MEL - Pre-Pay Parking

[whughes3]

I notice that when booking the Long Term park, you are no longer offered the option to "upgrade" to the At-terminal park. Maybe too many people were taking advantage of this! The "Jetstar" code still seems to be working however.

 

[travelislife]

I am pretty sure at some stage Melbourne Airport have changed their T's and C's. There definitely used to be a +/- 1hr grace period written in there. Now they explicitly say if you stay over by any amount you will be charged at the standard day rates! A bit ridiculous!

6. Booking Period & Car Parks

(b) If your vehicle is parked in a car park for any time outside the booking period (i.e. if you leave late) you will be charged for the time outside of the booking period at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff Car Park rates (NB these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport Overstay Tariff Car Parks Rates.

 

[kyle]

I think the one hour grace has always been for entry only and is in clause 7.

 

[serfty]

I think the one hour grace has always been for entry only and is in clause 7.

That is correct.

What I do is book a time as late as possible after my expected exit so as not to increase the rate.

e.g. If I expect to enter at 9am and arrive back to exit at 7pm, I can generally book for an exit up to 8:59am the next day without increasing the rate (it seems to be charged in 24 hour blocks). On the other hand, If I expect to enter at 2pm and exit at 1:30pm the next day, I might book a 2:55pm entry and a 2:54pm exit. In this case I ensure I don't arrive before 1:55pm and hope my return flight is not too late.

 

[travelislife]

I think the one hour grace has always been for entry only and is in clause 7.

Ah ok, you might be right.

 

[docjames]

That is correct.

What I do is book a time as late as possible after my expected exit so as not to increase the rate.

e.g. If I expect to enter at 9am and arrive back to exit at 7pm, I can generally book for an exit up to 8:59am the next day without increasing the rate (it seems to be charged in 24 hour blocks). On the other hand, If I expect to enter at 2pm and exit at 1:30pm the next day, I might book a 2:55pm entry and a 2:54pm exit. In this case I ensure I don't arrive before 1:55pm and hope my return flight is not too late.

This is my approach.

Agree it's always been 1hr on entry not exit.

 

[robd]

This is my approach.

Agree it's always been 1hr on entry not exit.

I do this too. Just keep searching latest exit time that shows the same price.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

7 days less 1 hour - $58.43 - saved $3 using JETSTAR code.

 

[coles525]

&days less 1 hour - $58.43 - saved $3 using JETSTAR code.

View attachment 59965

Will be away for 8 days not too far away. Will test the cost.

 

[boomy]

Pre-payed parking became very overpriced this year.

Don't know how MEL airport parking business is doing now with so much off site competition around.
I used to park regularly every week in Long-term but lately using other companies who charge 40-50% less.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Pre-payed parking became very overpriced this year.

Don't know how MEL airport parking business is doing now with so much off site competition around.
I used to park regularly every week in Long-term but lately using other companies who charge 40-50% less.

Figures pls boomy - figures pls.

 

[blackcat20]

We paid about $26 for a weekend in the LT carpark not that long ago, but for a mid-week "weekend" we found an offsite carpark was cheaper (the LT went up to around $35).

 

[Cruiser Elite]

We paid about $26 for a weekend in the LT carpark not that long ago, but for a mid-week "weekend" we found an offsite carpark was cheaper (the LT went up to around $35).

LT went up to $35 - what did you actually pay for off site? Apples with apples pls.

 

[blackcat20]

LT went up to $35 - what did you actually pay for off site? Apples with apples pls.

I think it was $25 for offsite.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Yeah that is a fare difference. How did you find off sit Co's transfer service? TBH I have never ever used off site parking - I can always get a park in LT really close to closest terminal exit near the ped crossing so easy access I find.

Last week I paid $121 for 72hrs in Business car park - I had to get really large box from ret flt to car so LT was out of question really.

What is policy of off site operators if you return early? Clearly MEL Parking is no rebate for early return so I assume off siters same?

 

[hummel]

Yeah that is a fare difference. How did you find off sit Co's transfer service? TBH I have never ever used off site parking - I can always get a park in LT really close to closest terminal exit near the ped crossing so easy access I find.

Last week I paid $121 for 72hrs in Business car park - I had to get really large box from ret flt to car so LT was out of question really.

What is policy of off site operators if you return early? Clearly MEL Parking is no rebate for early return so I assume off siters same?

For me, if it's only $10-15 difference between Onsite and Offsite I'll most likely go Onsite parking due to connivence.

I also don't like how offsite often move your car, at least onsite you'll know it will still be there when the time comes.

Of course I also always use JETSTAR for a wee little discount!

 

[blackcat20]

We tend to stick with a couple of offsite companies that we know and trust. Transfer is usually pretty efficient.

 

[boomy]

Figures pls boomy - figures pls.

The figures change all the time that's why I said 40-50% cheaper. I can show you my recent search, parking from 01.06-08.06:





As you can see the difference between the two Flexi fares is 42%.
If you are willing to book non-changeable then it's "only" 35%.
Fares already include the Jetstar discount.

Note that during public holidays and major events the difference is usually even higher.

What mostly changed this year are the non-changeable fares. I used to book for $55-$65 and then upgrade for few more $$ to At Terminal.
Going back to the recent quote, it will cost $106 to upgrade (doesn't give that option with Jetstar discount).



The advantage with offsite companies is full flexibility and no restrictions. It doesn't matter what time you drop off and pick up your car. They don't even require credit card for booking so even if your trip changed and you forgot to cancel, no big deal. Also, if you need to extend the parking period once the car is already parked you can negotiate the price, something I'm not sure can do with MEL airport.

The disadvantage is the ride to/from airport usually takes extra 5-10 minutes.

 

[TomVexille]

I started hearing radio ads for MEL parking today. 3 days in the at terminal car park for $59. I'm guessing that the availability of said price will be scarce.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

interesting boomy - interesting.