Parking Suggestions at the San Antonio Airport

Only loading and unloading is permitted at the San Antonio International Airport's terminal curb areas. If you need additional time to check-in or pick up a passenger, especially during the airport's peak periods of Spring Break, mid-July to early August, Thanksgiving and Christmas to New Years, parking options are available within and outside of the airport. Not only does the airport have different parking areas, but different payment options as well.

Hourly Parking

• If you don't plan on staying in the airport for very long, you can pay for hourly parking. As of 2011, the first 15 minutes are free; parking for 16 to 30 minutes costs $1.00; and parking for 31 to 60 minutes costs $2.00. Additionally, parking for one to 1.5 hours costs $3.00; parking for 1.5 to two hours is $4.00; parking two to four hours costs $7.00 and parking four to six hours costs $11.00. The cost of parking your car all day, or for a total of 24 hours is $24.00. The distance from the hourly parking lot to the terminal is a two- to four-minute walk.

Long-Term Parking

• If you plan on being in the airport for a longer amount of time --- for example, you were not aware that someone's flight was delayed --- you can park in the long-term parking area. In 2011, parking for the first 15 minutes is free; parking for 16 to 60 minutes costs $2.00; parking for one to two hours costs $4.00; parking for two to three hours costs $6.00; and parking for three to four hours costs $8. The cost of parking your car all day, or for a total of 24 hours is $10.00. The distance from the hourly parking lot to the terminal is a three- to six-minute walk. Call the Parking Division to make arrangements if you plan to keep your car in the Airport parking area for more than 30 days.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

• The "Cell Phone Waiting Lot" is a free parking lot located at the corner of Airport Boulevard and Northern Boulevard. Instead of circling around the airport waiting for passengers to arrive, you can park and wait in the "Cell Phone Waiting Lot." Once they arrive, make one loop to the terminal to pick them up. The lot is open 24 hours a day and has 79 parking spaces, flight information boards and free Wi-Fi connection. However, in this parking area, you must attend your vehicle at all times.

Exit Express

• Instead of waiting in line when you're exiting the parking lot, use the airport's "Exit Express" system. Avoid the exit toll booths by paying for your parking at the garage and using an automated lane for a faster exit. As you enter the garage, you take a ticket from the machine. Before returning to your car, you can pay for your parking in one of the parking pay stations. The paid ticket is returned to you and you use it to access the exit express lane. Two pay stations are located in Terminal One and one in Terminal Two; they accept major credit or debit cards.

State-Issued Plates

• Those who have a state-issued disabled placard or a disabled plate can receive up to 24 hours of free parking. Disabled veteran, Purple Heart, former Prisoner of War, Pearl Harbor survivor, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Legion of Valor recipient state-issued license plates can receive a validation for free parking. Complete a disabled parking validation form and present your placard, driver's license or state-issued ID card and vehicle insurance card or vehicle registration to park for free. The validation form is available at the exit booth.

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How to Take a Digital SLR Through an Airport

While 35mm film shooters fret over the number of rolls they've packed and possible X-ray damage, digital shooters breeze through security quickly and without worry. Though security measures have been increased over the past decade, digital cameras are still allowed as carry-on items. In fact, most airports insist that cameras not be checked due to the shifting of luggage during travel. All digital singe-lens reflex cameras can be safely passed through airport scanners without worry of internal damage.

Things You'll Need

• Camera bag
• Extra storage cards
• Extra batteries
• Sealable plastic bag

Tips For You

1. Place your DSLR in an appropriately sized camera bag or carrying case. If you will be bringing numerous lenses, pack these along with the camera. Most airlines only allow two to three carry-on items, so try to pack your DSLR and lenses as efficiently as possible.
2. Insert your extra storage cards and batteries into a sealable plastic bag. Place the plastic bag near the top of the camera bag before closing it. This allows airport security quick and simple access if a thorough check of the camera bag is required.
3. Sling the camera bag over your shoulder as you walk through the airport toward the security checkpoint. As you approach the checkpoint, have the top of the bag unzipped and open.
4. Place the open bag into one of the plastic storage bins at the front of the X-ray scanner. If you have a separate bag for lenses or a backup camera, open it and set it in a separate bin. Set the bin(s) on the rollers and proceed through the security checkpoint as normal.
5. Claim your camera bag(s) at the end of the X-ray scanner. Close the bags and proceed to the appropriate gate to await boarding.

