PreFlight Parking: An Alternative to Costly Airport Parking
Preflight Parking is an airport shuttle service that allows the traveler to park his or her car at the Preflight Parking location and then be shuttled over to the airport. I just recently used the Preflight Parking service for the second time, and it made my travel experience much easier and less stressful.
Currently, Preflight Parking has eight locations in the US, mainly on the east coast, with the exception of one location in Phoenix, Arizona. I utilized the services of the PFP service in Raleigh, North Carolina. For a listing of all locations, view their website at www.preflightparking.com.
The way PFP works is quite simple. You bring your car to their location, park it in one of the parking slots, and a shuttle will come right to your car to pick you up. The shuttle will then drop you off at whatever airline it is you are leaving from. When you come home, you call PFP, and they will be there to pick you up within minutes to bring you back to the PFP lot. There is no payment expected until you pick up your car after your flight.
This trip was my second experience with PFP and both experiences were positive. I made my reservation online, which guaranteed me a spot. I questioned whether or not I needed to make a reservation, but when I got to the lot and saw the “Full” sign, I began to panic. I asked if I was going to be able to get in, and they said because I’d made a reservation, I would have no problem. I always, always recommend making a reservation. Even though the website states that they don’t need to be made during slower seasons, I still recommend it. Better safe than sorry, they say, and when you’re trying to catch a flight, being sorry is not the most desired option. The last thing anyone can afford is to arrive at the PFP lot thinking they’ll have no trouble finding a spot, only to be turned away.
Another benefit to making a reservation online and just viewing the website in general, is that you can print a coupon that gives you a $2.25 a day discount on the fee. Normal rates are $8.50 per day or $55 per week for uncovered. Covered parking is available for $9.50 per day or $60.50 per week. With the discount coupon, daily rates are dropped to $6.25 per day which is a large savings if staying more than a couple of days. Vail to Aspen transportation and other car service companies always ensure that you are serviced well. Hence, it is really advisable to book your transportation ahead of time so you can avoid the hassle and inconvenience of looking for car service on the spot.
For people who travel frequently, like me, it’s frustrating to have to worry about how to get to the airport each time, especially when I’m leaving early and or coming home late. PFP offers a frequent flyer program that allows travelers like me to feel at ease, knowing they will always have a place to park, even during holidays and busy travel times. The frequent flyer program can be reviewed on the PFP website.
Any business is going to gain a reputation, good or bad, based on its service and how customers are treated. I have never had a bad service experience at PFP. Everyone is always friendly and accommodating, even early in the morning and late at night, which is often the times I travel. I even lost my ticket and was afraid they would give me trouble when leaving. I can’t say the booth attendant was thrilled with me for losing the ticket, but she did let me through on my word, which was something I didn’t expect her to do.
The only other ways for me to travel, were I not to utilize the PFP service, would be to take a taxi, park at the airport, or ask a friend for a ride. Taxi and airport parking are way too expensive for my blood, and I hate inconveniencing anyone if I don’t have to. Pre Flight Parking allows me a cost efficient, time saving way to get to the airport without any hassle or worry. I’m just glad I’m in one of the states that offers the service. If you are as well, check it out. It’s a service definitely worth the time and expense.
