Airport parking may be the most convenient way to fly for those air travelers who practically live at the airport. But it is also the most costly way to go in many cases. Every traveler faces the same conundrum every time: drive to the airport and pay dearly for the convenience, or take your chances on an Uber and avoid the fees?
A recent look at this dilemma by Upgraded Points may clear up some questions and take the sting out of deciding whether parking at the airport makes sense. The study looked at the most affordable and the priciest parking options at 50 of the nation’s busiest airports — and directly compared those costs with transportation choices. The results may surprise you.
“With travel budgets often stretched to the limit, even the cost of airport parking can be a significant concern,” said Alex Miller, Upgraded Points founder. “Keeping costs low by knowing the most affordable airport parking ahead of time, and when it is best to opt for an Uber instead, can all make a genuine difference over time.”
Parking Or Uber?
To determine the cost of parking at major U.S. facilities, the study analyzed the “economy” or equivalent parking option cost data from the websites of the 50 busiest airports in the country. Average costs were derived based on parking durations for both a long weekend (Friday to Monday) and a full week (Saturday to Saturday). These figures were then compared to the 2-way cost of an Uber from the center of the nearest city to determine if parking at the airport or utilizing a ridesharing service was more cost-effective.
Moreover, data was also gathered on the average rating of airport parking options in/near these airports to examine the correlation between higher-quality parking and potential increased costs over time.
The Uber Alternative: Out of the 50 analyzed airports, and 14 of those proved more cost-effective than taking an Uber to and from the airport for a long weekend.
Airport Parking: Largest Savings
*John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — save $88.94 by airport parking over Ubering
*San Diego International Airport (SAN) — save $82.12 by Ubering
*Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) — save $71.88 by parking
*Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — save $69.12 by Ubering
*Logan International Airport (BOS) — save $60.82 by Ubering
Airport Parking: Best Daily Rates:
-Kansas City International Airport (MCI): $7.50
-John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH): $8.33
-George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): $9
-Indianapolis International Airport (IND): $9
-Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG): $9
Airport Parking: Worst Daily Rates:
-San Diego International Airport (SAN): $38
-John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): $35
-Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $35
-LaGuardia Airport (LGA): $35
-Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): $35
Navigating Parking Conundrums
Conversely, three of the top-rated airport parking facilities appeared in the top 10 budget-friendly parking:
-Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) — 4.8 out of 5
-John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) — 4.8 out of 5
-San Antonio International Airport (SAT) — 4.6 out of 5
However, Los Angeles (LAX) presents both one of the lowest-rated parking facilities (3.82 out of 5) and in the top 10 most expensive. Additionally, two of the lowest-rated airports did appear in the top 10 most affordable:
*Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) — 3.8 out of 5
*Kansas City International Airport (MCI) — 3.97 out of 5
Finally, “It was surprising to learn that higher-rated parking facilities don’t always equate to steeper long-term costs,” said Alex Miller. “In fact, none of the airports boasting the top 10 highest-rated parking facilities found their way into the list of the top 10 priciest.”
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