Experienced travelers these days know that purchasing cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms are only a real value if you successfully navigate through all the additional fees and expenses that airlines and airports keep trying to pass onto passengers.
Probably the most talked about additional airline fee is for checked baggage. By packing smart and using luggage that will fit in airline overhead compartments savvy travelers are able to avoid that minefield.
A new threat to cheap travel is raising its ugly head in the form of increasing parking fees at airports. Parking rates are being hiked at airports across the U.S. as airports look for additional income while trying to cope with dropping air travel.
Most recently, Chicagos OHare and Midway airports, as well as San Diegos Lindberg Field increased their parking rates early this month, following other large airports that raised their prices last year.
Income derived from parking is the largest source on income not directly related to flying generated by airports. Domestic airport parking revenues increased by 3% in 08 to $3 billion, even as flier volume fell almost 4% to 735 million.
The best way to fight the increasing cost of parking at the airport is either to get a friend to drop you off at the airport or to research the cost of parking available close to, but not on, airport grounds.