Traveling After Graduation

Graduation is just around the corner. Many times, grads love to celebrate their accomplishments with a trip or vacation of a lifetime, before they settle into a full time job. If this sounds like you or someone you know, check out our list of travel tips just for grads:

1. Don't be afraid. This is our #1 piece of advice! Jump feet first into your life long dream. You already accomplished graduation [whew!], now it's your turn to have fun!
2. Research your options. Do you know what WOOFing is? Never heard of Airbnb? Maybe it's time to do some research into all the alternatives out there. Traveling somewhere fun and new doesn't have to be a financial burden. Have the credentials? Why not spend a semester in South Korea teaching English? 
3. Save your pennies. No matter what option you choose, travel is going to take some money. Do the hard part now while you finish up school. Take on a few extra hours at work. Eat dinner at home for the next month and forego your daily Starbucks. A penny saved is a penny earned!
4. Get the most bang for your buck. Sure, places like Italy and the UK are popular destinations, but that also makes them expensive. Why not consider Thailand, Belize, or Cambodia? At many of these destinations, you are able to eat on $10 a day and can receive a massage on the beach for just a few bucks! What's not to love?!
5. Wait just a few months. Summer is often the busiest and most expensive time to travel. If you spend a few more months at home and leave for your trip in say, September, you will be able to score fantastic deals! 

Airlines Parking wishes to extend a heartfelt "Congratulations" to all of the new graduates! If you are driving yourself to the airport and need a place to park, check out our website and download our Detroit Airport Parking coupon to save money on your reservation! 

Detroit Airport FAQ

Have some burning questions before parking at our Detroit Metro Airport Parking facility? We answer you FAQ's below! As always, don't forget to make your free online reservation on our website! We look forward to serving you!

How much time do we need to be at your lot before our flight?

Please be at our lot 2-2 ½ hours before your departure time.

What happens if I come back from my trip and my car won’t start?

We have complimentary battery booster and tire compressor service. Our friendly drivers will be happy to assist you.

How do I know my car will be safe?

We are a completely fenced in & lighted lot with security patrolling in the evening. Our driving staff is also driving on the lot 24 hours per day.

How often do the shuttles operate?

Our shuttles run every 5-7 minutes 24/7/365

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, US Traveler Check. We do not accept personal check.

Can we bring our pet on the shuttle?

Yes, of course! Please make sure your furry family member is crated.

Can we bring skis, golf clubs, strollers, etc on the shuttle?

Yes, our friendly drivers will load and unload any luggage or extra items.

Do you have covered parking?

No, we do not offer covered parking at this time.

Easy Detroit Airport Parking Process

Parking at Detroit Metro Airport doesn't have to be stressful, expensive, or time consuming! Once you make your free online reservation with Airlines Parking you have already won half of the battle! There are just a few more steps that must be completed in order for you to have a stress-free Detroit Airport parking experience.

We require only a few minutes to check you in and shuttle you the airport. Despite this, we suggest you arrive at our facility 2-2 1/2 hours before your flight. So, we strive to make our airport parking service simple and easy for you. Once you arrive, follow these simple steps for an easy parking experience:

• Check-in at the counter
• Allow driver to load your bags
• Take the shuttle to the airport
• Arrive at curb side stress free!

Revolutionize your Travel!

Now-a-days, more and more people are forgoing the traditional "show up at the airport and try and find parking," and choosing the less stressful alternative known as off-airport parking. Airlines Parking has been serving Detroit Metro Airport as an off-airport parking carrier for many years, so we know what you want and strive to serve your every need.

Choosing off-airport parking will actually save you time and money! Whether you live in Detroit and plan to park with Airlines Parking, or you reside in a far off city, chances are your large airport boasts an off-airport parking facility. Instead of driving around for 15 minutes searching for a parking spot that is safe and budget friendly, why not make a free online reservation from the comfort of your own home, weeks before your departure date? Not only will you eliminate some of the stress related with Detroit Metro Airport Parking, you will be paying much less per day than the airport charges.

In the time that you would spend looking for a parking space on airport property, you could be pulling into our facility and enjoying a free shuttle ride to the airport while you car rests securely on our lot. Who likes to drive through the confusing airport anyway? Leave that to our experienced staff and prepare for your trip!

Well, what are you waiting for? Make your online reservation today and start your Detroit Airport Parking journey. Revolutionize your travel!

