I posted this on the Austin board, but I want to post it here in case it gets more eyes.

We just moved to Austin, and Friday will be my first time flying out here. I typically prefer to park at the terminal, but they are not taking reservations through the end of this month. Does anyone have a feel for how likely I am to get into the blue garage, with the red garage as a backup? If those are not realistic possibilities, then what are suggestions for the closest/easiest parking other than at the terminal?

I am not worried about the cost and want to avoid hassle more than anything else. We fly out Friday morning at 7:00 if it helps to know that. Thanks in advance for any information or help.

I cannot answer about the parking garages, but I HIGHLY recommend reserving parking now. I flew out Christmas Day and didn't reserve anywhere. EVERY SINGLE LOT except one was sold out. Most had "surge" pricing, which was like $16-$18 per day (it was on their signage). Great, but still sold out.

I find ONE place that has it - The Parking Spot West. They wanted like $56 or some BS like that per day (it was for sure in the $50's). That is just absurd. I needed it for 8 days so that was more than my flight itself. Luckily my hotel let me park for like $6-$8 a day.

Park and Zoom is pretty darn close to the airport and is what I would reserve.

Responded there as well, but adding here for others:

We parked in the blue garage a couple of Friday's ago. Granted we had a 5:30 am flight, but there was plenty of parking. You may not get on the 2nd deck, but should be fine.

Lines may be a pain with SxSW and spring break so i would get there early.

We have been using Park and Zoom for the last several years. Easy in/out and transport to/from terminal has always been timely. I have also used their car wash service and it has alway been good. Their app is straight forward and easy to use to make reservations.

They have valet service as well.

Should not be an issue with the garages. If they happen to be full due to spring break travel, the economy lot directly adjacent to the garages is not a bad backup.

When I return to Austin, I typically just walk it back to the economy lot if the bus isn't out front as its quicker than waiting.

pbrancazio said:

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We have been using Park and Zoom for the last several years. Easy in/out and transport to/from terminal has always been timely. I have also used their car wash service and it has alway been good. Their app is straight forward and easy to use to make reservations.

They have valet service as well.

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This is the way.

As others have stated, Blue garage or economy parking directly behind it have never been a problem for me. I usually fly out early in the day, but I do not think that later in the day is a problem.

I use Park and Relax across the road. As with Park and Zoom they have a good shuttle and valet service, plus they have a rewards program. I have enough credits for almost a month of free parking. And that's after I used a free week during October.

I have used the Austin airport once and we used the Blue garage. Easy in, easy out, no issues at all. The airport felt very easy to deal with compared to most.