My most recent experience with the economy lot (on a weekday in May) was this: I had a one-day back-and-forth trip from PHL-MKE. For these, my preference is just to park in the day lot near the terminal. That day, I tried every short-term lot and got turned away because they were all full. I then drove what seemed like miles to the long-term lot, and with one car ahead of me to get in, had the guy come out and put the "Lot Full" sign out. AAAARRRRGGGHHHH. Then I drove out to my standby from years ago when I used to live in Philly, the Ampco Express lot north of the airport. Thank God, they had spaces. I got to the gate about 30 minutes before the flight.

I had to do these day or quick overnight trips about 8 times in May-June. After several episodes of similar grief, I have now started to make parking reservations (!!) at Priority Parking in Essington. Parking in the short-term lot at the airport would be a lot more convenient, but I don't want to risk them being full again.

PHL needs WAY more parking lots these days.