Deciding where to park your car while you’re on vacation is as important as deciding which airline to choose. However, even after much contemplation, we still get it wrong. This can lead to accidents, damage, or theft. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1 in 5 car accidents/mishaps occur in parking lots, whether onsite or offsite. So, the big question is, are these off-airport parking lots safe?
The answer is yes! If you know what to look out for. Sure, there are always exceptions to this. But compared to onsite airport parking, off-airport parking has a lot of benefits that make it better than the official airport parking lots in so many ways. Here are some of the benefits:
Benefits of off-airport parking
Avoid busy airport traffic
Getting into and out of the airport is a major nightmare, especially during the holiday season. But if you choose off-airport parking, you can take the free shuttle and routes that will get you to the airport much faster. Choosing to park your car at an offsite lot and getting on a shuttle can reduce the anxiety behind the wheel.
Much more affordable
Off-airport parking is generally more affordable than onsite airport parking. Most of the time, offsite parking is 30-60% cheaper than official airport parking lots. This is mostly due to lower operating costs and higher competition between lots. If you are planning to park your vehicle for the long term, this is a major factor to consider.
Guaranteed spot
The chances of finding a convenient and free onsite parking spot are rather slim, especially during peak travel season. Due to their proximity to the airport, they fill up fast and are often unavailable. Offsite parking allows travelers to book their parking spaces in advance so they have a guaranteed spot, no matter how crowded it gets.
Flexibility in parking options
When it comes to parking, offsite parking offers a lot of options. From covered and uncovered to valet, you can choose a lot that meets your needs. There are also plenty of options across different budgets that you can choose from.
More security
We are not claiming onsite parking is unsafe. However, off airport parking doesn’t play around when it comes to employing top-notch safety features to protect your vehicle. Most lots come with 24/7 camera surveillance, onsite patrols, and well-lit gated spaces that prevent theft, vandalism, or any other external threat.
Off airport parking does more than just install cutting-edge technology to protect your vehicle from harm. Here are some of the safety features to look out for when choosing an offsite lot:
Safety features
Perimeter and access control
Always look out for off-airport parking lots that come with a sturdy perimeter and fencing. This prevents unauthorized access to the lot. Most of the time, these lots have controlled access, often with RFID tags or keypad codes. Apart from advanced software features like License Plate Recognition (LPR) system, most offsite airport parking lots also have physical barriers like bollards and tire spikes to better manage traffic flow and stop any unauthorized entry or exit.
Also Read: How to know if an offsite airport parking lot is legit
24/7 camera surveillance
Do not chase a signboard that says ‘CCTV Surveillance,’ but make sure the entire lot, including all the entrances, exits, and aisles, is monitored 24/7 by a high-definition, weather-proof camera. Many of these offsite lots also use AI analytics systems that can detect suspicious activity in the lot and send real-time alerts to the security personnel.
Lighting and visibility
A well-lit parking lot is the least a traveler can ask for when they are on the lookout for a place to park their car. A lot that isn’t well-lit could have plenty of blind and dark spots. No matter how good the cameras are, if the lighting isn’t good, the cameras will be ineffective.
Secure key management
A good off-airport parking lot will have strict protocols when it comes to handling and storing customer keys. Make sure they have an effective, specialized key management system that locks away your key and restricts access to authorized staff only.
Onsite staff and routine patrols
No matter how inventive technology gets, sometimes, human intervention does reassure safety. Most offsite lots are manned 24/7 and have routine patrols round the clock that ensure no one gets past them. Online reviews and ratings are your best friend here. Look up whether the lot has any complaints from customers.
Insurance transparency
Most reputable offsite garages have what’s called a ‘garagekeeper’s liability’ insurance. This insurance covers damage to your vehicle while it is in the lot’s care, particularly if caused by their negligence. However, remember to verify their policy. Also, make sure your own comprehensive car insurance policy is active.
Final thoughts
It’s a common assumption that onsite parking is safest when it comes to airport parking. Sure, it is closer to the terminal. However, proximity doesn’t equal safety. Off airport parking lots, on the other hand, are often a short shuttle ride away from the terminal. But they are equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems that’ll keep your vehicle safe even while you’re away.
For many travelers, offsite parking is all that they are looking for. It’s cost-effective, convenient, and reliable. With the added benefit of safety and security, you understand why it’s a popular choice among many travelers.
More on airport parking
How to pay less for airport parking?
It’s best to book parking in advance at offsite parking lots via apps like Way to save big on airport parking.
What are the red flags you should look for at an offsite airport parking lot?
If you notice any of these signs, do not proceed to park your car there – the lot isn’t well-lit, broken gates or fencing, a “CCTV” sign with no visible cameras, or insurance details that are vague or nonexistent.
How much does off-airport parking cost?
Off-airport parking costs vary depending on the airport, the specific lot, and your parking duration. However, offsite rates will be significantly cheaper than official airport parking.
