Airport Parking Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Imagine there’s a business traveler who has just faced a 30-minute delay for himself as well as other passengers of the flight simply because he failed to understand the basic airport parking etiquette and procedures. 
What was his mistake? It was simply blocking off a shuttle loading zone while unloading his own baggage. He had taken two whole compact spaces with his truck. He left his car alarm chirping for the entire week while he was in Dubai. 
He finally came back only to find angry notes on his car and damage. There was a parking facility manager eagerly waiting for his return so that he could lash out and discuss all the parking violations he had committed.
This was one of my friends. He told this about this whole chaotic experience and the fines and expenses he had to cover due to this.
There is something that most airport parkers fail to understand. It’s that we all follow parking etiquette because it’s simply not just about being polite, but it’s also about safeguarding your car, preventing any potential conflicts, and making sure the parking doesn’t hinder anyone else’s routine. 
You can be a frequent traveler or be going and parking in the airport for the very first time. It is important to understand the unwritten rules of airport parking and its dos and don’ts for avoiding embarrassment, safeguarding your car, and contributing to a smooth experience for everyone at the airport. 
After talking to that friend of mine, I realized there must be others too who are equally considered. So I came up with my own set of common problems that create the most challenges for airport parkers and how to overcome them.

In this guide, you will know:

• The basic principles when it comes to airport parking courtesy.
• How to select space and avoid conflicts and damages.
• Protocols of shuttle services.
• Best practices for the loading and unloading of baggage.
• Behaviors that can portray you as a problematic parker.
• How following etiquette saves you time and money.

Airport Parking Etiquette (Foundation)

The foundation of decent airport parking etiquette is based on a number of its core principles.

Principle #1: Efficiency Over Convenience

It is always important to make sure that your experience is never in a way that disturbs the flow of traffic, parking, or shuttle. 

Principle #2: Respecting Space 

Know that every parking space, the driving lane, and the loading zone is for a specific purpose. When you use a space appropriately, you keep the system running for everyone else. 

Principle #3: Awareness of Time

At the airport, parking operates on a tight schedule. Therefore, your decisions and actions should not hinder the movement and parking of other people. 

The Do’s and the Don’ts of Airport Parking 

Do’s

Space Selection 

• Small cars should be parked in small spaces. Large vehicles should be parked in the standard parking spaces.
• Spaces should be preferred that accommodate the size of the vehicle and provide room for door opening.
• Parking should be done in the allotted areas, depending on the reservation type. 
• Well-lit spaces should be considered for parking when available. 

Positioning of Cars 

• Cars should be parked within the parking space lines. 
• Parking should be close enough to allow opening the door behind you.
• It is important to ensure that adjacent spaces are not being blocked.
• Space should be left for neighboring car doors.

Dos for long-term benefit

• Selecting spaces that are away from high-traffic areas whenever possible.
• Avoiding parking spaces near shuttle stops.
• Parking in an area that has been designated for storage (long-term).
• Making sure your car does not leak any type of fluids or cause any sort of maintenance issues. 
   

Don’ts 

Creating Problems Regarding Space

• Parking in two spaces when you can adjust in one.
• Parking large vehicles in compact spaces.
• Parking poorly in a position to block other spaces..
• Parking in a premium space while paying for the economy one. 

Parking Position Mistakes 

• Parking too close to the adjacent sidecar’s driver's seat.
• Angling the car across the parking space lines.
• Parking in a way that’s too far or too close.
• Parking in a position that blocks the walking areas.
• Leaving out the excessive parking space. 

Avoid these premium space mistakes:

• Using handicapped spaces without proper permits.
• Taking expectant mother spaces without qualification.
• Parking in shuttle loading zones, even briefly.
• Blocking fire lanes or emergency vehicle access.

Car maintenance violations 

• Leaving your car alarm on in the parking lot.
• Parking your car without checking if it is leaking fluids.
• Keeping your car parked more than the time period you’ve paid for.

Tips When in the Loading Zone 

• Loading zones should be used only in the case of actual loading or unloading.
• The whole transfer of luggage should be done quickly. 
• The vehicle should be moved immediately after the loading or unloading has been done.

By keeping these in check, you will create a smooth parking experience at the airport and prevent yourself from violating any parking or airport rules. 

The Bottom Line

Airport parking should be done in a way that protects your interest while also contributing to the system that facilitates thousands of other travellers. 
Smart travellers are the ones who understand the parking etiquette and aim to create a better experience for everyone. 
The dos and don’ts of airport parking exist to ensure that this whole system functions smoothly for others. By following these simple guidelines, you can make that happen.