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Orlando Airport Parking for the Handicapped

Like all businesses in the United States, Orlando International Airport must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, or ADA. The ADA guarantees reasonable accommodations for access to public and private facilities for people with disabilities. The airport provides handicapped parking in all of its lots for those with a valid handicapped parking placard or license plate. Whether a fee is charged depends on the nature of your disability.

Terminal Parking

• Long-term and short-term parking is available within the parking garages at the airport terminals. Rooftop parking is also provided. Note that the airport has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, with a garage for each side. Follow the signs for your airlines to ensure that you park in the closest garage. Disabled parking spots are near the elevators on each level of the garage. You may park for a maximum of 60 days, and a daily fee is charged when you exit. Valet parking is also available at the Hyatt Regency, inside the airport, at a slightly higher daily fee. You do not need to be a hotel guest to use valet parking, although hotel guests receive a discount. Vehicles over 7 feet tall or longer than 20 feet will not fit into the terminal parking garage, but are accommodated in the satellite lot at the north end of the airport.

Satellite Parking

• Economy parking at a lower per-day fee is provided in satellite lots at the north and south ends of the airport. Disabled parking spaces are available in each lot. The shuttle bus to the main terminals is accessible for the disabled. Both short-term and long-term parking are available, with a maximum stay of 120 days. Although they are fenced and patrolled, the economy lots are uncovered.

Off-Site Parking

• A wide variety of private companies provide off-site parking near Orlando International Airport. Each business has its own rules and regulations regarding parking fees, shuttle services, maximum length of stay, number of parking spaces and other details. Although disabled travelers are generally accommodated to the best of a company’s ability, it is best to call ahead. Describe your specific needs to the company representative to determine whether that company can meet your needs.

Fee Exemptions

• In general, disabled travelers must pay the same airport parking fee as everyone else. Under Florida law, however, you are exempt from paying to park if your vehicle has specialized equipment such as a ramp, lift or customized foot or hand controls. If your vehicle displays a Florida Toll Exemption permit, you are also exempt from paying parking fees.

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How Much Do You Tip the Outside Baggage Handler at the Airport?

When you've arrived at the airport to catch a flight, your mind is likely occupied with the details of your trip. Instead of lugging your suitcases as you scramble to read your travel itinerary, enlist of the help of a baggage handler. Just remember that skycaps rely on tips from travelers, so don't be stingy.

Finding a Skcap

• Depending on the size of the airport, it can be easy or difficult to find a baggage handler to assist you with your luggage. At large airports, outside baggage handlers, also called skycaps, typically wait on the sidewalk in front of the airport. At smaller airports, you might have to call for a baggage handler with a courtesy phone or ask another airport employee to call a handler to assist you.

Tipping Amount

• ConsumerReports.org recommends tipping an airport skyhop $1 per piece of luggage or $2 per piece of luggage if your luggage is excessively heavy. The American Society of Travel Agents' TravelSense website suggests tipping $1 to $2 per bag, as does IndependentTraveler.com. NBCNews.com recommends tipping the baggage handler $1 to $3 per piece of luggage, even if your airline is already charging you for checking your bag.

Tipping Considerations

• When deciding the amount to tip the baggage handler, give consideration to the handler's attitude and other factors, such as the amount of time he assists you. If the baggage handler is friendly or provides memorable service, increase the amount of your tip. If you're running late and the handler acts quickly to help you reach your gate on time, a larger tip is also warranted.

When You Don't Want to Tip

• You shouldn't feel obligated to enlist the assistance of a baggage handler outside the airport. When a handler asks if you need assistance, politely explain you're happy to carry your own luggage. If you're traveling on a budget, are comfortable with carrying your own luggage or don't have a few dollars in cash with you, don't ask for the help of a handler and then not provide a tip.

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