremely limited.

3. It Can Be More Inconvenient Than You Think

jfk airport parking
JFK airport parking

When we think of airport parking, we also think that it’s the easiest and most convenient choice.

This isn’t always true, and if you’ve ever parked at the airport you should know that.

Yes, it’s convenient to know that your car will be waiting for you when you get off your flight, but it might not be that simple.

A lot of airport parking lots and garages are massive buildings, especially at major international airports.

You may have to walk a considerable distance to find a parking spot, and it’s easy to get lost, which can become very stressful if you have little time before your flight.

4. There May be Traffic Jams

Parking lot entry

If you have to go to an airport that is not easily accessible by public transportation, many passengers might opt for a car.

This could cause a lot of traffic jams, especially during peak periods such as summer or during the Christmas vacations, or certain times of the day

In addition, consider that basically all large airports have congested entry and exit points, so you have to leave early enough.

5. You Often Find Damage to Your Car

Scratched car side

When people arrive at the airport, they are often in a hurry, often driving a rental car that is not their own, and therefore small accidents can be common.

Several passengers have shared their misadventures on social media, and many complained of finding dents, scratched doors, and cracked windows when they returned from their trip.

If you have a new and expensive car perhaps it is best to keep it safe at home. Try to make alternative arrangements like having a friend or family member drive you or using other means of transportation.

Hello, I'm Francesco. I’m a travel blogger who loves sharing stories about my journeys and offering helpful tips to future travelers. I started writing about cruises over 10 years ago, but I’m also passionate about adventure, art, and nature trips.

Leave a Comment