Bookings essential to save parking cash at airport

Hamilton Airport has launched an online car park booking system, providing customers with a chance to save significant costs.

Bookings can be made at www.hamiltonairport.co.nz

Customers enter their travel itinerary to receive a quote and range of options. A credit or debit card reserves the booking on a secure site and customers receive an email confirmation of their booking details.

Airport CEO Chris Doak says customers could save up to 50 per cent on drive-up rates if they book well ahead of their travel dates.

"The airport is constantly looking for ways to provide better service at a price point with greater choice.

"For example, a customer could book online to secure a carpark close to the terminal for $50 for five days and save $45; or by booking a weekend, departing Friday afternoon and returning Monday morning, a customer could pay just $29 - saving up to $31," he says.

Hamilton Airport is the first regional airport in New Zealand to offer online carpark booking. The same system is currently only offered at the major metropolitan airports in Auckland and Wellington.

The airport plans to trial different carpark products from time to time, for example offers such as super saver rates or special weekend rates. The amount of savings customers can make by booking their parking online will depend on uptake and duration of travel. Booking early gives travellers the best chance to get the best prices.

"We'll be encouraging customers to book their carparking at the same time they book their trips and holidays in order to get the best discounts. Just as airlines provide cheaper seats to customers if they book early, Hamilton Airport is doing the same with its car parks," says Mr Doak.