Experiences w/ Economy Parking at Logan Airport?

[mousefan1972]

Hello all,

We are due to leave for WDW in 2 and a half weeks. We are flying out of Boston Logan on Jetblue. I had made arrangements for a family member to drop us off/pick us up at the airport, but just found out this morning that the person has to back out. Unfortunately, we don't have anyone else who can drive us. Since we are going to be away for 10 days, parking in the Central Garage would cost $250. So we are looking at parking in the Economy Lot. We have 2 young kids, so DH would drop me and the kids off (and our bags) while he goes to park. I read that the shuttle comes every 20 minutes, which kind of makes me nervous. Does anyone have any experienc with this? Any other ideas? I am kind of freaking out as I had made arrangements back in June for a ride, and the person is usually very dependable, so I am kind of surprised to be stuck like this.

Oh, and I looked into taking a car service/shuttle, and the cheapest was $220 round trip, not including gratuity. Both our kids are under age 7 so they need booster seats, which cost extra... so if we are going to pay a lot, we'd rather take our own vehicle and pay to park. Any advice would be great.

[kaytieeldr]

Where are you, exactly? Not your street address, just your city/town

Logan Express has four locations - north, northwest, south, and southwest of the airport (by varying distances). Parking is $11 per day, bus fare is $20 round trip per adult and I'm pretty sure free for kids under twelve. Or ten. Or something - whatever the age, your kids are covered. $121 for parking (charge by 24 hour periods) and $40 bus fare. Note the buses do run on schedules less frequent than the shuttle - but you don't have to drive near/in/through Boston. Also, if there's traffic, the drivers know alternate routes.

[mousefan1972]

We are on the North Shore, near Newburyport. That's why a town car service is so expensive... we're about 40 miles from Logan.

[kaytieeldr]

Okay, well, there's a Logan Express in Peabody - but there's a C & J bus http://www.ridecj.com/logan-airport.html that leaves from Portsmouth and Newburyport which would be a lot more convenient for you, if your times indicate http://www.ridecj.com/schedules.html and it'd cost you $108 total round trip. Parking is free http://www.ridecj.com/massachusetts/newburyport.html

[mousefan1972]

Originally Posted by kaytieeldr

Okay, well, there's a Logan Express in Peabody - but there's a C & J bus http://www.ridecj.com/logan-airport.html that leaves from Portsmouth and Newburyport which would be a lot more convenient for you, if your times indicate http://www.ridecj.com/schedules.html and it'd cost you $108 total round trip. Parking is free http://www.ridecj.com/massachusetts/newburyport.html

Thanks for the info! I never would have thought of that. We are about 10 minutes from the Newburyport C & J, so I just have to see if the times work. Thanks again.

[OKW Lover]

We've used Pre-flight parking for almost all our flights out of Logan. You can find a 25% off coupon at their web site.

[JennSaint]

We always use Preflight. The shuttle drivers will help you with your luggage. No need to drop you and the kids off first. Go right to their lot they drive right up to your car and help with luggage. Very easy and convenient and the price is right. Like the PP said they always have 25% off coupons on their website.

[mousefan1972]

I just checked out Preflight's website and it does look good. I much prefer an every 5 minute shuttle versus the every 20 minutes that Logan's economy lot offers. Will Preflight take us right to the terminal with all of our stuff?

[OKW Lover]

Originally Posted by mousefan1972

I just checked out Preflight's website and it does look good. I much prefer an every 5 minute shuttle versus the every 20 minutes that Logan's economy lot offers. Will Preflight take us right to the terminal with all of our stuff?

Yes. They meet you at your car and help load your bags onto the van. At the terminal they bring your bags off the van. From there, you have to drag them inside the terminal.

Returning home works almost exactly the same. You drag your bags out to the curb where they pick you up. The driver loads your bags onto the van and then (after completing the circuit of the airport) will drop you right at your car.

[maps]

Another option is a park and fly hotel. Sometimes it works out to be cheaper than parker at the airport.

[ilovethisplace]

Well I can be the one who addresses the OP's original question. I have parked in the economy lot a few times and found it easy enough. I also dropped the family/bags off at the terminal and then went to the lot. They say 20 minutes but there are several buses and I've never waited more than 5 minutes. It is very easy. Obviously money is a concern for you, the economy lot is $108 a week. I know people swear by Logan Express but I prefer to have my car at the airport, I feel more in control of things. Plus if you're leaving a car at the Logan Express lot you're really not saving any money. That being said I never take buses at WDW so take my advice with a grain of salt.

[mousefan1972]

Thanks for all of the replies. I do appreciate it. We are definitely driving to the airport, and now have to decide between parking in the central gargage ($250), parking in the economy lot (around $160) or parking w/Preflight (around $120 w/web coupon). We will be gone for 9 nights/10 days, hence the large amounts. We are leaning towards trying Preflight, but I am picturing 3 feet of snow being dumped on our car when we are gone and having to dig it out before we can head home. But I'm also not sure if parking under cover in the central garage is worth $250. So, again, much thanks for the replies. Now to ponder the options...