9 Rules for PreFlight Parking Etiquette

Guidelines for stress-free parking at PreFlight locations

Love it or hate it, parking is a major part of life for most travelers. When parking, making small, seemingly insignificant decisions can determine whether the experience will be good or bad. This is why it's important to ensure that you're ready to park quickly and correctly before your next trip. Leaving your vehicle can be stressful, especially when you're going to be gone for a long time.

You don't want to affect other people's parking experience by parking poorly, either. From entering PreFlight to returning to your car, we appreciate your support and using these parking lot etiquette rules.

Parking rules are general guidelines to help give you and your fellow drivers peace of mind when leaving your cars parked for long periods of time. So to ensure that your next PreFlight parking experience is as stress-free as possible, follow our eight parking etiquette tips below.

Arrive On Time

Parking can be hard, so don’t add stress by limiting your parking time. PreFlight customers can park anytime on the day their reservation starts. Try to arrive early to avoid more stress.

A good rule of thumb is to arrive two and a half hours before your flight departs. To ensure that you’re not rushing through the parking process and scrambling to get a shuttle seat, time your arrival at the parking lot so that you wo n’t need to worry about rushing to your gate. Make sure to schedule your reservation time to consider that extra two and a half hours before your flight time.

Park on the Correct Level

Whether you reserve a parking spot ahead of time or on the day of your flight, be sure to note the parking level on your reservation to find a place to leave your car.

Although each PreFlight location has a slightly different layout, parking areas are divided into Uncovered or Covered floors, with additional Economy or Premium offerings at select locations. Follow the signage at your chosen location to find your assigned parking area. If you park in an area other than the one on your reservation, you will be charged the rate of where you parked at the exit.

Stay Inside the Lines

Remember to keep your car's wheels between the painted lines when parking. Park in the middle of the space to avoid hitting other cars with your car door or blocking someone from parking next to you. Pull up within the space to avoid leaving your car's rear end out in the driving lane.

Leave only a foot in front of your car to avoid hitting the wall or crossing over the front of the parking space. During busy times, park efficiently and leave enough space for other cars.

Even one misaligned car can create wasted space for an entire row. In a busy parking lot, it can make a huge difference if there isn't a lot of open space.

Be Mindful of Your Parking Neighbors

Parking inside the lines is not just about efficiency; it’s also about being considerate toward the other travelers parking alongside you.

Leaving enough space between you and your parking neighbors gives everybody enough room to enter and exit their vehicles comfortably. It also reduces the chances of accidental damage from car doors.

Be Patient and Courteous

Accidents are just as likely in parking lots as anywhere else on the road. When driving to and from your parking spot, be sure to follow the rules of the road and pay attention to any signage posted around the parking area. Tailgating other drivers doesn't speed up traffic, but it can lead to accidents if the driver in front backs up or suddenly stops.

Remove cell phones and other unnecessary distractions from your view until you’ve parked your vehicle, and don’t try to race other travelers to the & best parking spot. Defensive driving is always a good idea, especially when you have a plane to catch.

Please be considerate of other parkers needs by avoiding parking in electric vehicles or handicapped spaces unless you have a handicapped plate/placard or an electric car. It's illegal to park in a handicapped space, and it can result in a hefty fine or your vehicle being towed.

Being patient, kind to drivers, and aware of shuttle pick-up locations are also important for shuttle trips. Each PreFlight location has specific pick-up locations, and depending on when you arrive, you may need to call for a shuttle to inform them that you are there.

Check out the PreFlight location pages for information on shuttle locations. You can also check out the shuttle trackers on the website or app to see how many shuttles are running and where they are currently located. Pick-ups can take time, so we appreciate your patience while you wait for the driver.

Don’t Forget to Signal

One surefire way to avoid parking lot accidents is to use your turn signals as you enter and exit your chosen PreFlight parking garage. Remember: just because you’re going under 30 MPH doesn’t mean the rules of the road don’t apply.

Use your turn signal to let other drivers know which space you're moving into.

Don’t Forget Where You Parked

Remember where you park by taking a photo of the level or space markers with your phone. This makes it easier to find your vehicle when you return. For longer trips, you might forget where you parked, so the photo will help you remember. You can also make your car stand out by putting a small flag or something memorable on top.

At PreFlight, we will pick up and drop you off directly at your parking spot. When you get picked up by a shuttle, the driver will also provide you with a PF slip with your parking spot information. This way, the driver can drive you back directly to your car when you return home. If you would like, take a picture of this slip just in case it gets lost along your travels.

Left a Dent? Leave a Note

Accidents happen, so it’s important to act quickly and responsibly in the event of property damage. If you accidentally damage another car, please write a note with your contact information, what happened, and an apology. Leave a note on the damaged car or contact the PreFlight staff at your chosen location. This will help the affected traveler find the information when they return from their trip.

It is better to take ownership because if the roles were reversed, you would want someone to do the same.

Avoid Tailgating at the Exit or Entrance of the Garage

Each car parking space needs to be scanned at the gate. After scanning in at the gate, pause once you've cleared the gate and make sure it closes before continuing into the garage to prevent others from speeding through after you. This will help with security, provide time for you to look around for a space, and give the people in front of you time to begin moving.

Don’t let good parking etiquette become an afterthought as you prepare for your next vacation. Remember to follow these tips to keep parking areas safe and stress-free for everyone, including yourself. Before leaving your car, take a photo of where you parked and make sure you have everything you need for your next adventure.

At PreFlight, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your contribution to maintaining our parking facilities as secure and hassle-free environments for travelers. Your help is crucial in ensuring that everyone can begin their travels with peace of mind. Thank you for your continued support and assistance. Happy travels!

 

 

For more related blogs, check out our Tips for Parking Lots and Garages or Tips for Parking at PreFlight