Getting to the airport can be rough – taxi’s are expensive, trains are difficult to move around on with bulky luggage, and depending on which city you’re in – can you ever really be guarenteed that the bus will show up?!
Our favorite way to get to the airport will always be family or friends dropping us off, because it’s free (minus the brownie points you owe them), convenient, and you actually (hopefully!) like the person you’re stuck next to if traffic holds you up.
But this can be a pretty big ask – so how do you convince them?
How to Convince Family or Friends to Drive You to the Airport
Be Chill and Accepting if They Say No
The first step to convincing family and friends to pick you up from the airport is to be chill and accepting if they say no. Perhaps they can’t pick you up this time, but they may be able to on your next trip, or when you fly home.
If you get sarcastic, angry, or generally cause a fuss, they’re going to be less inclined to help you out in future. However if you’re chill, thankful that they considered it, and say ‘no worries’, they may feel guilty they couldn’t help you out, and make it happen the next time!
So this tip is all about laying the foundation for getting a lift on upcoming trips. Remembering that other people’s world’s don’t revolve around us and there are always genuine reasons people can’t give us a lift to the airport.
In this case, driving yourself and using affordable offsite airport parking is our favorite way to get to the airport, and you can use comparison and booking sites for this like Parkos.
Not only is off-site parking cheaper, it also usually offers services like private shuttles to the airport, valet parking, car wash, car checkups, luggage help, electrical charging of vehicles, heated/air conditioned waiting area with toiletry facilities etc.
Book Flights at Convenient Times
If you’re angling for a life to the airport, book your flights at convenient times, and potentially be flexible and willing to get to the airport earlier than you need to.
For instance, you can’t expect someone to take a break or a day off work just to drive you, but if you need to get to the airport at the same time they leave for the office – that could just work.
Make your ask as convenient as possible so it’s difficult for them to say no.
This means not requesting a pick up at midnight if someone has a 6 am shift or a baby, and being considerate and respectful of other people’s lives.
Return the Favor
No-one likes someone who takes but never gives – one of the best ways to get free airport lifts is to do it for others yourself.
If you’re generous with your own time and vehicle, it makes others more inclined to do the same when it comes time for you to ask for it.
If you’re expecting that it’ll be you who’s asking in the future, you can even go as far as to offer it before they ask. “Do you need me to drive you to the airport” will earn you even more brownie points for pre-emptively offering.
Invite Them In
In most airports these days this might not be possible, but if they have time, why not invite them in and shout them a coffee as you wait.
If you have lounge access this may be a nice perk, where you can both enjoy a glass of champagne before boarding.
Not all airports allow non travelers through security, and not all lounges allow travelers to bring guests with them, but if you do strike it lucky with both open security, and flexible lounge access, this could be a nice treat.
Ask Nicely
As with anything in life, the best way to achieve something is to simply ask nicely.
And it never goes astray to offer bribes like postcards and souveneirs upon return.
If All Else Fails
The most important thing to note here is that our families and friends have lives that don’t revolve around our travels, so it’s not always going to be convenient for them to take us or pick us up from the airport.
If this is the case, driving in and using offsite airport parking is our favorite way of getting to the airport for affordability, ease, and convenience (check out Parkos).
Though otherwise there’s always the taxi, train, bus, or uber (do note though that some cities and some airports have banned Uber).
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
