When women business travelers live an hour or so from an airport in a big city, getting to the airport is often as complicated -- and feels nearly as expensive -- as booking a flight. Happily I discovered the online service Airport Parking Reservations that serves dozens of US airports.
When we're renting a car or hiring a driver, it's a different story than when we depart from a home base. An hour north of San Francisco Airport, I was facing a cab ride of $125 each way, a van shuttle that would add over an hour to an already-long trip or close-in airport parking at $35 and up a day. With an early-morning departure and a multi-day business trip, none of the above was acceptable based on the trade-offs of time, cost (to my clients) and convenience.
The Airport Parking Reservations network serves dozens of US airports and takes a matter of minutes to find long-term parking 5-10 minutes away from the airport at affordable prices and terrific conveniences. At SFO, for example, I can choose from several options -- covered or outdoor parking, a car wash, valet and luggage service, even coffee, donuts and a banana in the wee morning wake-up hours. The prices are competitive with the airport's own long-term parking rates but these additional amenities make it even easier.
Once signed in to the network, I can book anywhere anytime. As an additional feature, I've joined one of its affiliates, Park SFO, so that I have a membership card, don't need a reservation, can drop in anytime for valet service (without notice), am able to advantage of an AAA discount rate -- and when I return, call from baggage claim to have my car ready when the Park SFO shuttle drops me off practically right at my vehicle (spiffed up by a car wash if I want to pay a little extra). It's also more seamless than parking in daily airport parking, without the bag schlepping and the higher costs. And feel safer as a womantraveler having the personalized service in the pre-dawn or late-night hours.
Having a clean car after a long business trip is very refreshing for the ride home.
