Taking off Travel blog

Top of the morning to you and here’s our weekly (ish) roundup of airport and airport parking news.

Off Airport Parking Research

First up, the results of some new research into airport parking, published on the UK’s Travel Daily UK blog. UK firm Looking4Parking has published research showing that 66% of those using airport parking firms save an hour on their journey. And a third of the 1,000 people polled also thought that a meet and greet service saved up to 2 hours.  Convenience and cost were among the factors that led people to book with off airport parking firms. Find out more about the airport parking research here.

Looking Ahead to Terminal 4 – JFK Airport

In the New York Times last week, there was a sneak peek at changes happening at JFK’s new terminal 4, due for completion next year. According to the article by Christine Haughney, the structure is beginning to take place. The new terminal will automate baggage screening and speed up security. When completed passenger transfers between domestic and international flights are also expected to work more smoothly. Read more on the JFK expansion here.

Airline Administration Fees

It’s not just here in the US that we have a problem with ever increasing air travel fees. Saturday’s post on the Travel Rants blog saw Darren Cronian talking about administration fees on EasyJet, one of the UK’s low cost airlines. The cause of contention is a new GBP9 (approximately $13.50 at today’s exchange rates) applied to all debit card payments. This fee is more than 9 times the maximum fee charged by banks for debit card transactions. With new European legislation coming in to improve transparency for travelers, Cronian asks:

why is it that every time the government or European Union announces a new legislation, the airlines find somewhere around it, which ultimately costs the consumer money?

Why, indeed?

Radiation Tests for TSA Employees

We’ve been wondering about the effects of airport scanners for quite a while and the Transport Security Administration (TSA) has generally played down health concerns. However, according to an article in the LA Times, the TSA is planning to test its employees and check their radiation exposure. No tests yet for the scanners themselves or the passengers though.

Save on Airport Parking

Finally, to end today’s roundup, a piece of company news – our latest airport parking discount coupon. If you’re thinking of making airport parking reservations at (MDW) Chicago Midway Airport, (IND) Indianapolis Airport, (ALB) Albany Airport, (ORD) Chicago O’Hare Airport, (JFK) John F. Kennedy Airport or any of our more than 150 airport parking locations nationwide, you won’t want to miss this offer. Just book 2 days or more by January 31, 2012 using the promo code Happy12 and SAVE 10%*.  This offer is valid for travel for the entire year.

Most of the world has been in a belt tightening phase for the last couple of years and there’s no sign that this is likely to decrease. So if you’re planning to travel this holiday season and are already affected by rising air fares, higher baggage charges and premiums for extra legroom and other in-flight amenities then you will be looking for ways to save. One of the ways that you might be able to do that is with near airport parking. As the name suggests, this is parking that is near the airport but not on the airport premises which means you don’t have to pay the usual inflated fees to park at the airport.

Save on Near Airport Parking

Some research shows that the savings you can make are significant. But you have to start now if you want to make those holiday savings. The entire world loves a coupon and if you’re parking near the airport it’s a good idea to check out the latest coupons available from your off airport parking provider. Sometimes you can save as much as 10% on the cost of parking and there are other bonuses too. Look out for providers who have tie-ins with other companies that allow you to maximize your savings. (One of ours is with the AARP, for example). You might find that you get other perks if you’re a member of the partner organization.

Perks and Security

There’s nothing worse than coming back to your car and finding that it won’t start or that it’s stone cold after you’ve been away for a break. Some near airport parking providers will make sure that your car is warmed up and ready so that when you get in you can drive away comfortably. In addition, let’s not forget that your car is in a secure facility while you are enjoying your family vacation and you won’t have to worry about it while you’re away. Can you guarantee that with an on-airport parking facility?

Double Dipping

And then there’s the best bit – double dipping! You can book your near airport parking deal with a credit card and if you sign up for the off airport parking provider’s reward scheme you can earn points with them at the same time as you earn points from your card provider. If there are tie-ins with accommodation and car hire as well you can potentially earn multiple times on the same trip. It may not exactly be money in your pocket but it certainly is less money going out. So think about it: if you’re traveling over the holiday season consider near airport parking as one way you can cut your travel costs.

(Image: add1sun)

Planning to park at Chicago Midway (MDW), Albany Airport (ALB) or  Indianapolis Airport (IND)? If you are, have we got an offer for you!  Book 4 or more days at MDW, IND or ALB and receive a $25 Restaurant.com certificate once your stay is complete.

