Delayed flights can have a domino effect. Let’s say your flight was scheduled to land at Detroit Metro Airport at 7 p.m. But after three delays, a gate change and a quick overpriced dinner in the airport lounge, that manageable arrival is now pushed back to 2 a.m.
This is the last thing you need after an exhausting and frustrating day. Understandably, you just want to get home. But then you realize: what happens to my car?
If you’ve reserved DTW airport parking, a delayed flight can lead to a bunch of questions:
- Will your vehicle still be there now that you’re late?
- Will the shuttle still be running?
- What happens if you don’t arrive until the next day?
- Will this cost you more?
Flight delays are an unavoidable part of traveling, but they don’t have to upend your parking plans. Here are some things to consider when things don’t go the way you planned.
1. What Happens if Your Return Flight Is Delayed Several Hours?
If you’re scheduled to pick up your vehicle at 6 p.m., but you just found out your flight won’t land until midnight, now what? Your parking reservation was based on an anticipated return time, so you’re understandably concerned.
This will depend on the specific parking facility’s policies and how much of a change there was in your arrival time. A few-hour delay may be handled differently than a delay that spills into the next day.
If you’re using off-site DTW airport parking, contact your parking provider as soon as you know of the delay and they will tell you what to expect.
They will need:
- Your name and reservation number
- Original scheduled return date and time
- Updated flight arrival information
- New anticipated vehicle pickup time
- Contact information if further changes occur
You don’t necessarily need a confirmed arrival time yet. It’s more important to just give them a heads up on the situation.
2. What if Your Flight Arrives After Midnight?
If your flight was supposed to arrive Wednesday evening at 7 p.m., but now you’re landing at 12:45 a.m. Thursday, you may wonder if this means you have to pay for another day of parking.
This depends on how the parking facility charges their rates. Some calculate charges using 24-hour periods, while others use calendar days or other rate structures. Your original reservation times and the facility’s policies can impact final cost.
This doesn’t always mean you’ll automatically be charged for another full day. To know for sure, check with your parking provider.
3. Will You Have to Pay More for Airport Parking?
If your vehicle remains parked beyond the time covered by your original reservation, you may face additional charges.
For example, let’s say you scheduled a parking spot for five days, but a flight cancellation kept you away for a sixth day.
Because your car is occupying a space for longer than intended and is taking up a space for a future customer, you could face an additional charge by the parking provider.
Check your parking provider’s policies regarding:
- Late returns
- Extended parking stays
- Additional hourly or daily charges
- Reservation modifications
- Unexpected flight cancellations
For specific questions about your reservation, reach out to Valet Connections directly rather than guessing how a delay will affect your total.
4. What Happens if Your Flight Is Cancelled Completely?
Whether you’re stranded at your destination for two additional days, or your airline cancelled your regular flight but rebooked you the next morning, your original airport parking reservation is no longer aligned with your actual travel schedule.
First, contact the airline to determine a likely return time. Then, notify your parking provider of the change, explain the cancellation, and ask what can be done to accommodate the extended stay.
Just remember: changing your airline reservation doesn’t automatically update your airport parking reservation. These are separate arrangements and should be handled as such. Contact us directly if you have questions about unexpected return delays.
5. Will the Airport Shuttle Still Be Running Late at Night?
Good news: Valet Connections’ complimentary DTW airport shuttle service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
That means a late-night arrival won’t leave you stranded without a ride. Our shuttles come by every 10 to 15 minutes, providing convenient transportation between our facility and Detroit Metro Airport.
6. What if Your Entire Trip Gets Extended?
Sometimes travel disruptions extend well beyond a few hours. Whether due to severe weather, mechanical problems or missed connections, trips can be extended by several days. In between trying to find a hotel, rearrange work commitments or coordinate childcare, be sure to address your parking situation.
Once you have confirmed your new itinerary:
- Contact your parking provider about the extended stay.
- Ask whether additional parking charges will apply.
- Provide your updated return information.
- Find out if any reservation changes are necessary.
- Keep your reservation confirmation and contact details accessible.
7. Should You Contact Your Parking Provider Every Time Your Flight Changes?
Not always. You don’t necessarily have to worry about a half-hour delay like you would an overnight cancellation. Contact your parking provider when:
- Your flight is delayed by several hours
- Your arrival shifts to the next day
- Your trip is extended
Sometimes estimated arrival times continue to change. Just do your best and communicate what you know in the moment. Valet Connections is used to these snafus cropping up and realizes they’re part of life.
8. How Can You Prepare for Flight Delays Before Leaving Home?
While you can’t control airline schedules, you can make some smart decisions by being prepared.
Before your next trip:
- Choose parking with flexible transportation options, such as around-the-clock shuttle service.
- Save the parking facility’s phone number so it’s handy in a pinch.
- Download the parking app to keep reservation information close.
- Review parking policies so you know how extended stays are handled.
- Save a screenshot or email containing your reservation details.
- Allow extra time after landing, as baggage claim and other delays can affect when you actually pick up your vehicle.
Delayed Flight? Valet Connections Is Here to Help
Flight delays happen. Fortunately, getting back to your vehicle doesn’t have to be frustrating when you partner with Valet Connections. Contact us today at (734) 992-4946 with questions about reservations, unexpected delays or our parking services.