5 Ways to Protect Your Parked Car

 

From expensive electronics to empty candy wrappers, we keep pretty much everything and anything in our cars. Since your vehicle is essentially your miniature home away from home, you are going to want to take precautions to safeguard your vehicle when you fly out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Although Team Parking boasts a secure, well lit parking lot, you still have to do your part to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Read on to find out how you can help us protect your car while you are traveling:

1.      It is best not to leave valuables inside, but if you must, hide them, and hide them well. Conceal them at home in your own driveway, away from the prying eyes of airport criminals. Don’t park your car at the airport and then hide your laptop; the risk of being seen is too great.

2.      For maximum security, leave your car near high traffic areas such as the entrance and exit or the shuttle pickup kiosk. The increased foot traffic will add to the number of eyes on your car and will discourage potential thieves.

3.      Your next best bet is to leave your car in a well-lit area, something Team Parking certainly has to offer. Our entire lot is well-lit for maximum safety. Shining lights discourage intruders who don’t want to be caught.

4.      A neat car is less likely to get robbed. If a thief looks in and sees wires poking out from under the seat or a large object seemingly covered up by a towel or hat, this is sure to attract his or her curiosity. If a potential crook sees nothing but car upholstery, it is less likely that he or she will break in to the vehicle.

5.      Keep your car doors locked at all times. Although this sounds like common sense, many people honestly forget to lock their cars or are lured into a false sense of security by their surroundings. An unlocked car is the easiest way for a thief to slip into your vehicle.

 

Avoiding Travel Scams

If you have been feeling bored or overworked, the thought of a cheap or free vacation might sound pretty appealing…and scammers know that! Scams are often effective on travelers because of their simplicity, but with a little preparation you can avoid being an easy target. Before you begin your dream vacation, bone up on these tips for avoiding travel-related scams:

v  Watch out for unsolicited “deals” on fantastic locations. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

v  Search the Better Business Bureau and American Society of Travel Agents to make sure your travel company is legit before you give them any money.

v  Always use a credit card when making travel related purchases. This way, if you feel you have been scammed, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company.

v  Be on the lookout for “travel clubs” that offer “free” membership. Many times, these services simply charge your credit card every month and provide few benefits.

v  If you win a “free” vacation, don’t ever give out your credit card information. You should never have to pay to collect a prize.

v  If you are working with a travel agency or vacation service, make sure to get all of the details about your trip in writing. This contract will act as legal proof in the event that your experience wasn’t what you were promised.  

Here at Team Parking, you will never be scammed. Make your free online reservation today and save!

Rising Above Holiday Buzz-Kills

It's the most wonderful time of the year....yet some of us are cranky!  Holiday air travel is tricky enough without adding a naughty seatmate to the mix, so we've put some ideas together to help you keep your Christmas cool, and enjoy your flight!

1.    Board with your zone. Don’t cut people in line!  Many people who board first paid for the privilege, so it is only fair to honor it.

2.    Do a good deed. Will it really hurt to switch seats so a family can sit together? If they suggest you trade your aisle seat for their middle seat, use your best judgment. You’re sure to be on Santa’s “nice list” this year!

3.    Don’t give parents dirty stares. While you may pray the woman with the screaming baby doesn’t take the seat next to yours, she just might. If she does sit next to you, don't sulk. She knows her precious darling is making noise; she doesn’t need you to remind her.

4.    Middle seats get the armrest. Do you know anyone who likes to sit in the middle seat? Didn’t think so! Give those unlucky travelers the benefit of both armrests. You’ll survive with the armrest that’s dedicated to you.

5.    Check before you recline. Yes, it’s your right to recline, but wouldn’t it be nice to look behind you before you do? Give that traveler a chance to close his laptop before your seat crushes it.

6.    Let your neighbor sleep. Trying to catch up on your “long winter’s nap” can be tough during a flight. Leave it to the discretion of the stewardess to decide who gets a wake up nudge or who sleeps through the pretzels and orange juice call.

Let the spirit of the season be reason enough to take the high road as you travel.  Remember, everyone’s just trying to get to the presents and dinner table on time! 

This holiday season, make your free online parking reservation with Team Parking and save!

