To Airport: Drive or get a ride?

[kjs1976]

When you go to your home airport, do you drive and park your car long-term or do you get a ride?

We live an hour away from our airport and the last few trips, which have been about 5 days long, we have driven and parked. We have AAA and a Park and Fly which accepts AAA so we've gotten like a day off of our bill. This time we are going for 8 days and it just occured to me that we'd have to pay between $60-70 (depending on what the discount is now) to park our car, out in the elements, if we drive. I'm currently trying to see if my bro will be our chauffuer. I'd rather pay him $25 or so than the $60-70 for the parking company. Plus, DH can drive us down to the airport, bro can drive himself back.

Just want to get opinions on what others do who are in a similar situation! Thanks!!!

 

[bicker]

I've come to dread relying on car services, and so for shorter trips we've been driving ourselves, even parking at Logan Airport's (BOS) Central Parking and paying through the nose. It's worth the extra money for me to get off the flight and just get home. For longer trips, though, it's way too expensive. We use a company that I used every week for five years, when I was traveling for business. They remember me still and treat me well as a result. If not, I'd actually grab a cab home, because they get to sit there and wait, while car services still have to wait in a remote lot and come pick us up only after we call them to confirm we're ready to leave the terminal.

 

[DebbieB]

I usually park at the airport, it's about a 30 minute drive. At PIT it's $6.50 per day in extended term, so for a 7 day trip it's $45.50. If the weather is bad (winter), I'll call a town car service, it's $60 one way including tip. A taxi is about $50 with tip.

When I travel on business in the winter, I sometimes use the indoor garage in the airport, $17 per day (on the expense account).

 

[snowy76]

I realize not everyone can be in this situation... but do you have any reeeally good friends near the airport??

My parents live about 7 miles from the airport here in Syracuse. We meet them at the end of the airport entrance road at a Dunkin Donuts or whatever so we can grab a snack. They follow us to the terminal. We unload bags, Dad grabs my car (also nice to know I don't have to risk losing my keys in Florida) and Mom drives their car back to their house. It's SO nice to know someone who actually cares about me and my things is looking after my car.

So, we have never had to pay for parking... unless of course, you consider all the guilt I've had to take from my parents over the years!

 

[kjs1976]

No, we don't know anyone who lives by our airport otherwise that would be a sweet deal! You've got it made, Snowy!

 

[snowy76]

Yeah, my husband says my parents have made me pretty high-maintenance (read: SPOILED).

However, now that we're married my parents also spoil him! So he's not complaining too much.