That’s $25 to spend on the site that matches great restaurants with great people.

Check out the offer details here:

Indianapolis Airport Parking

Midway Airport Parking

Albany Airport Parking

This offer is available while stocks last for buyers purchasing new airport parking reservations of 4 days or more online only. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.  Full terms and conditions available on Park Ride Fly USA’s site.

Here are the latest business travel news updates.

GBTA Predicts Slowdown in Business Travel Spending

Travel industry professionals have been energized by an upswing in business travel this year as travel buyers unlocked their wallets, but according to the latest figures from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), it’s likely that business travel spending will shrink next year.  The GBTA expects final-year business travel figures to show a 6.9% growth over 2010, with a value of $250.2 billion. Growth for 2012 is expected to be a more moderate 4.3% growth, with a predicted spend of $260.9 billion.

Michael W McCormick, GBTA’s executive director and COO says that this won’t be a dramatic slowdown. He comments that:

“Companies are still investing in travel because they have become smarter and more conscious about the level of business travel that is critical to driving growth,” McCormick added. “They recognize where they cut back too much during the recession and won’t make the same mistakes twice, because they know there is great value in personal relationships and business travel is a critical component in sealing those bonds.”

What growth there will be will come from the increase in the prices of some travel good and services. Spending on group travel is also predicted to slow, registering half the growth of 2011 at 3.5% for 2012.

BTN Annual Airline Survey

In other business travel news, the Annual Airline Survey from Business Travel News is now out. The survey polled 406 high spending travel buyers to assess criteria such as  the value, price flexibility, complaint resolution and customer service of the five largest domestic airlines. Delta was a first-time winner this year, with top ratings in 5 of the 10 assessed categories. The United/Continental group was in second, with US Airways in third, American Airlines in fourth and Southwest Airlines/AirTran Airways in last place.

Scores were generally lower than last year and 36% of corporate travel buyers said service had declined. However, 46% said there was no change. Buyers were generally unhappy with add-on fees and wanted to see better discounts and lower published fares. Buyers felt that flexibility in structuring pricing was one reason that contributed to Delta’s deserved win. Get the full story here.

Park Ride Fly USA – Airport Parking Offer

Finally, some news of our own. Watch this space next Monday for details of how you can get a free $25 Restaurant.com voucher by booking 4 days or more of off airport parking via Park Ride Fly USA. We’ll also update you via Twitter and Facebook.

On my recent trip, I flew into Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) via Newark Liberty International Airport.  This airport has a venerable history as the first major airport in the New York/New Jersey area. It opened in 1928 and America’s first commercial airline terminal, the Newark Airport Administration Building, was dedicated by Amelia Earhart in 1935.  For the next four years it was the world’s busiest airport.  Today the airport is a major hub, handling 33 million passengers in 2010. Here’s what’s on offer at Newark Airport in t6erms of flights, amenities and parking.

Terminals and Airlines

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has three passenger terminals, each of which has three concourses. Forty airlines operate out of the airport, serving a wide range of US and international destinations.

Amenities

The airport has a full range of amenities including retail outlets, food and beverage concessions, Wi-Fi (not free), accessibility services and more. With more than 45 stores and 36 restaurants, there’s something for almost everyone. As well as other ground transportation, the AirTrain connects the airport to Amtrak and New Jersey Transit services and there’s a free monorail between the terminals. While you might want to avoid the airport cabs because of the steep prices, transport to and from EWR works beautifully.

Newark Airport Parking

EWR offers a wide range of airport parking options. In addition to the regular Newark airport parking facilities, options include the following off airport parking lots: Newark Airport Long Term Parking, FastTrack Economy Airport Parking, Sky/Park Airport Parking, EZway Parking, Vista Valet Airport Parking, Park Plus Airport Parking, Airpark Airport Parking, AviStar McClellan Airport Parking and AviStar Haynes Airport Parking.

Beyond The Airport

If you happen to have a layover in Newark, then there are a few enjoyable things to do. It won’t take long to get into the city proper and you can enjoy activities such as visiting the Newark museum or chilling out at Branch Brook Park. If you’ve got a longer layover or plan to overnight, then check out some New York attractions too.

What New Jersey attractions would you recommend?

(Photo: Hunter-Desportes)