Photo by Hunter-Desportes

Airport parking is notoriously expensive around the world.  When it comes to convenience, there have previously been few options aside from the official airport parking. This article will look at a new exciting way to find cheap, affordable and secure parking at any major airport.

Short term parking is fairly reasonable. In the UK it costs a few Pounds for an hour or so and while we might not like paying this, there is little incentive to find an alternate option. When it comes to long term parking however, prices are considerably higher. For long-stay parking that is about 5-10 minutes by shuttle bus from the terminal, one can expect to pay around £15 per day. Closer parking within walking distance can easily be double this figure and is generally not worthwhile.

There are private companies that offer slightly cheaper parking at around £10 per day, but these are usually 20-30 minutes away by shuttle bus.  Worse still, you can be waiting for quite some time to be picked up when you return. For a one week trip, this can cost about £70 at London Heathrow airport. Consider what this might cost for a two or three week trip. Prices can easily start to get ridiculous.

A new website in the UK aims to let property owners rent out their driveway. ParkAtMyHouse.com provides a meeting place for driveway owners and people that need a parking space. Using Google Maps, the system lets you view exactly where you are going to park. The system is now compatible with Google Streetview, so you can often view the actual parking space too. If this is not available in your area, the owner will usually post photos of the actual space so you know it is for real. A feedback system lets users rate the service provided so you know what to expect. You can even contact the parking space owner and negotiate. The website generates a contract for you to print out and sign, adding an extra layer of security to the transaction.

At Heathrow airport there are a number of people living very close that will let you park on their drive for as little as £3 per day. This is certainly the cheapest parking at Heathrow airport.  Furthermore, these enterprising individuals provide a shuttle service direct to the terminal building which is only a 5-minute driveway away.

They also pick you up upon your return. You can SMS text them when you are waiting for your bags and when you walk out someone will be waiting for you. This really is an excellent way to save money when parking. The service is available at major airports in the UK. At some smaller airports the pickup/drop off service is not offered and you must take a short taxi ride, but this still represent a massive saving compared to regular car parks.

Having used the service myself, I can safely say that the old overpriced airport car parks will have something to worry about in future. Similar rates are available at all London Airports and most major UK airports. ParkAtMyHouse.com is expanding into a number of other countries including most of Western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. At present, the UK has the vast majority of users but the service is beginning to make headway in a number of other countries.

http:/www.parkatmyhouse.com/heathrow-airport-parking