Driving your car to the airport can be the most convenient and cost-effective option if you know where to park. However, while parking at an airport is relatively straightforward, ensuring the safety of your vehicle should be a priority. Here are key considerations to keep in mind for a secure parking experience:
On-site airport car parks are often owned and operated by airport authorities and typically come with a higher price tag due to their convenience and proximity to terminals. However, paying a premium for these parking options doesn't always guarantee superior security.
Unlike private parks, they may be more vulnerable to unauthorized access or security risks given that they are accessible to the public 24/7. Effective security measures like surveillance cameras, regular patrols, and restricted access points are often implemented to mitigate these risks. However, the open nature of these parking facilities still presents potential vulnerabilities compared to privatized environments.
Here are the security protocols you can expect at the following airports:
📹 24/7 CCTV
👮♀️ On-site patrols
🅿️ Premium & Terminal Car Parks offer undercover parking
🚙 Reports of vehicle damage? Yes. Although user reviews do not mention the particular on-site parks the vehicles were damaged at.
💡 TIP: Read reviews of the particular car park you are considering parking at before booking your spot. For instance, we've summarized reviews of the Value Car Park here.
📹 24/7 CCTV
🚦 Automated entry & exit gates
🅿️ Shade-covered sails are available at some car parks
🚙 Reports of vehicle damage? Yes, particularly in the long-term car parks.
💡 TIP: Travellers parking at Sydney Airport should consider taking photos of their vehicle before and after parking, especially when using valet services or leaving the car in busy lots. Do remember that Sydney Airport accepts no liability for damage done to vehicles while parked on their premises.
📹 24/7 CCTV
🚙 Reports of vehicle damage? Yes, some travellers have shared reviews online reporting damage to their vehicles while parked at Brisbane Airport, particularly at the International Terminal Car Park and the Valet Car Park. These include issues such as scratches, dents, and concerns about vehicle handling during valet service.
💡 TIP: Never leave any valuables in plain view
💡 Car park security features at Adelaide Airport are not disclosed on their website
This question requires careful consideration, as the security measures offered by off-site and onsite airport car parks can vary widely. Off-site car parks, which are privately owned, often provide a safer and more secure experience. These facilities are usually smaller, better maintained, and carefully monitored because they rely on a reputation for quality service.
Security features like gated access, 24/7 CCTV surveillance, manned security, and restricted entry for customers are common in off-site locations, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.
In contrast, onsite airport car parks, though conveniently located, may not always provide the same level of personalized security. Due to their larger size and public accessibility, they can be harder to monitor as closely. That said, they are managed directly by airport authorities and may still offer reliable safety measures.
📹 24/7 CCTV
Constant video surveillance ensures every corner of the car park is monitored, deterring potential theft or vandalism.
🚩 Perimeter Fencing
Secure fencing restricts unauthorized access, protecting your vehicle from external threats.
👮♀️ On-Site Personnel
Staff are available around the clock to monitor activities, respond to incidents, and assist customers if needed.
🏘 Private Property Locations
Being situated on private property allows these car parks to implement stricter access controls and manage security protocols more effectively.
💡Well-Lit Premises
Bright lighting across the car park reduces blind spots and enhances visibility for both security personnel and CCTV cameras.
🔧 Proactive Maintenance
Private property settings often result in better upkeep, reducing risks of accidents or hazards.
On-site valet parking services, while expensive, are generally well-guarded and secure. These facilities are staffed with valet attendants and monitored by CCTV. They are typically off-limits to the public, with only trained personnel handling and parking vehicles.
However, using valet services does require handing over your car keys, so it’s wise to research specific valet options at the airport. User reviews can provide insights into safety, customer service, and operating hours. Some valet services have been criticized for poor experiences, leading many travellers to feel the high costs are not always justified.
💡Good to know: Many valet parking services do not disclose the exact location where your vehicle will be parked. This could be in a covered or uncovered lot, though vehicles generally remain on airport grounds. If the lack of transparency about your car's location is a concern, valet parking may not be the best choice.
We understand that you might have concerns about leaving your car at an airport car park on a long-term basis. We’ve all read the news stories about thieves being able to break into vehicles and steal belongings, or even the car itself! However, these events, when they do happen, make the news because they’re quite rare.
If you park with a trusted airport parking provider who offers adequate safety measures, your vehicle will be safe while you’re away. For those looking for long-term parking for a week or more, we suggest that you look at the options for airport parking with shuttle service.
While most on- and off-site airport car parks offer strong security features like lighting, guards, and CCTV, a few extra precautions can give you peace of mind while you're away:
Eliminate anything that might tempt thieves, including GPS devices, dashcams, bags, clothing, or loose change. Even an empty bag can give the impression that valuables are inside.
Avoid leaving parking receipts, boarding passes, or documents with your travel dates in view. This helps prevent giving away clues about how long your car will remain unattended.
Lock all doors, roll up windows completely, and ensure the boot and sunroof are secure. Sometimes, in a rush, these small details are overlooked.
For an added layer of security, consider using a visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock. It signals to potential thieves that your car is not an easy target.
Choose a space that’s well-lit, busy, or near exits, lifts, or stairwells. Thieves are less likely to operate where they can be easily observed.
Research your car park options beforehand, and read reviews. Facilities that offer additional features like gated entries, regular patrols, and live security monitoring are safer bets.
Before leaving, photograph your vehicle to document its current condition. If damage occurs while you're away, you’ll have clear evidence for a claim.
If your car has keyless entry, store your keys in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) to prevent thieves from using relay devices to unlock your vehicle.
Check whether your car insurance policy covers theft or damage while parked in an airport lot. If not, you might want to add temporary coverage for peace of mind.
If you’re using valet or premium parking services, inform the staff of specific concerns (e.g., special locking mechanisms or areas of the car that require care).
The information presented in this article was accurate at the time of publishing, however, security measures may be loosened or imposed without warning. Flyparks does not accept responsibility or liability for the use of the information supplied.
