Question

Can you park at the airport without a reservation?

Yes, you can park at most airports without a reservation. Still, a parking spot isn’t guaranteed as most onsite lots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The lots can fill up quickly or charge exorbitant drive-up rates during peak travel periods.

The risks of showing up at onsite parking lots without a reservation

You’re taking a chance with your travel schedule when you arrive at an airport without pre-booking a parking spot. If the terminal garages are full or any lots close to your terminal are filled up, your only onsite options are at the distant economy lots or an expensive valet parking lot. If you are traveling during peak seasons, chances are high that these lots may be filled up too.

Even if you get an onsite parking spot at the last minute, you will have to pay a hefty parking fee. Onsite airport garages/lot dones’t provide drive-up discounts, so the daily parking rates can quickly add up during extended trips.

Why reserving an offsite parking spot in advance is better

Reserving your parking spot at an offsite lot nearby eliminates the uncertainty of airport travel. Pre-booking an offsite parking spot has some advantages:

• Guaranteed parking spot: Reserving in advance ensures you have a parking spot waiting for you on travel day, eliminating the need to circle crowded airport lots.
• Lowest parking rates: Offsite parking lots generally cost 40% to 60% less than the onsite airport lots, resulting in significant savings on multi-day trips.
• Free shuttle service: Reputable offsite lots offer free round-trip shuttles running every 10-15 minutes, dropping you off directly in front of your terminal.
• Enhanced security: Dedicated offsite lots offer gated perimeter security, 24/7 camera surveillance, and onsite staff patrols to keep your vehicle safe.

Total booking flexibility and peace of mind

Reserving in advance doesn’t mean that there will be a hassle if your travel plans change. If you have reserved your parking spot via Way, you can cancel your parking reservation for free even a minute before the check-in time. Even if your flight is delayed or rescheduled, you can easily modify or extend your parking reservation directly via the app. This flexibility offers you full control without the risk of wasting your parking fee.

How to reserve an offsite parking spot via Way

• Open the Way app or visit Way.com.
• Click the “Parking” icon and enter your preferred airport, travel dates, check-in time, and check-out time.
• Browse the list of offsite lots offering affordable and safe parking near your preferred airport.
• You can sort the listings using the “Cheapest” or “Closest” filter option. You can further filter results by price range, parking type, distance to the airport, ratings, and amenities.
• Once you choose your preferred lot, click the “Reserve/Book Now” button. Use the “Total Price” toggle to view the exact total price you will pay.
• On the checkout page, enter all required information, including vehicle details, and complete your payment using a debit/credit card or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
• You will receive an instant confirmation email once payment is complete. Check the “My Orders” tab to view your reservation details if you booked via the Way app.