Cheap Detroit Airport Parking

When you arrive at our Detroit Airport Parking facility, we only require a few short minutes to check you in AND shuttle you to the airport? How easy is that?! You can expedite the process even further by making a free online reservation via our Airlines Parking Website so your parking space will be guaranteed upon your arrival. Online reservations are never required, but are always recommended! We strive to make your Detroit Airport Parking process simple and easy for you. When you arrive at our facility, all you have to do is:

• Check-in at the counter
• Allow driver to load your bags
• Take the shuttle to the airport
• Arrive at curb side stress free!

Safe Driving Tips

Here at Airlines Parking, your safety means the world to us. Whether you are parking in our facility, traveling in our complementary shuttles, or just going about your day-to-day life, we hope that you remain safe and healthy. As a result, we have complied a list of safe driving tips so that you can arrive at your destination in once piece:

1. Don't drive too fast or too slow. "Just Right" is the perfect speed when traveling during busy weekends. What we mean is, stick to going the speed limit, or just a bit over or under, but don't rush through construction zones or speed 20mph faster than you should be. A traffic ticket or unexpected accident will surely ruin your day.

2. Don't hog the left lane. You are being a model driver and proceeding along your route at barely over the legal speed limit. If you are driving in the left lane and a long line of cars starts to form behind you, move over! Obviously, someone is in a rush and drivers often get very upset when they cannot speed by as fast as possible. Who knows, you may see that adrenaline junky down the road with a ticket. Proceed with caution and respect for other drivers.

3. Keep your headlights on at all times. Yes, headlights should be on, even in the daytime! This little trick helps you to be more visible to other drivers and could even help you avoid an accident.

4. Check your vehicle before you go. This includes a simple self performed oil check, battery check, tire pressure check, windshield wiper check etc. Make sure that you have enough wiper fluid in case of the inevitable downpour. It is always better to be safe and prepared!

5. Sharing is caring! Traveling more than a few hours? Have a few safe drivers going along with you? Perfect! Rotating the driving duty is a great way to ensure that no one gets burnt out and everyone has a chance to rest.

No matter where you are traveling, Airlines Parking wishes you a safe and stress free day! Driving to Detroit Metro Airport and then flying to your destination? Don't forget to make your free online reservation so that you can save money on Detroit Airport parking!

5 Tips for Traveling with Allergies

With the first day of spring coming soon, allergy season will be on the rise. Do you suffer from allergies related to pollen or hay? When traveling from Detroit Metro Airport to your destination, your allergens may kick into high gear. Here are 5 ways you can plan in advance in order to keep your watery eyes at bay:

• Bring the comforts of home. Do you sleep with a dust-proof pillow case or use allergen-free sheets at home? Roll your pillow case into a small ball and bring it along during your trip. It will take up relatively little space and will help reduce your allergies while you sleep.
• Pack all your medications in your carry-on. Resist the urge to pack your medications in your checked luggage. You will need to access your medications easily and quickly in case of an emergency. Think you need a certain amount of doses during your trip? Double that amount so you don't run into trouble.
• Pack nasal saline spray. Surprise surprise: the air in plane cabins is abnormally dry. Nasal spray doesn't cost much and it will save you tons of trouble in the long run. Use the spray once or twice an hour to keep your nasal passage clear and hydrated from the dry air.
• Book "smoke free" hotels. Even if a hotel has "smoking" and "non-smoking" rooms, the policy is often not strictly enforced and people bend the rules to their advantage. The best way to ensure you won't have to deal with pesky smoke is to book a hotel that does not allow smoking indoors at all.
• Check the pollen count. Check the pollen counts from grass, trees, weeds etc. at your intended destination. This way, you will have a better idea of what you will encounter.

Before you leave out of DTW, don't forget to book your online parking reservation with Airlines Parking! Book online and save big.

Directions to Detroit Metro Airport

This could be you when you see Detroit Metro Airport!

Trying to find directions to Detroit Metro Airport Parking? We've got you covered!! Check out our comprehensive list of directions and we will direct you to Airlines Parking, and then to Detroit Metro Airport! Airlines Parking is located just minutes away from Detroit Metro Airport! Once you see our facility, DTW is right around the corner.  Please review our detailed driving directions below. If you have any questions, please call us and we will direct you to our facility! 

From the West: (I-275 and US 23); Ann Arbor and Flint
Take I-94 East towards Detroit and exit 198. Take the second ramp at Merriman Road North. Airlines Parking is on the right side of the road – the first entrance past the traffic light.

