Airport parking fees can sneak up on even the most seasoned traveler. A weeklong trip could easily rack up $100 or more in parking alone—especially if you’re using on-site or premium airport lots. But with a little strategy, you can significantly cut those costs or avoid them altogether. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a long-overdue vacation, this guide will show you how to save $100+ per trip on airport parking by combining off-site deals, cashback apps like Fluz and Ibotta, and smart travel habits.
1. Skip On-Site Parking: Go Off-Site for Big Savings
The first and most effective way to save money on airport parking is to avoid parking directly at the terminal. On-site airport parking typically charges between $20–$40 per day. By contrast, off-site airport parking lots can cost as little as $5–$10 per day—and often include free shuttle service to the terminal.
Here are popular platforms that help you find and reserve discounted off-site lots:
- SpotHero: Compare off-site lot prices by airport, read reviews, and reserve in advance.
- ParkWhiz: Offers deep discounts and advance booking for airport parking.
- AirportParkingReservations.com: Aggregates long-term parking options with customer ratings and pricing transparency.
- The Parking Spot: Offers memberships, discounts, and shuttles across major U.S. airports.
Pro Tip: Book in advance. Rates are often 20–50% cheaper online than paying upon arrival.
2. Use Fluz and Ibotta to Offset Travel Costs
Even if the parking lot itself doesn’t accept cashback apps, you can still earn rewards on nearly every other part of your airport journey.
Fluz
Fluz lets you earn instant cashback by purchasing digital gift cards for travel-related services you’ll use while parking or at the airport.
Relevant Fluz merchants:
- Hotels.com – Book a hotel with parking (many offer Park, Sleep, Fly deals)
- Lyft / Uber – Save on rides to/from off-site parking
- Chevron / Texaco – Fuel up before leaving your car
- Starbucks, Panera Bread – For food near the airport or on your way
Example: Purchase a Lyft gift card through Fluz to cover your ride to the terminal from an off-site lot. You get cashback instantly—and avoid on-site parking fees.
Ibotta
Ibotta is great for food, snacks, and travel supplies. If you stop at stores like Walmart, CVS, or Target before heading to the airport, scan your receipt and earn cashback on your purchases.
Bonus Tip: Combine these apps with a rewards credit card and the merchant’s loyalty program for maximum savings.
3. Combine Long-Term Parking with Travel Hacks
If you’re traveling for five days or more, small optimizations can result in big savings:
- Park, Sleep, Fly Deals: Many hotels near airports offer one-night stays that include free long-term parking (often for up to 7–14 days). Use Hotels.com via Fluz to find these bundles.
- Use Public Transit: In cities with good transit systems, consider parking near a station and taking a train or shuttle to the airport.
- Car-Sharing for Drop-Off: Coordinate with friends or family to share a ride and avoid parking entirely.
- EV Perks: Some airports offer discounted or free parking for electric vehicles in designated areas. Check your airport’s parking page for specific incentives.
- Use Local Coupons: Visit airport parking websites or platforms like Groupon for limited-time promotions.
4. Real Cost Comparison Example
Scenario: 7-Day Trip from LAX
- On-site economy lot: $18/day × 7 = $126
- Off-site lot via SpotHero: $9/day × 7 = $63
- Cashback via Fluz for Lyft ride to terminal: $3.00 back
- Ibotta cashback from pre-flight snacks: $2.50 back
Total savings: ~$68 directly + cashback value = $70–$100 total savings
Airport parking doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. By planning ahead, booking off-site, and leveraging cashback apps like Fluz and Ibotta, you can cut your trip expenses by $100 or more—without sacrificing convenience.
So next time you fly, leave your car smartly parked and your wallet a little fuller.
