Submitted by Judy Burrell:  When flying out of Raleigh Durham Airport (RDU), you may have to deal with parking.  The Airport Authority had built an extensive amount of parking right at the airport, that is great for short trips as it is right at the terminal.  The Airport Authority also has lots of parking at remote lots.  However, a good option for airport parking is at Preflight Parking.

Preflight Parking is located at 9600 Lumley Road in Raleigh.  As you enter the secure parking lot, the attendant tells you in which row to park your car.  In a couple of minutes the small Preflight bus comes by and picks you and your bags up right at your car.  Yes, they even load your suitcases into the bus for you.  Then they deliver you to the curb at your airline’s terminal, and unload your bags for you.  When you return from your trip, the bus picks you up and takes you back to their secure parking lot and drops you off right at your car.  Again, they will carry your suitcases for you.  This is especially convenient if you are a woman traveling alone, as I have been on several occasions. 

 

Another convenience is you can arrange for Preflight to do certain maintenance items on your car while you are one your trip.  They will do safety inspections, tune ups, car washes and other things.  If you have a safety inspection due for your car registration, this is particularly convenient.  Also, they will put your car at the front of the parking area, and drop you off first, if you have work done.   

 

The cost of the remote Park and Ride lots at RDU is currently $6 per day and if you park in the big parking structure between the two terminals, the cost will be $10 per day.  However, if you print out the Preflight coupon at www.prelight.com, the cost of parking at their secure lot where they pick up and deliver you directly to your car is only $6.25 per day or $41 per week.  What a deal!!

 

Here’s a tip.  You can make a reservation for your car so that you can be assured the lot will not be full when you arrive.  This is especially important during busy holiday times, as they will turn you away if the lot is full and you do not have a reservation.  You can also join a Frequent Parker's program that will let you park there even if the lot is full.

 

Preflight’s phone number is 919-782-6230, and for more information click here