From the East: (I-94); Detroit and Windsor
Take I-94 West towards Romulus and exit 198. Take the second ramp at Merriman Road North. Airlines Parking is on the right side of the road – the first entrance past the traffic light.

From the South: I-27 (Toledo)
Take I-94 ramp towards Detroit Metro Airport and take exit 198. Take 2nd ram at Merriman Road North. Airlines Parking is on the right side of road, first entrance past traffic light.

Detroit Airport Parking Coupons

Who doesn't love coupons?! We sure do! Coupons are a fantastic way to save money on everyday items such as groceries, household items, and yes, even airport parking! If you love coupons as much as we do and you want cheap Detroit Airport parking, then join our email list, add us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or keep up with our website! This way, you will be the first to know about our exclusive Detroit Airport Parking coupons! 

Here at Airlines Parking, we like to present special deals and Detroit Airport parking coupons to our online mailing list and social media followers first, before posting to our website. Become a part of the Airlines crowd or else you will miss out on these fantastic Detroit Airport parking deals! 

Check out a sneak peak at our most recent coupon:

Coupons are a great way to save money on Detroit Airport Parking, but they still won't save you a parking space! Luckily, we allow you to reserve your parking online ahead of time at our website!

Traveling with the Elderly

This could be you!

Are you a senior-aged human who is preparing to travel abroad? Are you planning to bring another elderly  relative or friend along on your next journey? If so, plan ahead so you can enjoy your trip! Consider the following tips:

1.      Health Insurance. Medicare does not cover health care overseas. It is highly recommended to obtain short-term health insurance before your trip.

2.      Pharmacies and Medications. Pack an ample supply of routine prescription meds for the duration of you trip. Keep medicine in its original, labeled container to avoid questioning at customs and carry a letter from your doctor that details your condition and medications.

3.      Local Conditions.  Talk to your doctor before your trip to identify your health care needs
 at your destination. Research the environmental conditions of your destination that may affect you including altitude, pollution and the safety of local drinking water.

4.      Personal Time. Keep in mind that abnormal physical and mental activity undertaken during travel is strenuous, no matter your age. Don’t forget to build enough personal time into your travel plan; whether to rest from a long walk or enjoy an additional travel site.

5.      Prepare for Emergencies. Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport  with family and trusted friends. Know the contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting.

And remember: reserving online with Airlines Parking  ahead of time is just as important as preparing for your journey! Bon Voyage!

Detroit July 4th 2014 Events

 

Did you know that the Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year to travel? With this in mind, Detroit is the perfect place to celebrate Independence Day! Pay tribute to America’s birthday with Airlines Parking this year by enjoying fun fireworks, fantastic weather, and patriotic parties.

What to do in Detroit on 4^th of July weekend 2014:

v  Wolverine Lake Tiki and Fireworks Display. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on the banks of Wolverine Lake. Fireworks begin at dusk and the beach will be festively lit by tiki torches.

v  Detroit Tigers at Comercia Park. What is more American than baseball, hot dogs, and fireworks? Celebrate 4^th of July with the Detroit Tigers all weekend!

v  Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. The nation’s largest combined air show and balloon festival is happening this holiday weekend! Tickets range from a mere $5-$10 and you can enjoy fireworks at dusk.

v  Soaring Eagle Stars and Stripes Spectacular. With tickets starting at $20, you can enjoy monster truck madness, a concert featuring Switchfoot, and motocross! This event goes on through Sunday, July 6^th.

Make your Fourth of July travels in and out of Detroit Metro Airport less stressful when you park your car with Airlines Parking.

Shuttles at Detroit Metro Airport

You just landed at Detroit Metro Airport after a long, turbulent flight and can't wait to get to your car to finally get home. Oftentimes, waiting for a parking shuttle to come and then squeezing all of your belongings inside can be one of the most frustrating aspects of your DTW airport parking experience. Here are a few ways that Airlines Parking strives to make your shuttle experience as stress-free as possible:

·         Shuttle buses are on call. Unlike other parking facilities in the area where you must wait for a shuttle to come every 15 min, Airlines shuttles are on call to pick you up the second you’re ready to leave the Detroit Metro Airport. To make things easier on you, friendly staff will help you load your luggage onto the bus and into your car.

·         Shorter distance to the airport. A shorter distance means a shorter ride, which means you will be in and out of the shuttle in a breeze!

