Airport parking: Atl West or offsite?

Question

My wife and I will be flying out of Atlanta on a cross country trip shortly after the first of the year. Leaving on a Monday afternoon, returning on a Sunday afternoon. (We’ll be on Alaska Airlines if that matters).

We will be driving about 120 miles from Alabama, coming in on I-20 East to Camp Creek.

I flew out of Atlanta a jillion times during a stretch in my working career when I had to travel extensively, but the last time was 26 years ago and I am sure it’s going to be like encountering a completely different planet.

I’m looking at two options, both of which can be scheduled in advance: The Atlanta West deck and ride the train to the terminal, or one of the offsite lots (I was looking at Preflight as first choice, Park n Fly Plus as second choice).

Veteran parkers out there, which option would you choose, and what time would you shoot for arriving at the parking spot to get to the terminal in sufficient time? I’d rather be a little early than late, and I am not interested in the cheapest options.

Answer

For your situation, both the Atlanta West Deck and the offsite lots (Preflight and Park n Fly Plus) are good options, and each has its own advantages depending on your preferences for convenience, cost, and time. Here's a breakdown of each option to help you decide:

Atlanta West Deck: - The Atlanta West Deck is located on-site at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which means you won't have to worry about offsite shuttles or long waits. It's served by the SkyTrain, a quick automated train that takes you directly to the terminal from the parking deck. - It's very convenient and gives you direct access to the airport without worrying about traffic or shuttle times. - Pricing is typically in the mid-range, though it's a bit higher than offsite lots. - It can get crowded, especially during peak times (such as Monday afternoons and Sunday afternoons), so it's best to arrive early to secure a good spot. - Recommendation: Arrive at least 2.5 hours before your flight's departure time. This allows you time for parking, taking the SkyTrain, and walking to your terminal.
Offsite lots (Preflight and Park n Fly Plus): - These lots tend to be a little cheaper than the on-site lots and offer scheduled shuttles to the airport. Preflight, in particular, is one of the most well-known offsite parking services and is located close to the airport, making the shuttle ride short (about 5–10 minutes). - Offsite lots like Park n Fly Plus offer extra services like car detailing and car washes, and they generally offer a higher level of customer service than some other lots. - These lots can sometimes be less crowded than the on-site decks, which means you might find parking spots more easily, but there’s still a shuttle wait time (usually about 10-15 minutes). - Recommendation: Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight’s departure time to ensure you have plenty of time for parking, waiting for the shuttle, and walking to your terminal.

Since you mentioned that you’d rather be early than late and aren’t interested in the cheapest option, the Atlanta West Deck may be the best choice for you. It offers convenience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area and want a quick, easy option to get to the terminal. If you're okay with a slightly longer shuttle ride and want to save a little on parking, the offsite lots like Preflight or Park n Fly Plus are excellent choices with more customer service and amenities.

Whichever option you choose, I would recommend aiming to arrive around 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This will give you plenty of time to park, take the shuttle or SkyTrain, and clear security without rushing.

Safe travels and enjoy your trip!