Are you traveling to or from the San Antonio International Airport? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We all know that traveling can be both exciting and also daunting. We’re here to alleviate some of the stress that comes with planning a trip. Read on for more info on how to travel the stress-free way.
Our Recommendation: Book Well In Advance
If you know you’ll need to park your car at the airport, you definitely need to start planning as soon as you have the travel dates for your trip. The reason for this is that it’s very similar to booking a plane ticket; typically, the earlier you book, the more money you’ll save. Many travel sites also offer additional discounts when you reserve your parking online. It’s definitely worth looking into different options to see which one is best for you.
Most domestic flights recommend you book your ticket at least 1 to 2 months in advance. As soon as your trip is booked, start looking at pricing. Make sure you carefully check the cancellation and refund policy before booking just in case your plans change.
Familiarize Yourself With The Airport Layout
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to navigate an unfamiliar parking lot, especially at a busy airport. San Antonio International Airport sees about 10,000 travelers on a daily basis. The best way to set yourself up for success is to know where you’re going. Take a moment to look over the airport map, which will give you an idea of where the terminals are located in relation to parking.
You should also check the airport website in the days leading up to your trip to look out for changes to parking area availability and any traffic flow changes.
Arrive Early
The last thing you want on the day of your departure is to feel panicked and rushed. You’ve looked over the maps so you know exactly where you need to park and which terminal you need, but you still need to arrive early. The airline standard is to arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international flights. This should allow you plenty of time to park your vehicle, travel to the terminal and make it through check-in and security. If you’re an anxious traveler, you may even consider arriving a bit earlier than suggested to allow yourself enough time for the unexpected.
Check Your Airline Status Frequently
Avoid unnecessary stress by checking your flight status online. Airlines usually update the status pretty frequently. Note any change in departure or arrival time and plan accordingly. Most airlines have a mobile app you can carry with you on your phone so that you can stay up to date and see any changes that have been made right away.
Use A Parking Service
What if you want to avoid the airport parking lot shuffle altogether? There’s a simple solution: use a parking service. Parking services have risen in popularity over the last few years and can be life (and money) savers.
For example, On Air Parking is a parking service that partners with five-star parking facilities near airports. Because On Air Parking has partners all over the country, you’re almost guaranteed to find a facility near the airport you’re traveling from. Visit the On Air Parking website and input your travel dates and desired airport. The results will list the different pricing options for an off-airport property parking facility near the airport. When you’ve made your selection and paid, you’ll receive an email that will give you all of the details of the facility you’ve been matched with.
On the day of your arrival, you’ll drop your vehicle off at the parking facility indicated. Most facilities have a complimentary shuttle, running on a frequent schedule that will take you to the airport. A short ride later, you’re dropped off right in front of your terminal. No added stress from circling the parking lot at the airport and dealing with traffic. When you return from your trip, you’ll hop on a shuttle at the airport to be taken back to the parking facility. You’ll be back at your vehicle and ready to leave in no time.
On Air Parking’s prices are incredibly low, saving most travelers around 50% on San Antonio International Airport parking costs. All parking facilities are frequently monitored and secured so you can be sure that your vehicle will be safe while you’re away. On Air Parking also offers a reservation guarantee. If your plans change, you’re able to cancel your parking reservation up until your scheduled departure date for a full refund with no questions asked. You can also expect VIP customer service if you need to contact a Reservation Specialist about your reservation. Join the yearly membership program for even more perks and savings.
Check Local Traffic
Before you head out to the airport, it’s a good idea to check the local traffic so that you can plan ahead. A sure way to start your trip off on the wrong foot is to end up stuck on the road. Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic is not something you want to deal with when you’re trying to catch a flight. Check ahead for accident reports, lane closures and road construction before you leave. Once you arrive at the airport, keep an eye out for signs indicating changes to parking availability.
The Conclusion
Whether for business or pleasure, any trip has the potential to be stressful. Give yourself your best chance at smooth travels by planning ahead. As long as you book your parking ahead of time, familiarize yourself with the airport layout, and keep an eye on your flight status and traffic, you’ll be set up for success from the start.