Surviving Airport Parking With Kids

Whether you’re headed to a family reunion across the country or you’re looking forward to a week in Disney World, there’s no doubt that traveling with kids can be stressful and chaotic. The younger your kids are, the trickier things can get. Do yourself a favor and limit your stress anywhere you can. That includes your method of parking at the DTW airport.

If you take no other piece of advice, take this one: reserve valet parking well in advance of your family trip. You will thank us later.

Not only will you get to your terminal faster, you’ll get peace of mind knowing the family truckster will be protected throughout your whole trip, eagerly awaiting your return. You’re already spending a small fortune to see Mickey…why spend even more on transportation to the airport when you can just drive yourself there on your own timetable? Plus, you don’t have to worry that the kids are dropping goldfish crackers all over the floor and getting someone else’s car messy.

Here are some ways you can survive parking at the DTW airport with kids and why advanced reservations are best.

Easy Online Reservations

Make your reservations online from the comfort of your couch as you finish up your vacation planning, watch TV or have a snack. No need to call anyone or fuss with forms. Just a few clicks, and you’re all set to park. Even if the kids are jumping and screaming in the background, making parking reservations has never been easier. The sooner you reserve, the better. A good rule of thumb is to reserve your parking as soon as you have your airfare set. This is one less thing you will have to worry about as your travel date gets closer.

Travel at Your Own Pace

When you park your own vehicle at the airport, you’re not at the mercy of an Uber, limo, or taxi driver. We all know delays happen. One child gets sick the morning of takeoff, and you have to leave later than you thought, or your wife insists on leaving for the airport four hours early so you can relax in the lounge to regroup. Taking your own car means you can leave when you want without waiting by the window for a driver that shows up too early, late or worse — not at all. This adds undue stress to any situation, so avoid it by taking your own car and controlling your own destiny.

Access to Services

Another benefit of valet airport parking, at least with Valet Connections, is that you can get some much-needed service done to your vehicle while you’re gone. This can include detailing, oil changes, car washes, and more. When you pick up your car, it’s ready and waiting for you, squeaky clean, and operating at peak efficiency. It doesn’t get any more convenient than that!

Cost Effective Ride

Even with the cost of DTW airport parking, it’s still cheaper to park your vehicle on your own rather than take a service. You have to save money where you can, especially when you know you’re heading on a trip where all the kids are going to want snacks every five minutes and costly souvenirs to take home. Saving money is always a good thing. You know you’ll be broke upon your return, so any extra savings is just icing on the cake.

Peace of Mind

Knowing your car is in safe hands while you are away translates to peace of mind. It will be monitored 24/7 via CCTV, which is more than you can say for your driveway back home. You want assurances that your car will be in the same shape and spot as it was when you left it. Peace of mind is invaluable amidst the chaos and uncertainty of traveling.

CNN says that $1.2 billion worth of personal items are stolen from cars each year. Along with choosing the most trustworthy parking provider, you can do these things to prevent vandalism to your car while you’re away.

  • Check for security cameras.
  • Lock your doors.
  • Upgrade the security features.
  • Park in well-lit, highly-visible places.
  • Use a valet parking service.

One Word: Shuttle


Quite possibly the worst thing about traveling with small children is schlepping them, along with all your belongings, car seats, strollers and bags, throughout the parking garage into the terminal and onto the plane. This does a number on your back as well as your sanity. Plus, if one kid takes off and you’re weighed down with baggage, you have to abandon it all to go running after them.

That’s why it’s such a lifesaver to be able to hop on and off a shuttle after parking so you can get a few minutes of peace as you head to the terminal. Give your back a break and take a much-needed rest – you’re gonna need it.

Contact Valet Connections DTW Parking

As you approach your much-need family vacation with the kids, we hope you heed these tips and then book your parking with us at (734) 992-4946. We are located close to Metro Detroit Airport, lowering your stress level with our affordable and convenient airport parking for either long- or short-term stays. So if you have a trip coming up with the family, do the smart thing and make your reservations with us well in advance. Save your sanity and book with us!