Parking at O'Hare: A Wallet's Worst Nightmare (Or Best Friend, If You're a Parking Garage)
So, you're jetting off to the Windy City, huh? Great choice! But before you start dreaming about deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers, let's talk about something a little less glamorous: parking at O'Hare Airport. Prepare to have your mind blown (or at least your wallet emptied) by the sheer audacity of these parking rates.
Short-Term Parking: A Quick Rip-Off
Need to drop someone off or pick them up? Great! Let's just say, O'Hare's short-term parking rates are about as friendly as a Chicago winter. You'll be paying a pretty penny for the privilege of sitting in your car, waiting for your loved ones to emerge from the airport. It’s like paying a mortgage on a parking space.
Long-Term Parking: A Gamble
If you're lucky enough to find a spot in long-term parking, congratulations! You've won the first round. Now, let's talk about the cost. It's like buying a timeshare, but instead of a beach view, you get a view of planes taking off. And don't even get me started on the walk to the terminal. It's like training for a marathon, but without the medals or the endorphins.
Valet Parking: For the Truly Desperate (or Wealthy)
Ah, valet parking. The epitome of luxury. Or maybe just insanity. For the price of a decent hotel room, you can have someone park your car for you. It's like hiring a personal chauffeur, but without the chauffeur.
Tips for Parking Survival
- Arrive early: This might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of finding a decent parking spot without breaking the bank.
- Consider off-site parking: There are plenty of off-site parking options available, which can often be cheaper than parking at the airport. Just make sure to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the airport.
- Use public transportation: If you're traveling light, consider taking public transportation to and from the airport. It's usually much cheaper than parking.
How to...
- How to avoid paying a fortune for parking? Arrive early, consider off-site parking, or use public transportation.
- How to find the cheapest parking at O'Hare? Compare rates at different parking facilities, both on-site and off-site.
- How to save money on long-term parking? Consider economy lots or off-site parking options.
- How to find your car after parking at O'Hare? Take note of the parking lot and level, and use the airport's parking app to locate your car.
- How to avoid getting a parking ticket at O'Hare? Read the parking signs carefully and follow the posted rules.
