Look at the public transportation options.
In big cities, there are train stations in the airport that make driving to the terminal a luxury. Reagan National Airport in Washington is but one example. Metro trains take you right to the terminal from most places in the city for little more than the cost of a fast-food lunch.
In smaller places, this is more of a challenge. But most cities have bus service at the airport, and so long as you aren't towing three or four bulky bags, you can get to cheaper parking options via public transportation.
Check the cost of renting a car.
A few years ago, I was faced with a potential $60 airport parking bill. I considered simply taking a cab to and from the airport. The cost would be about $28 USD each way with tip. That's a not-so-impressive savings of $4.
So I checked into renting the cheapest vehicle available the night before the trip, returning it to the airport on departure, and then renting another car coming home that I would drop off the next day.
I could rent the car for $18.95 USD per day without insurance. That was a 58 percent savings over long-term parking prices at the time. The savings go up with the length of your stay.
There's some inconvenience and a few gallons of gas to factor into this calculation. But a lot of business travelers use this strategy to their advantage on longer stays.
Look for parking coupons at operations near the airport.
At Web sites like AirportDiscountParking.com, you select an airport and travel date. They direct you to printable coupons for a free day of parking. The following days vary by airport from about $6 to $8 USD/day.
In expensive parking situations like New York's LaGuardia or Chicago's O'Hare, that free day can be worth more. In any city, the free day brings the average down to an attractive level.
Consider an overnight hotel stay near the airport.
Many airport hotels offer programs where you can leave your car in their parking lots and take courtesy shuttles to the terminal. It's often a package deal: room and parking for a set price. These arrangements aren't usually advertised, so you might have to call around to make a deal.
Large savings might not result, but stay/park can provide value.
If you're booked on an early flight, it's nice not to fight traffic and sleepiness to get to the plane.
If you must pay for parking anyway, this gives you a perk alongside the mundane purchase of space.
Remember our goal: to reduce mundane expenditures, and save money for the fun things.
