Tips from experts on parking woes.
Flight disruption is an everyday reality for fliers. Flights get canceled or delayed for various reasons, not limited to staff shortages and weather problems. In the U.K., a major air traffic technical glitch had far-reaching effects all over Europe and stranded thousands on busy summer days. Close to home, Hurricane Idalia shut down Tampa International Airport in Florida with over 200 cancellations for Southwest and 300 combined for Delta, American, and United.
When this happens, passengers try to rebook, get airlines to compensate for meals and hotels, write to their credit card or insurance companies, and just try to get home.
But if you have a car parked with the meter running, it’s another thing to figure out.
Check For Refunds
Fliers have the option of using airport parking services and parking reservation companies. You’ll have to shop around a bit to compare what best suits your need, but whether you choose to park at the airport or a private lot/hotel, make sure you ask about their refunds and cancellations.
At San Antonio International Airport in Texas, the charges start at $3 for an hour and it’s $10 per day for short-term parking. Fliers can leave their car for a maximum of 30 days for $16 per day.
“Typically, the policy allows for a full refund if the reservation is canceled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time. However, some services may have different rules for cancellations made within 24 hours,” Vitaly Vinogradov, Founder and CEO of CheapAirportParking, says.
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Modify ASAP
You should reserve a spot in advance to save a couple of dollars and ensure you know where you’re going to be leaving your car. And in case your flight gets canceled or delayed before you leave home, contact the parking service or edit your reservation (if that’s possible) as soon as you know.
“If your arriving flight is canceled, in most cases, the lot will just continue to charge you. However, notifying the service is still a good idea,” Vinogradov recommends.
At Oakland Airport, you can edit or cancel your reservation up to four hours in advance. If you’re delayed in getting to your car, you will be charged extra—you can’t extend it after your entry time or after you have entered the lot.
However, other airports and services may have different policies. CheapAirportParking offers a full refund if the flight is canceled, and only deducts service charge if someone cancels their reservation within 24 hours.
If your new arrival flight is landing less than a day later, ask the parking lot to extend your reservation for a 12-hour period, he recommends. “This avoids you having to pay another full 24 hours. Not all parking services might allow this but it never hurts to ask.”
Related: These U.S. Airports Have the Worst Cancellation and Delay Records
Cover Your Parking
Is there an added cancellation cover? It might be worth looking into if your plans aren’t fixed, if the weather is unpredictable when you’re flying, or if the airline you booked with is having troubles.
Scott Keyes, founder of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), reminds that in some cases, your credit card may reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses if your flight is delayed or canceled. “The policies vary, though, so the quickest way to check is to Google the name of your credit card plus ‘travel protections’.”
He also suggests booking a Park-and-Fly package at an airport hotel. “These packages often let you pay a flat-rate for a 1-night stay (at either end of your trip) and free parking for the duration you’re gone.”