r/Explainlikeimscared • u/PinkFlavoredLemonade • 10d ago
ELIS: Long-Term Airport parking
I've (27 f) flown about 2 times now, but I've always been dropped off, so this is my first time driving my own car to the airport. I have no idea how to do this for this specific airport (CLT). Do I do it online? Do I do it when I get there? I'm so nervous about this like I'm gonna do it wrong...
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u/Seebass616 10d ago
Your specific airport may be different but I can tell you how it goes at mine!
You don’t have to do anything in advance, you just go to the airport and follow the signs until you reach the long term parking section. There will usually be a booth kinda thing you have to stop at where you press a button and it gives you a ticket, then you just go find somewhere to park. Def make sure you keep that ticket somewhere safe and also do something to keep track of where you’re parked at like screenshot your location on your maps app or make a note with identifying info like that you’re in row 5 in between the 5B and 5C signs.
Then you just get your stuff and go into the airport. Long term parking at the one I go to has a walkway near it and you just follow the walkway into the airport, but some may have parking farther away and require a shuttle service and will have a designated shuttle pick up spot somewhere with signs that should point you towards it.
Then when you get back, you just get in your car and go. After driving out of the parking lot you’ll hit another booth thing where you gotta insert your ticket and pay for however long you were parked
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u/thirdonebetween 10d ago
First, remember that you are absolutely not the first person to be struggling with airport parking, so even if something goes wrong, it can be sorted out and no one will be upset. The fact that you're thinking about it is already an advantage!
Go have a look at the airport's website. It should have information about how the parking works. Often it's cheaper to book online beforehand. Your booking might be attached to your credit card (so you would put it into the machine when you arrive and/or depart) or it may be attached to your car registration. Either way there should be clear instructions.
Usually you can park anywhere in the lot. Go a bit early and take your time choosing a spot. There should be buses, trams, or another transport system to take you to the terminal; if you can park close to one of their stops, that will make things easier for you with any luggage etc.
Take a picture of where your car is (with any site identification like a row number) and then a picture from the bus/tram/whatever stop looking towards where your car is so you can find it while you're tired and jetlagged. Trust me on this one! I usually take a photo of which bus/tram stop I want to get off at as well.
The bus/tram driver might help you get your luggage on board or it might be up to you to manage. There are usually clearly marked places to put your luggage and then you can find a place to sit.
The bus/tram will probably stop at every single stop. If it doesn't then have a look for a bell/cable to pull to alert the driver you want to get off.
When you get to the terminal, take a moment to notice where you are so that you can get back there to return to your car.
Have a good, safe flight :)