·         No hidden Fuel Surcharge Fees. You're already paying to park, why on earth should you pay for your shuttle ride as well? Other parking facilities serving the Detroit Metro Airport advertise a “free shuttle” service and then stick you with a hidden “fuel surcharge fee." Avoid these and other hidden surcharges when leave your car at Airlines Parking.

Cheap Places to Fly to From Detroit

We get it! Life is busy and hectic and sometimes you just can’t get away for the extravagant vacation of your dreams. Just because you can’t afford to jet off to Tahiti doesn’t mean that there aren’t some splendid locations close to Detroit! Check out these destinations that are affordable and easy to fly to from Detroit Metro Airport:       

• Boston, MA. (1 hour 21 min flight from DTW). For only $164 round trip you can jet off to Boston to enjoy some salty New England sea breezes. Tour the popular Fenway Park or take a walk along the spectacular Atlantic waterfront.
•  Fort Lauderdale, FL. (2 hour 31 min flight from DTW). Take a break from chilly Michigan weather and buy yourself a roundtrip ticket to Florida for only $220! Enjoy lounging on the beach, catch a Florida sunset and swim in warm, crystal blue ocean waters.
• Anchorage, AK. (6 hour 28 min flight from DTW). Sure it is a little bit further than our other suggestions, but flying to Alaska for only $754 round trip will create memories that will last a lifetime! Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska so there is plenty to explore. Go in the winter for skiing or the summer to tour glaciers and to go Salmon fishing.

Once you figure out where you should fly to from Detroit Metro Airport, make your free online reservation with Airlines Parking to ensure you get the cheapest DTW airport parking! 

Where to eat at Detroit Metro Airport’s North Terminal

 

Imagine the following scenario: You ride the tram, get through Detroit Metro Airport security, and arrive at North Terminal hungry. Now that you arrived at your specific DTW terminal, there is no sense in going back through security just to get a bite to eat. Check out some of the delicious offerings DTW North Terminal has to offer:

1.      Coffee Beanery Café. ($). Crave artisanal coffee but tired of Starbucks? Grab a turtle mocha flavored coffee or some relaxing tea while you wait for your flight.

2.      Le Petit Bistro. ($). As its name correctly states, this place is essentially a little bistro. Order a sandwich, sub, or deliciously fresh salad and enjoy a healthy lunch or dinner.

3.      Earl of Sandwich. ($). This popular chain is chock full of hearty lunch and dinner options. Pair an artisanal soup with a hand-crafted wrap and frozen lemonade and you will be good to go!

4.      TGI Friday’s. ($$). Friday’s features an American cuisine that includes hamburgers, sandwiches, steaks, salads, and seafood. Burger patties can be substituted to accommodate for vegetarian and vegan diners. Friday’s is a great location for grabbing a pre-flight cocktail.

Don’t forget to make your free online reservation with Airlines Parking. We will get you to your terminal with enough time to grab a bit to eat before your DTW flight. Stay tuned for our next post on where to eat at other Detroit Metro Airport locations.  

 

Where to Eat at Detroit Metro Airport

Once you are dropped off at Detroit Metro Airport by Airlines Parking’s complementary shuttle, you may want to get a quick bite to eat before proceeding to your terminal. Whether you prefer to sit down at a nice restaurant, pick up a light lunch, or grab a quick bit to eat on the go, there is something for everyone at DTW!

McNamara Terminal

1.      Sora Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. ($$). Believe it or not, Sora has a fantastic reputation for serving sit down sushi and delicious tempura. This place makes a long layover seem doable.

2.      Vino Volo Wine Room. ($$).This classy wine bar has something for both novice and experienced tasters. Vino Volo offers food with ingredients such as prosciutto, brie, truffle oil, and smoked Gouda.

3.      Waterworks Bar & Grill. ($). Have an early flight? Grab a breakfast at Waterworks and being awake in the wee hours of the morning won’t seem so bad. Check out their exceptionally large French toast offering.

4.      PB&J. ($). Think peanut butter and jelly is just for kids? Think again! Think bananas, Nutella and even bacon and you have yourself a gourmet PB&J sandwich.

5.      SlapShotz. ($$). Slapshotz is known for its craft beer selection. They offer the perfect atmosphere if you want to grab a burger and beer and watch the game.

Make your free online reservation at Airlines Parking and stay tuned for Airlines Parking’s next article on where to eat at other DTW terminals.

Easy Car Maintenance Tips

Did you know that April is “National Car Care Month?” That means there is no better time to perform a self-check test on your car than right now in the middle of April!  It is important to remember the following car maintenance tips so you can ensure that your vehicle is running properly before the arrival of the summer driving season!

