Airport Parking Etiquette: Being a Courteous Park-and-Fly Neighbor

Parking lot etiquette is simple to follow, although many don’t realize when they’ve broken a rule. That’s because parking lot etiquette isn’t always obvious to those who haven’t been told about it, and sometimes the rules can vary depending on the type of lot you’re in. So, here’s a rundown of some basic parking lot etiquette that will help you the next time you have to park at an airport.

Please Park in Only Your Space

Park only in your space. Not on the line of your space, not over the front line of the space, and not straddling the line between two spaces. If your car is very big, make arrangements with a parking lot service that has spaces large enough to accommodate your vehicle instead of crowding other cars in adjacent spots. When you do park in your spot, try to center your car. That leaves room on both sides without making it impossible for someone to get into their car in the next spot, and it ensures your car isn’t hidden, where it looks like your spot is empty until someone tries to turn into it and sees your car. It’s very simple to reposition your car if you don’t park well the first time. If you pull into the spot and find that you’ve edged your car over the front line into the spot ahead of yours, for example, don’t leave your car like that. Fix how you’ve parked. The people parking next to you will appreciate it.

Don’t Leave Your Car in Reserved or Disabled Spots “Because You’ll Be Right Back”

If you’re trying to park short-term at the airport because you’re waiting for someone, don’t find the closest lot and then park in a restricted space that you don’t qualify for because you think it will be only a few minutes. Whatever you do can take longer than you thought, and parking lots at airports are monitored. Don’t risk a ticket. Instead, find a short-term lot or cell phone lot where you can legally park, even if it means you have to take a shuttle in.

Be Courteous to and Cautious of Pedestrians

You’re going to encounter two types of pedestrians when you park: those going into the airport or to a shuttle stop and those going back to their cars. For those going into the airport or to a shuttle stop, please be cautious as they may be somewhat distracted and may cut across parking aisles suddenly. For those going back to their cars, if the lot’s crowded, beware of being a parking lot shark, silently following people as they head to their vehicles and soon-to-be-open spots. It’s much better if you can get their attention politely and ask if they’re leaving (on the off chance that they just forgot something in their car or are cutting through the lot to go somewhere else). Once you’ve confirmed that they are leaving, keep a safe distance from them as you follow them to their spot. If you need overnight parking at the Philadelphia International Airport, contact Jet Stream Parking. Arrange for long-term or other parking so you know you’ll have a place to leave your car while you travel. When you go to the Philadelphia International Airport, short-term parking may be in short supply if you don’t look for a lot and space ahead of time. Don’t let a lack of parking derail your travel plans — be sure you know which lot you can go to before you leave for the airport.