California Here We Come!

After staying up most of the night to pack (not so much procrastinating as an over-booked life) we awoke groggy-eyed with just a couple hours of sleep and the bags under our eyes to prove it. With bags under our eyes and arms, we did a final check around the house and peeled out. 

Parking Options: Pittsburgh International Airport

There are a variety of options for cheap parking at Pittsburgh International Airport, and some not so cheap. Of course, if you live close enough, you might have a cherished friend or family member who is willing to provide the drop-off/pick-up! Unfortunately, we don't live close enough. 

Still, there are options people! And these options apply to pretty much any major airport. ​

​Here are 3 that I have used in varying circumstances: 

Park Sleep Fly Airport Hotel & Parking Packages

• ​​Park Sleep Fly is going to help you locate Airport Hotel & Parking Packages for your departure city. It turns out that a lot of hotels offer free parking with just a one night stay. So you may pay for 1 night, and get 7 nights, 14 night, and in some cases more parking for free with that! This can be an incredible savings over paying for parking. It can also be very convenient if you would rather drive to the departure city the night before instead of rushing that day. Or maybe you have a later flight, but would like to spend some time in the city in the morning instead to jump-start your travel fun! Also a great option for families who would like to be in the area in advance. And cruise-goers, don't forget that this can be a great option for cheap cruise port parking. Rather than paying more at the port, you can check out Park Sleep Fly packages near cruise ports. Grab some breakfast or ask for a to-go bag on the way out. The hotels all offer shuttles to airports and cruise ports. Score! 

Park 'N Fly Cheap Airport Parking

• If you don't need the hotel and would rather not leave your car at a hotel, you cancheck out Park 'N Fly to find discounts on airport parking and cruise port parking. Simply enter your departure city, dates and times for the parking and hit search.Park 'N Fly will show you options for off airport and off cruise port parking, at a good price, that you can choose from. Check for options such as covered or uncovered parking,  and how often shuttles run to the port and airport. If you utilize parking like this often, check out their free Frequent Parker Program for additional savings! 

Parking Directly At The Airport

• And there are other times when it makes the most sense to park right at the airport. Check your local airport for parking categories and prices. Some small regional airports actually offer free parking!!! Mega Score! Other, larger, airports have different tiers. For instance, at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)  here are your options:
  1. Short Term - $1/first hour, $4/each additional hour, $24 daily max
  2. Long Term - $3/hour, $14 daily max
  3. Extended - $8/day

I chose to use the Extended lot. The cheaper the lot, the farther away it is from the door. However, there are shuttles that come around and I found out that the shelters actually have a heat button in them and they get nice and toasty quickly! That's awesome!!!!! 

While the cost should have been over $110 for 2 weeks at this lot, if you reserve your space online, you can get great savings.  In the end it cost me only $75 to park at the PIT Extended Stay Lot for 2 weeks! That's close to $5/day including taxes! An excellent bargain! 

Here's a little video I found on the PIT website for your enjoyment! 

Be A Conscious Consumer

In summary, as always, be a conscious consumer. Check into your options. Weigh the pros and cons. Decide what is best for you and your needs. Some people want and need the cheapest option. Some people need a place to sleep before their trip. Others want a covered parking situation for their vehicle and are willing to pay more for it. Some want to park on airport and at the closest spot possible, and will pay a premium for it. To each his own! Still, I figure the more I save on things like parking.. The more fun I can have on my next trip! ;)

What do you think? Where do you park when you travel, or do you get dropped off? Let us know what other ideas you have!