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Anyone who has ever taken his or her car to the airport will already be familiar with the challenge that finding a good airport parking space presents. After hunting through packed lots for what seems an eternity, you finally find that elusive space in a grimy, dimly lit section of the lot, miles away from where you started. Worse yet, it's check-in time, and you don't have a clue as to what terminal you are now in. By the time that you have finally paid for the space, and made it to the proper terminal, your flight's last boarding call is being issued, and you have no choice but to run for the gate at top speed. Some advance planning could have saved you both time and aggravation.

Anyone who has ever taken his or her car to the airport will already be familiar with the challenge that finding a good airport parking space presents. After hunting through packed lots for what seems an eternity, you finally find that elusive space in a grimy, dimly lit section of the lot, miles away from where you started. Worse yet, it's check-in time, and you don't have a clue as to what terminal you are now in. By the time that you have finally paid for the space, and made it to the proper terminal, your flight's last boarding call is being issued, and you have no choice but to run for the gate at top speed. Some advance planning could have saved you both time and aggravation.

Most airports have designated short and long-term parking areas. If you are only dropping someone off, picking someone up, or planning on being away for a few hours at most, you will be using the short-term parking facilities. Short-term parking may seem pretty straightforward, but the reality is that competition for available spaces can be fairly intense, and the hourly rate is often quite high. As a result, many people end up idling their cars at the curbside, parking in forbidden zones, or driving around in continuous loops, while waiting for their loved ones' plane to arrive.

Many larger airports have begun offering passengers and their families alternatives to standard parking in an attempt to alleviate the problem, and relieve traffic congestion in the surrounding area. These alternatives include free cell-phone parking lots, quick shuttle links to off-site lots, and special, reduced rate parking lots.

If you are the one who is traveling, and plan to leave your car parked at the airport for more than just a few hours, you should look into what long-term parking options are available. While reservations are usually not required for shorter stays, taking the time to make one in advance helps to guarantee that you will have a space in a convenient spot when you arrive. Should you be planning on leaving your car parked at the lot for several weeks, reservations are usually mandatory. Even if they are not, it important to advise the car park personnel when you expect to be coming back. They need to know that the car has not been abandoned.

Privately run, off-site parking lots can be an excellent alternative to parking directly at the airport. These types of parking lots often provide their customers with competitively priced parking in secure, well-lit, fenced in lots. Shuttles are also provided to and from the airport. The customer usually has the choice between between valet service and parking their cars themselves. Additional services, such as car cleaning and interior shampooing are sometimes available at an extra charge. Most private lots offer both long and short-term parking.

The key to successful airport parking lies in knowing what your options are. If you take the time to find out what is available before you leave for the airport, you can ensure a smooth start to your trip.