The Difference Between PreFlight Products

PreFlight Airport Parking offers different parking products designed to fit different travel needs. Whether you like to plan ahead, want the fastest and most automated parking experience, or prefer the traditional drive-up process, PreFlight gives you simple options that make airport parking easier.

Each PreFlight product has its own benefits. Some travelers want to guarantee their parking spot before travel day. Others want flexibility if their arrival or return time changes. Some travelers prefer to pull a ticket and pay when they leave. No matter how you like to park, PreFlight has an option that can work for your trip.

In this guide, we will explain the difference between PreFlight Reservations and PreFlight Express so you can choose the best parking option for your next flight.

 

 

Quick Comparison: PreFlight Reservations vs. Express vs. Drive Up

PreFlight Parking Options	Best For	Main Benefit	Frequent Parker Points
PreFlight Reservations	Travelers who want to plan ahead	Guaranteed parking spot and ability to redeem points for free parking days	Earn and redeem points
PreFlight Express	Travelers who want flexibility and speed	Fast, automated entry and exit through the app	Earn points but cannot redeem through Express
Drive Up	Travelers who prefer traditional parking	Pull a ticket when you arrive and pay when you leave	Points must be added manually to your account and can't be redeemed

 

 

PreFlight Reservations

PreFlight Reservations are the best option for travelers who want to plan ahead and guarantee their parking spot. A reservation is the only way to guarantee your parking space at PreFlight, which makes it a smart choice during busy travel seasons, holidays, weekends, and early morning flights.

Reservations can also be a great way to save on airport parking. Similar to airline tickets, booking earlier may help you find better rates. If you already know your travel dates, making a reservation before your trip gives you more control over your parking plan and your travel budget.

Another major benefit of PreFlight Reservations is that this is the option you use to redeem your Frequent Parker Program points for free parking. If you have saved up points and want to apply them toward your trip, you will need to make a reservation.

 

Why Choose a PreFlight Reservation?

A PreFlight Reservation is a good choice if you want to:

• Guarantee your parking spot
• Book your parking before travel day
• Potentially save by reserving early
• Redeem Frequent Parker Program points
• Keep your travel plans organized
• Avoid worrying about availability when you arrive
• Use a printed reservation or the PreFlight app
• Have your QR code ready before you reach the gate

Reservations are especially helpful for travelers who are going on longer trips, flying during peak travel periods, or traveling with family. When you reserve ahead of time, you can arrive knowing your parking is already planned.

 

How to Use a PreFlight Reservation

You can make a PreFlight Reservation online or through the PreFlight app. After booking, you will receive a reservation with a QR code.

When you arrive at the parking facility, you have two easy options:

1. Print your web reservation and scan the QR code at the gate.
2. Use the PreFlight app to sign into your account, access your reservation, and scan the QR code from your phone.

Once your reservation is scanned, you can enter the parking facility, park your vehicle, and take the PreFlight shuttle to the airport.

 

Best Times to Use a Reservation

PreFlight Reservations are ideal for:

• Holiday travel
• Summer vacations
• Long-term airport parking
• Family travel
• Early morning flights
• Peak airport travel days
• Travelers using rewards points
• Anyone who wants guaranteed parking

If you know your travel dates, a reservation is usually the best option.

 

 

PreFlight Express

PreFlight Express is designed for travelers who want flexibility and a fast, automated parking experience for discounted drive-up parking rates. If you do not want to make a traditional reservation but still want a smooth entry and exit process, Express may be the best option for you.

With Express, you can be more flexible about when you arrive at or leave the garage. This is helpful if your schedule changes, your flight time shifts, or you simply prefer a parking option that does not require selecting exact reservation times in advance.

PreFlight Express also allows you to earn Frequent Parker Program points. However, while you can earn points with Express, you cannot redeem points through Express. If you want to use points for free parking, you should choose a PreFlight Reservation instead.

 

Why Choose PreFlight Express?

PreFlight Express is a good choice if you want to:

• Enter and exit quickly
• Use the fastest and most automated parking option
• Avoid pulling a paper ticket
• Discounted drive-up rates for PreFlight members
• Traveling for business
• Connect your credit card to your account
• Earn Frequent Parker Program points
• Have more flexibility with arrival and departure times

Express is especially useful for frequent travelers, business travelers, and anyone who wants a simple app-based parking process.

 

How to Sign Up for PreFlight Express

To get started with PreFlight Express, download the PreFlight app and set up your PreFlight account. Once you connect your credit card, your account will be ready to use at the gate.

