Here's what works at almost every major US airport:
- Prebook official parking. Airports now sell cheaper online rates, often well below the drive-up price, and many allow free cancellation.
- Pick economy or shuttle lots. Their shuttles and trains usually run 24/7, every 5–15 minutes.
- Compare off-airport lots on long trips. The longer you're away, the more a cheaper daily rate adds up.
- Look at toll-tag and payment discounts. At DFW, a TollTag costs less than a credit card.
- Use the free cell phone lot when you're picking someone up, instead of circling or paying for short-term parking.
- Check your terminal before you leave. Parking on the wrong side of a big airport can add 20 minutes or more.