Tgiving Parking at Pit Airport

[tinkerbell60]

We have never travelled at Thanksgiving - and I am getting nervous. Our flight does not leave till 8:10pm - we are planning on getting to the airport between 5-6pm.

Will there still be parking spaces left at the airport's extended/long term lots or will we need to park offsite????

Thanks in advance!

 

[agnes!]

I haven't traveled out of Pittsburgh for years, so have no specific advice for that particular airport. BUT, that being said...

Have a back-up plan.
Have a back-up to the back-up.

Be prepared with info on ALL the airport lots. Know how much they would cost if you have to use more expensive parking, like a daily lot or airport valet. Don't waste time at the airport dithering about if you should spend the money on a more-expensive parking option. Time is money and you don't want to lose out on your holiday because you couldn't stomach spending $15/day on parking. Have the info with you and be prepared to act on it.

Do research NOW on any off-site ariport park'n'fly lots. See if they offer online coupons.

Do research NOW on any airport hotels that offer stay one night get free parking + shuttle to airport. Know before you start out from your house how much that possibility would cost you. See if there are any deals/coupons.

Listen to the local traffic/weather radio station the day before, throughout your travel day and as you drive to the airport. Many times around the holidays they give updates on airport & parking conditions.

Before you leave the house, check the airport's website. They might have parking lot conditions & security times posted there.

See if there is an airport AM radio station that broadcasts parking lot conditions.

Your arrival time at the airport...ummm...how do I say this....get there earlier than you think you would ever have to. Plan on spending AT LEAST one hour to get through Security. Plan on spending AT LEAST one hour checking your bag/s. Plan on driving around the parking lot for AT LEAST 20 minutes looking for a space.
If I were you, I would get to the airport (with having to park your car, unload your bags, get on a shuttle, get to the terminal, dealing with crowds, checking your bags, etc.) much earlier than 6pm. Actually, I would get there earlier than 5.

agnes!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Bumping - any Pittsburghers out there with an opinion???

 

[PlutoPony]

Go to the Pittsburgh Airport website under parking and it gives how full the various lots are by % (neat info). Looks like this is updated but can't vouch for accuracy - probably Ok as a guide. Otherwise, agnes hit it. Late flight on one of the busiest travel days of the year can be a challenge. If it's a bad weather day, delays will last into the evening which can affect not only flights but parking lots as people are late getting in and getting to their cars. Definitely have a Plan B and allow plenty of time!
Have a good trip!

 

[safetymom]

I agree that you should be prepared to park elsewhere. On that day I think I would allow more time because of the crowds. PIT is a great place to hang out and I would rather be at the airport with plenty of time instead of trying to find a place to park.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Okay, we are going to try to get to the airport around 4-4:30pm for our 8:00pm flight. That should leave enough time. I will keep an eye on the airport lots - right now, extended parking is 51% full.

If anyone else has any thoughts I would love to hear them!

 

[DebbieB]

My bet is the airport lots will be full by Wednesday or Thursday. I use Charlie Brown's parking on Flaugherty Run Road. From 60 North, go past the airport, Flaugherty Run is the second exit after the airport. Just keep going straight, through a couple stop signs, it will be on the left. The shuttle busses run frequently, I've never waited more than 5 or 10 minutes. I used to use the airport lots but got tired of going round and round and ending up out by the gas station. The lots are more crowded all the time.

http://www.charliebrownsparking.com/

 

[aquaticmom]

Bumping - any Pittsburghers out there with an opinion???

We always, always park at Charlie Browns airport parking when flying out of Pittsburgh. You can make your reservation online before your arrival and they are pratically waiting on you upon your arrival. They are less than 10 minutes from the airport and shuttle you over very quickly. When you return from your trip, they pick you up and shuttle you back to a warmed up vehicle. I haven't parked at the airport for years. http://charliebrownsparking.com Good Luck!!

 

[DebbieB]

Great minds think alike.....

I call from the airport after picking up my luggage and my car is always sitting there waiting when the van pulls in.

 

[aquaticmom]

Great minds think alike.....

I guess so. When I saw that Tinkerbell60 had asked for help with airport parking in Pittsburgh early this afternoon and not one person had suggested Charlie Browns I was shocked. We tried park-n-fly at a local hotel ONCE, and swore never to use any one but Charlie Brown's after that. Their customer service is just not comparable.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Thanks so much! I am going to try to convince DH to make a reservation at Charlie Browns tomorrow!

We always park at the airport but I am concerned since we will be getting there late in the day!

Thanks again!

 

[aquaticmom]

You're welcomed. Hopefully you can convince DH to use Charlie Brown's. I think it is actually easier than parking at the airport. Have a great trip!!

 

[tinkerbell60]

You're welcomed. Hopefully you can convince DH to use Charlie Brown's. I think it is actually easier than parking at the airport. Have a great trip!!

Thanks!!! I cannot wait to get to Disney, although the weather forecast is looking a bit wet.......Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Well, I made a reservation at Charlie Brown's - thanks for the advice. I feel relaxed about that anyway! Now, if I could just get everything packed!

 

[aquaticmom]

Sorry can't help with the packing part, I over pack soooo much every trip. I will be at the convention center in Orlando next week for work, I plan on sneaking away for at least one evening in Downtown Disney just for a Disney fix until our January family trip. Have a great trip and a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[keishashadow]

Another vote for Charlie Browns

nothing like your car waiting for upon return, warmed up with the snow brushed off it

request their frequent parker reward card (doesn't take long to acquire a free week )

Entertainment has a great coupon (50%? as i recall)

AAA discount is substantial too

both beat the internet prepaid rate on the website; we never bother making a ressie

 

[iluvflorida8]

Another vote for Charlie Browns. Before we moved permanently to Florida in 07, CB's is the ONLY place we used. They are very quick,efficient, and courteous also.

 

[DebbieB]

You're welcomed. Hopefully you can convince DH to use Charlie Brown's. I think it is actually easier than parking at the airport. Have a great trip!!

I was hesitant to use it at first, I was so used to parking at the airport (I travel frequently for work). But once I tried it, I haven't looked back! It was especially easy when I pulled a muscle in my leg, it was so much easier having them take the luggage out of the car, put it in the shuttle and drop off at the curb. Then pick it back up at the curb on return and right into my trunk! No dragging the luggage through the parking lot.