 

 

Ten Tips for Flying with Children

Flying with children can be a daunting task, whether you are an experienced flyer or first time traveler. Fortunately, some strategic planning can help make flying with children a fun and relaxed experience for you and your kids. Here are 10 tips to make your life a little easier:

1.      Let your child have her own carry on. She will feel like a “big girl” and you can fill it with little distractions and snacks to keep her busy during the flight.

2.      Plan around your usual routine. If you can, plan your flight when your child is most calm and pleasant. Only you know when your child takes naps, eats meals or becomes fussy.

3.      Know your TSA rules. Kids under the age of 12 do not have to take their shoes off for TSA security. In addition, baby formula, breast milk and medications are allowed in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight and do not have to be placed in a clear zip-top baggie. You must tell the TSA officer you are carrying these liquids at the beginning of screening.

4.      Spring for a seat. While airlines allow you to hold your child on your lap until they're 2 years old, this is hard on a long flight. If you can afford it, buy an extra seat for the baby.

5.      Don’t take out the toys too soon. If you buy your child new books or toys for the flight, wait until the meltdown begins and then bring out your secret weapon.

6.      Suck it up. If you don’t usually let your kids watch TV or play games for extended periods, now is the time to suck it up and realize it won’t do permanent damage. Knowing they are being allowed to do something that is usually off-limits is a huge draw.

7.      Bring a spare shirt for yourself. Spills and spit up are inevitable. You will appreciate the clean smell around your upper body.

8.      Snacks and sippy cups. Pack durable snacks that are familiar to your child. Don’t forget to pack an empty sippy cup so you can fill it with juice or water mid-flight.

9.      Magazine scavenger hunts. Make a list of 10 things such a woman or a hotel, and have your kids find them using the magazines in the seat pockets.

10.   Who cares what other people think. Say hi to everyone and be cordial, but remember there is a good chance that you won’t see these people again. You are doing your best to make the experience pleasant for everyone and that is all that matters.

Stress less! Reserve your parking today with Team Parking.  

Surviving Airport Security

 

Getting through security can be one of the more stressful parts of air travel. However, a lot can be done to streamline the process, if you know what you’re doing. To make your excursion through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible, keep in mind the following advice:

·         Plan ahead. Pack your bag of liquids and your electronics in an easy to access exterior pocket. A good TSA experience starts at home.

·         Dress for success. Security is going to make you take your shoes off. You know this. Avoid wearing knee-high lace up combat boots! Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and a belt that won’t set off the metal detector.

·         Stash your stuff early. It is pretty likely that you will have a bag or purse on your person during your journey through the airport. Avoid fumbling at the checkpoint by sticking your personal items in one of these convenient bags well before you get in line.  

·         Order your items. For example, put your shoes on the conveyer belt first, then your laptop, followed by your bag of liquids, and finally your coat. This way you can put your shoes on first, pick up each item as it is scanned, and finally put on your coat and make your way to your gate.

·         When in doubt, leave it out! Unsure if an item is prohibited or not? Put questionable items in your checked luggage or leave them at home.

Don’t forget to make a reservation with Team Parking to ensure a stress free trip.

 

 

 

 

 

Traveling During Inclement Weather

        It is now September, and before you know it, the autumn season will be upon us. For those who live up north, this means saying goodbye to sunny warm weather and hello to severe weather and snow. Traveling out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport [MSP] during the colder months of the year can be challenging. Read on for tips on how to navigate travel during inclement weather.

v  When you arrive at the airport, park your car offsite with Team Parking and rest assured that we will take care of it during the cold months.

v  Get forecasts before you leave the house. Check your destination and departure cities. If something looks amiss or if there is already flight delays for impending foul weather, call the airline to check the status of your flight.

v  The weather at your departure and destination cities looks perfect but it is the connecting city that is experiencing unpleasant conditions? See if you can reroute the connection to an airport with no delays.

v  Do not stray too far from your gate if you are already at the airport. Gate attendants often make important announcements in the event of a flight delay or cancellation including, but not limited to, information on flight status, alternative flight options, hotel offers etc. These are announcements you will want to hear.

v  If you end up needing to make alternate arrangements, use your airline’s 1-800 numbers. This will be much quicker and less stressful than standing in line at the kiosk at the airport with the 85 other people who need to reroute as well.