What is Park and Fly?

Park and fly is a way to save your time when you are flying for a long vacation or for a shorter trip. By using a Park and Fly operators service, you don’t need to drive around the airport looking for an empty parking lot. Also, you don’t need to find a trolley or get help to get the luggage from your vehicle. Another advantage is no need to worry about the weather outside, or going to multi-levels of the airport with your luggage. On top of it, your vehicle will be in safe hands till you return and it will be ready for you on your arrival.

How to Get a Park and Fly Service?

If you are planning to use the Park and Fly service, the best way is to contact your departing airport and ask for the list of park and fly services available, or you can do a simple google search. Check for their reviews and check their packages (it’s very important). Make sure your departure and arrival dates are noted correctly. Most of the park and fly companies offer multiple packages and you should pick only the one you need, or you are going to spend extra money for nothing. Like if you are returning in a day and the weather forecast is good, you might need a car wash, car detailing or even covered parking. It’s always good to book service in advance and get you to log in to their portal. Most of the companies will offer discounts and send promos by email to their customers. Most of the companies are having packages with park and fly and hotel accommodation as well. If you need hotel accommodation, pick the right package and can save money and can have hassle-free transportation from airport-hotel-airport.

Pets? – Inform in advance.

How do Park and Fly work?

Once you book your park and fly service, drive to their pick-up location, drop the keys. The Park and Fly company vehicle will pick you from there and drop right at the airport entrance. They will pick your luggage from your vehicle and help you to get a trolley and transfer from the pick-up vehicle. On your return, the pickup vehicle will be ready for you and your luggage. Your vehicle will be ready for you at the drop-off location,  the staff will help you to transfer the luggage. If you changed your return date/time or added some additional services like a car wash, or change to covered/heated parking, pay the difference and you are good to go.

Is Park and Fly Services are safe?

One word answer to the question is NO. There are many issues reported with the Park and Fly Operators. Some of them are listed below;

• Additional fee/charges – To avoid this make sure you picked the right package and if there is a chance your flying dates can change get details about the additional fees for date/package changes to avoid surprises when you pick your vehicle.

• Didn’t get all the services offered in the package – Most of the operators will help to resolve this.
• Long wait to pick up/drop off- It depends on the weather/vehicle/road conditions.
• Pet handling – Make sure you should inform your operator about your pet/s traveling with you.
• Poor customer service/luggage handling – Contact the company and get it resolved.
• Vehicle Damage – It’s a good idea to take few pictures of your parked vehicle or ask one of the staff to walk with you to inspect your vehicle and make sure to get it documented.
• Late to Airport/Flight missed – This is the worse can happen in travel. The best way to avoid this situation is, pre-estimate the time need to reach the airport from your pickup location. If your pickup is getting late, ask the staff to get alternate arrangements or get a taxi and get the taxi fair discounted from your package fee. If you got late with an unexpected traffic block or involved in an accident, most of the companies will compensate you. In those conditions (if possible) make sure to contact your airlines and get alternate options ASAP.

Advantages of Park and Fly Services

• Most of the Park and Fly companies’ pick up locations will be near to Airport, usually 10 minutes or less travel time.
• Parking will be open 24/7/365.
• Time saver- no need to look for parking lot and walk through the airport /parking area with your luggage.
• Multiple packages to meet your needs including Hotel accommodation.
• Covered/Non-Covered/ Heated parking lots.
• Surveillance Cameras, well-secured fences.
• Frequent shuttle services & Pet boarding.
• Car care services, car wash, detailing, etc.
• Hassle-free luggage handing.
• Flight/vehicle damage Insurance.
• Discount coupons.
• Rewards/discounts for registered customers.

Do’s

• Get a quote with your package details on paper or by email.
• Inform about your pet/s, any special needs, change in travel dates or number of travelers.
• Pick package /parking lot based on your travel and weather.
• If someone else picking up your vehicle, please provide the operator with the necessary details and confirm.
• Make sure not to keep valuable items in your vehicle.
• If you are aware of any mechanical/operational issues with your vehicle, inform the operator.
• Make sure you have enough fuel in your fuel tank.
• Renew your license/vehicle registration if it going expire while you are away.
• If you are planning for a longer trip, keep a portable tire inflator in your vehicle.
• Try to get parking near a surveillance camera.
• Make sure the sunroof is closed.
• Take a picture of the ODO meter or note the reading if you are planning for a longer trip.

Dont’s

• Never leave any valuable items in your vehicle.
• No inflatable items in your vehicle (except the fuel in your tank .. lol).
• Never leave the vehicle windows open.
• Never leave the vehicle unlocked.
• Do not park a vehicle with mechanical or operational issues, you might have to tow it on your arrival!