1.      Pop that hood! Pop the hood of your car and inspect all important fluids. Find the dipstick for your engine oil and transmission fluid and check these first. If you aren’t sure where to locate them in your car, search Google to find out.

2.      While you are under there…make sure to check any visible hoses and belts. Make sure that they aren’t brittle, frayed, or loose.

3.      Battery basics. Pay special attention to the battery connections and make sure that they aren’t loose and corroding. If corrosion is present, take a screwdriver or similar tool and scrape the decay loose.

4.      April showers bring…windshield wiper use!! Ensure that your windshield wiper fluid is full. If it needs to be topped off and you don’t have any fluid on hand, you can always use distilled water as a temporary substitute.

5.      Tire tips. Checking tires is probably the easiest type of self-maintenance you can perform! Invest in an inexpensive tire pressure gauge and make sure that your tires are full of air. Remember that if your tires show uneven wear, it is time for a wheel alignment!

Spring into April by making your free online reservation with Airlines Parking the next time you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport!

5 Shoulder Season Travel Tips

 

 

Just because the holiday travel season is long gone doesn’t mean that you have to hunker down at home until the summer! We know we know…we get it! Summer is better because the weather is warmer and the kids are on summer break. Speaking of break, saving your vacation for summer is sure to break one thing, the bank! Instead, choose to travel during the “shoulder season,” the period between the off and peak seasons. This time of year usually brings calmer airports, less crowded destinations and much more bang for your buck. When planning your shoulder season getaway, keep these helpful tips in mind:

1.      Don’t inconvenience yourself trying to save money. Off season is “off” for a reason, and, as a result, prices are cheaper. You will be able to get the same vacation for half the price.

2.      Check the weather for your desired destination. If you are from Michigan, a European vacation with weather in the 40’s will be pleasant. If you are from Florida, it will be freezing cold. Don’t let your idea of bad weather ruin your trip!

3.      Investigate your destination. Just because it is the low season in the United States doesn’t mean it will be the low season in India. Check the local customs of the location you will be visiting to ensure that no cultural holidays will be going on during your stay.

4.      Don’t let multiple high seasons leave you in a muddle! That’s right; some places have multiple high seasons. Ski resorts are packed during the winter, but are also popular during the summer where outdoor enthusiasts flock for hiking, biking and rock climbing. Choose your destination wisely.

5.      Not sure when the shoulder season is? Investigate local hotel websites and see when they are changing peak rats. No rates listed? Just research rooms on various dates and see what pops up!

You can save money ANY season when you park with Airlines Parking. Make your free online reservation today and we will take care of your car the next time you travel out of the Detroit Metro Airport.

Save Big Bucks and Take a Mini-Moon!

Spring has officially arrived, and wedding season has started picking up speed! For many couples, the wedding is lovely, but spending quality time as newlyweds on a honeymoon just can’t be beat. After spending big bucks on the wedding and reception, taking an exotic three-week long honeymoon right after the wedding just isn’t feasible. A growing trend called “mini-moons” or “honey-weekends” means that you can have your cake and eat it too. Consider a shorter, cheaper vacation, right after the wedding, until you save up enough money to go all out! Depending on where you live, here are some honeymoon weekend ideas we recommend:

·         Relax on a Cruise. If you live within driving distance of a cruise port, consider a discount weekend cruise. Vacationstogo.com offers extremely discounted cruises at the last minute. Cruise vacations can be found for as little as $290 for a four day cruise on a four star ship!

·         Fly somewhere close. Leave your car in the hands of Airlines Parking and search online for discount airfare. Just taking a plane somewhere will make the destination feel exotic. Tip: Make sure your flight is non-stop so you don’t waste precious time on layovers.

·         Snag a deal on a fancy hotel. You don’t have to leave town to feel like you are away on vacation! Search discount websites such as groupon and pamper yourselves to a few nights at a beautiful hotel in your town or the closest city.

·         Discover your hometown. If your budget is really tight, you can have a splendid “staycation” right in your own backyard. Pick up a city guide and check out local attractions you and your spouse have never done—a new museum, botanical gardens, a far flung outlet mall etc. Doing things you both have never done will be a bonding experience in the same was a traditional vacation.

If your “mini-moon” involves flying to a nearby destination, make sure to make your free online reservation with Airlines Parking to ensure the lowest rates on Detroit Metro Airport parking.