Keeping Your Car Safe While Parked

Most airport-area parking situations are safe, but a few habits dramatically reduce your risk of theft, vandalism, or hassle when you return.

Before You Leave Home

• Take a photo of your car's exterior. Helpful if you need to dispute damage later.
• Note the make, model, color, and license plate so you can describe it from memory.
• Make sure your registration and insurance documents are current and in the car.

At the Lot

• Park in well-lit areas, ideally near other cars and within sight of a camera or attendant booth.
• Take a photo of where you parked — section, row, and spot number. Garages all look alike on day 8.
• Remove or hide valuables — chargers, sunglasses, anything in the seat back pockets.
• Lock the glove box if it has documents you'd rather not lose.
• Take any garage door openers or house keys with you.

When You Return

• Walk around the car before driving off. Check for damage; report anything to the lot operator immediately.
• Confirm nothing has been moved or accessed.
• Check tire pressure if the car has been parked for more than a week.

Picking a Lot

When choosing where to park — official airport lot, hotel lot, or off-airport operator — look for: 24/7 staff presence, surveillance cameras, fenced perimeters, and well-reviewed operators. Reviews on independent sites can be useful for off-airport lots; the major airport-operated lots tend to be reliable across the board.