 

 

How Express Parking Works

Using Drive Up parking is easy:

1. Open the PreFlight app.
2. Access your Express QR code.
3. Scan the QR code at the kiosk at the gate.
4. Enter the facility and park.
5. Take the shuttle to the airport.
6. Scan your Express QR code again when you exit. It will charge the card on file when you leave.

 

Best Times to Use Express

PreFlight Express is ideal for:

• Frequent flyers
• Business travelers
• Last minute trips
• Travelers with flexible schedules
• Travelers who want fast entry and exit
• Travelers who want to earn points but do not need to redeem them
• People who do not want to pull or keep track of a paper ticket

If speed and flexibility are your top priorities, Express is the best PreFlight product for your trip.

 

 

Drive-Up Parking

Drive-up parking is the most traditional way to park at PreFlight. This option is for travelers who arrive at the garage or lot without a reservation and without using Express.

When you choose Drive Up parking, you simply drive to the facility, pull a ticket at the entry lane, and park. When you return from your trip, you scan that same ticket when you exit and pay for your parking.

Drive-up parking is simple and familiar. It can be a good option for last-minute travelers or anyone who prefers the standard ticket process. However, it is important to remember that Drive Up parking does not guarantee your spot. If you are traveling during a busy time, a reservation is a better option.

 

Why Choose Drive Up Parking?

Drive Up parking is a good choice if you want to:

• Park without booking ahead
• Use a traditional parking process
• Pull a ticket at the entrance
• Pay when you leave
• Avoid using the app at entry
• Make a last-minute parking decision

Drive Up can be convenient when your trip is unexpected or you do not have time to make a reservation. However, because it does not guarantee a space, it may not be the best option during peak travel periods.

 

Frequent Parker Points with Drive Up Parking

Drive Up parking does not automatically apply Frequent Parker Program points to your account.

If you want to receive points for a Drive Up transaction, you will need to add the transaction manually. To do this, go into your account settings in the PreFlight app and look for “Add Past Transactions.” On the website, you may see this listed as “Add an onsite transaction to your account.”

You will need to enter information from your pulled ticket receipt, including:

• Your receipt number
• The amount paid

This same process may also be used for guest reservations if you did not create or sign into an account when booking your reservation.

 

Best Times to Use Drive Up Parking

Drive Up parking is ideal for:

• Last-minute trips
• Travelers who did not make a reservation
• Travelers who prefer traditional parking
• People who do not use the app
• Short-notice airport visits
• Travelers who are not redeeming points

If you are traveling during a busy season or want to make sure you have a space, a reservation is still the better choice.

 

Which PreFlight Product Should You Choose?

The best PreFlight product depends on your travel style.

Choose PreFlight Reservations if you want to guarantee your spot, book ahead, save when possible, and redeem Frequent Parker Program points for free parking.

Choose PreFlight Express if you want flexibility, fast entry and exit, an automated app-based experience, and the ability to earn points without making a traditional reservation.

Choose Drive Up parking if you prefer the traditional parking process, are making a last-minute trip, or do not want to book ahead.

 

 

PreFlight Amenities Are Included No Matter How You Park

No matter which option you choose, you can still enjoy access to PreFlight’s amenities and services. PreFlight is committed to providing a smooth, convenient, and enjoyable airport parking experience for every customer.

Whether you make a reservation, use Express, or drive up without booking ahead, you can still take advantage of PreFlight’s airport parking experience and shuttle service.

 

 

Benefits of Parking with PreFlight

PreFlight Airport Parking is designed to make airport travel easier. Depending on your location and selected product, benefits may include:

• Convenient airport parking
• Shuttle service to and from the airport with luggage support
• Online reservations
• Frequent Parker Program rewards
• Covered and open-air parking options at select locations
• Fast entry and exit with Express
• Customer support when you need help

The goal is to help you start and end your trip with less stress.

 

PreFlight Corporate Express Program

PreFlight offers tailored solutions for businesses to set up corporate accounts. This feature allows companies to manage their travel expenses more effectively, receive discounts on Express and Reservations, and streamline billing processes.

Corporate accounts are for businesses that have 10 or more travelers a year; they will receive 20% off Express rates and 10% off reservations to help make your business even more efficient.

Fill out the Corporate Express Program to set up yours today!

 

 

PreFlight Airport Parking offers multiple parking products because every traveler has different needs.

If you want peace of mind and guaranteed parking, make a PreFlight Reservation. If you want the fastest and most automated experience, choose PreFlight Express. If you prefer a traditional parking process, Drive Up parking is available.

Regardless of which option you choose, PreFlight is here to help make your airport parking experience easier. If you cannot find the information you need on the FAQ page, please contact PreFlight’s customer service team. Our representatives are ready to assist with questions or issues so you can get the support you need before, during, or after your trip.