Many of the best airfares are for flights departing early in the morning. For flights like these, a park and fly hotel option might make a lot more sense than long-term airport parking for your budget, convenience, and comfort. If you have a flight that departs very early in the morning or arrives late at night, a park and fly hotel is especially appealing, made more so if home is a long drive from the airport. it makes even more sense when you are traveling with kids.
How It Works
Consider the following real-life scenario: The departure airport is a two-hour drive from home, the flight leaves at 6 a.m., and the time away is 10 days. Long-term parking at the departure airport is at least $20 a day. The parking tab upon arrival home, even in long-term, will be $200.
Within couple miles of the airport there is a hotel with an airport shuttle. Booking a room the night before the flight with 10-day parking privileges is $149 plus taxes. You are already saving money right there not speaking of the comfort and experience of “extending your vacation” for another night! On top of that most of hotels have free breakfast and if you are a family of 4 you save another $60-$80.
Coming to the airport with couple more hours sleep and avoiding stress of driving and looking for parking before your trip will make you arrive to your destination full of energy and ready to enjoy your trip the first day.