If you’ve ever sprinted through an airport because you spent too long circling for a parking spot, you know just how important a smooth parking experience can be. Airport parking is one of the most overlooked aspects of trip planning—but it can also be one of the easiest parts to optimize.
From long-term value to cashback rewards, here are the top airport parking hacks every frequent flyer should know.
- Choose the Right Pricing Strategy: Long-Term vs. Short-Term
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is choosing the wrong type of parking for their trip. If you’re flying out for a weekend getaway or an extended work trip, the costs can add up quickly—especially if you park in a short-term lot designed for pickup and drop-off.
Short-term lots are generally located closest to the terminal, but they can charge rates of $20–$35 per day. Over a three-day trip, you could be looking at over $100 in parking alone.
Long-term or economy lots, by contrast, offer much better rates, often as low as $8–$15 per day. These are ideal for travelers who don’t need immediate terminal access and are willing to shuttle in. Parking platforms like DriveOnPark and ParkEase allow you to compare lot types and filter for long-term options based on your airport.
- Always Pre-Book When You Can
Airports are busy—and during peak travel seasons, parking lots fill up fast. If you want to avoid circling the lots or being rerouted to offsite overflow, pre-booking is a must.
With platforms like ParkEase, you can secure your space ahead of time and get turn-by-turn directions to your reserved spot. DriveOnPark also offers smart filters so you can prioritize shuttle access, operating hours, or electric vehicle charging stations.
Most booking platforms also support integrations with mobile wallets and apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay, speeding up both entry and exit.
- Stack Cashback with Parking Apps and Gift Cards
Parking doesn’t have to be a sunk cost. If you’re using platforms like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or BestParking to reserve airport parking, you can earn rewards back by stacking deals with cashback apps.
Here’s how:
- Purchase gift cards for your favorite parking platform through Fluz, Ibotta, or Rakuten.
- Use the gift card when you check out in the parking app.
- Earn cashback from both the gift card purchase and, in some cases, the parking app itself.
Let’s say you’re parking at LAX for a four-day trip using ParkWhiz. Buying a $60 gift card via Fluz may give you 3–5% cashback instantly. Pair that with a promo code or app-specific rewards, and you’re saving money before you’ve even boarded the plane.
Before departure, you can also grab essentials from nearby Fluz merchants like CVS, Staples, or Starbucks and earn cashback along the way.
- Use Reliable Ground Transportation for Transfers
For those parking in offsite lots, make sure to check for consistent shuttle availability. Some third-party lots only offer shuttles during specific hours, which could be risky if you’re flying out early or arriving late.
In cities with unreliable airport transit, consider backup options like Commute Link or RidePro for quick, safe transfers to the terminal. These services help bridge the gap from parking to departure and ensure you’re never stuck waiting.
Whether you’re a frequent business traveler or an occasional vacationer, optimizing your airport parking can save time, money, and stress. Pre-booking with trusted platforms like ParkEase and DriveOnPark, choosing the right lot, and using cashback apps like Fluz can turn airport parking into one of the smoothest parts of your trip.
Make your next departure stress-free—because great travel starts in the parking lot.
