Air travel has become commonplace within the country and while traveling outside, but it can still be stressful. No matter how calm and seasoned a traveler you are, there’s something about catching a flight that creates stress.
Perhaps it’s the elaborate safety protocols at the airport, or the need to check in hours ahead. Unfamiliar airports bring their own logistical confusion, delays and cancellation can play havoc with your plans. If you’re traveling with kids or seniors, that’s a whole different set of issues.
The crowds swarming the airport, restricted baggage allowance, and the fact that air travel is expensive and in many cases, the ticket price is largely non-refundable, create a feeling of anxiety.
Not least among these potential stress points is the planning that has to go into the process. Most airports in large cities are located at a distance from the city center. Finding transport to suit your timings is not easy. Public transport such as trains or buses, private cabs or asking a friend or family member to drive you there are the available options.
Why Drive Your Own Car To The Airport?
One of the best solutions is to drive yourself to the airport in your own vehicle. This option gives you the flexibility to choose your start time, and add stops if you need to. If you’re going to be away for a short or longer time, you can leave your car in the airport parking area. Visit United Airport Car Park to check for availability.
Driving your own car gives you the comfort and privacy you need to remain stress-free before travel. Waiting for a taxi or car hire, sharing a cab or public transport with strangers, managing your family and luggage while keeping a watch on your things, ensuring you get off at the right stop – these can all upset and distress you.
The only downside is getting there on time after battling heavy traffic, and then hunting for parking space. This can be the subject of many a travel nightmare. The answer is to plan your car parking strategy well ahead, so that it’s sorted and confirmed when you get to the airport.
Advantages of Parking Close To The Airport
As well-traveled folks will tell you, parking at Melbourne airport or any other airport offers several great benefits.
It is a cost-effective solution that helps you to save transportation costs to and from the airport. As we discussed earlier, most airports are located at a distance away from urban settlements and the commute can be long and expensive. Whether you’re traveling on business or for a holiday, driving to the airport in your own vehicle helps you to save money that you can use elsewhere.
Parking areas in the airport are safe, secure and well-lit. They have 24×7 surveillance and most have regular patrolling by parking company staff.
You can choose to park in a spot that’s closer to your terminal so you have easy access.
Pre-booking gives you several advantages such as good deals, discounts or loyalty points.
Tips For Melbourne Airport And Finding A Car Park Nearby
Choose the Right Option: You have to decide on the type of parking option you want – whether long or short term, pick-up and drop-off, valet parking, premium, meet and greet or park and ride. This would be based on your travel itinerary and needs.
Book In Advance: This point cannot be emphasized enough. Start the process along with your airline ticket and hotel bookings, at least two or three weeks ahead of your trip. There could be a huge rush during the school holidays or other holiday seasons. You also get to choose the most convenient spot.
Arrive Early: Though pre-booking ensures that your spot is available, there could be a traffic build-up at the entrance or exit of the parking area. Getting there early helps you to go through the entry or exit points hassle-free after scanning your QR codes.
Remove all Valuables: Some travelers have reported vandalism, theft or damage to their vehicles when they returned. Opportunistic thieves tend to cruise parking areas looking for vehicles that may have valuables left behind in parked vehicles. In some cases, miscreants have made off with the GPS trackers, car batteries, accessories and even tires of cars parked long-term. Ensure that you choose a reputed, reliable and well-established parking company. Melbourne Airport has its own dedicated parking area that is secure and well-managed.
Avoid Off-Site Parking: This may look cheaper and attractive, but unless you’re parking for only a couple of days, or you don’t have any other choice, it’s wise to avoid off-site parking. You run the risk of damage, theft, vandalism to your vehicle, and loss of safety to yourself when you leave or retrieve your car. Bird droppings, damage by falling branches, rain, sun exposure or dust are all potential problems you’ll have to deal with on your return. Some travelers have found their fuel tanks emptied, or their cars moved to more distant spots.
