Airport Parking Etiquette — A handbook to polite travelling

Parking, especially airport car parks, can often be hectic places filled with rage and stress. Calmly navigating an airport car park relies on a lot of courteous driving and consideration. With this in mind, we’re going to have a look at some courteous travel behaviour which will help provide a more positive travel environment for all involved.

Respecting reserved parking spaces

For most of us, it’s a common courtesy, but still, it’s one we’re going to kick off with. When in a car park, respecting designated spaces is a must. Each car park space is carefully marked out ensuring cars have enough space to manoeuvre and for their passengers to get out. As such, when you are parking in an airport, make sure you park squarely between the lines rather than parking partly in a neighbouring spot. It’s a simple thing, but one that makes everyone’s life easier in the rush to unpack suitcases.

Consider how you drive

Car parks like the ones at Schiphol Airport are often crowded with queues of cars, tight corners and difficult parking space angles. As such, being slow and mindful when you navigate the area can be beneficial to all. Make sure you stick to speed limits as there are typically many people moving about with small children and luggage. It’s also better this way as you may spot a space opening up if you’re paying attention to other cars properly.

Stick to drop-off and pick-up points

Many airports have convenient pick-up and drop-off points, so you may not even have to park for long. However, if you are using these areas, make sure you’re familiar with the zone and how to use them. Avoid stopping in no-parking zones, and if you’re at the drop-off point, don’t stay there too long. Following the rules will keep the flow of traffic going, preventing traffic jams and enabling everyone to get where they need to be in a timely, smooth fashion.

Keeping things clean

If you’re in an extended stay car park such as those found in Barcelona Airport, you may find yourself waiting around, especially for a pick-up. When doing so, make sure you keep the area tidy around you. Dispose of any waste properly and don’t litter. If the area is well-kept, it provides a much nicer area for everyone, giving a more positive impression for everyone visiting.

What parking rules are there?

Well, each airport car park will have different rules. Depending on whether you’re in a long or short stay, shuttle or valet parking, the rules will be slightly different. Preparing yourself and getting to grips with the rules for that car park will go a long way to making your experience a better one. Make sure you know how to pay for your parking, what the limits are for staying, and whether there are other regulations in place. By following the rules, you show respect for the car park as well as other users.

Keep the noise down

While it’s tempting to shout in an enclosed car park, good etiquette requires you don’t. Enclosed car parks can already be noisy, especially when filled with hundreds of cars. Avoid loud conversations or banging your luggage about. Being mindful of those around you and keeping noise to a minimum will make it a calmer environment for all travellers.

Provide a helping hand

Being in a rush, or having difficulties is part and parcel of a travel day. If you see other passengers struggling with their luggage, why not help out. Even just a little assistance can go a long way in making someone’s day that much better. It’s also a nice way of showing support on the way to the airport.

Preplan your travel

Finally, it’s always a good idea to simply be organized. If you’ve planned ahead, you can make sure you give yourself plenty of time to park, grab your luggage and get to the airport. When you give yourself extra time, you’re less stressed. And, when you’re calm, you’re more inclined to help out others and be relaxed. By default, you’ll create a better travel environment for those around you.

So, staying courteous can be beneficial for everyone, not just you. This simple practice can make your airport car parking that much easier.