Parking at a Walmart and taking Uber to airport to save money
#16
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Seattle, Wa
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Wow. Overnight parking is for travelers in RV’s or the like and the end game for Walmart is shopping revenue. This idea is a new low imho.
#19
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#20
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Gold, DL MM 8/22/16!
Posts: 2,563
OP - would you care to mention the specific airport?
I know in some cities public transportation is a well-kept secret, yet indeed they have it. You might find you have an alternative with it you didn't even know?
In other cities, public transportation gets an undeserved bad rap, yet is very functional. I know lots of people in Florida will insist "Nobody rides Tri-Rail. It is always late." But I've used it quite a few times from various cities along the line to MIA, PBI and FLL. Successfully. Also have moved my body easily and safely about San Diego and Los Angeles, in spite of some dire warnings. It has been a while, but the last time I rode it, the Senior Rate for wherever I wanted to go was thrifty 75.
And another possibility - some hotels near an airport offer a "park and sleep" rate. For one night's lodging, you can also leave a vehicle in their parking area for the duration of your trip. I did this in Portland, OR where the deal was good for up to 14 nights. Again, a while ago, but maybe could work for you. Particularly if you are actually live quite a ways from the airport and a hotel night before or after would work well for you. These types of hotels also usually have shuttle to the airport and even breakfast sometimes.
I know in some cities public transportation is a well-kept secret, yet indeed they have it. You might find you have an alternative with it you didn't even know?
In other cities, public transportation gets an undeserved bad rap, yet is very functional. I know lots of people in Florida will insist "Nobody rides Tri-Rail. It is always late." But I've used it quite a few times from various cities along the line to MIA, PBI and FLL. Successfully. Also have moved my body easily and safely about San Diego and Los Angeles, in spite of some dire warnings. It has been a while, but the last time I rode it, the Senior Rate for wherever I wanted to go was thrifty 75.
And another possibility - some hotels near an airport offer a "park and sleep" rate. For one night's lodging, you can also leave a vehicle in their parking area for the duration of your trip. I did this in Portland, OR where the deal was good for up to 14 nights. Again, a while ago, but maybe could work for you. Particularly if you are actually live quite a ways from the airport and a hotel night before or after would work well for you. These types of hotels also usually have shuttle to the airport and even breakfast sometimes.
#21
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: MidSouth
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If I lived in an apartment building, I'd call a cab without a second thought. But we live in a house. And it was drilled into my head from a very young age that you never call a cab to the house when going to the train station/airport. I'm sure that will be overly cautious for many people, but that's the rationale.
#22
Join Date: Sep 2016
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If I lived in an apartment building, I'd call a cab without a second thought. But we live in a house. And it was drilled into my head from a very young age that you never call a cab to the house when going to the train station/airport. I'm sure that will be overly cautious for many people, but that's the rationale.
#23
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SFO
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If you're paranoid about the taxi driver, just call the taxi to an address that is {FILL IN THE BLANK DISTANCE THAT YOU'D BE COMFORTABLE WALKING WITH YOUR LUGGAGE}. That seems pretty straightforward.
#24
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: MSP
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Posts: 2,563
I agree with your concept, but some details could keep one from the option. Right now it is -4˚ (F) outside where I am, and roughly a block walk through some snow and ice even to my next door neighbor (who isn't home so I couldn't ask to wait inside there). With prior addresses I've lived even further from the next address.
#25
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 50,972
The parking lot at our local Walmart often looks a little like an RV park during the summer with the low-cost campers circling their rigs in an unused section. We live in an absolutely gorgeous area with beautiful parks, and here they are saving money by being in the Walmart parking lot..... Price and Value are not always the same thing.
The secret is not to be asking people on this forum, but to be talking with the manager at your local Walmart. What are their policies? Is there a particular part of the lot where they would like you to park? Can you give them an emergency contact number? How badly would you feel if something happens to your car?
The secret is not to be asking people on this forum, but to be talking with the manager at your local Walmart. What are their policies? Is there a particular part of the lot where they would like you to park? Can you give them an emergency contact number? How badly would you feel if something happens to your car?
#26
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If I lived in an apartment building, I'd call a cab without a second thought. But we live in a house. And it was drilled into my head from a very young age that you never call a cab to the house when going to the train station/airport. I'm sure that will be overly cautious for many people, but that's the rationale.
#27
Join Date: Feb 2010
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OP, You can do it and often when: (_____________Fill in the blanks ) will happen ! I think those days are gone when I used to park (15 years ago) and taken the free hotel shuttle.
#28
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Falls Gulch VA
Posts: 222
Of course if the Walmart is only a few miles from the airport, the airport may well be small enough to have parking for $5/day.