Please Help...I'm nervous

[mjf]

Originally Posted by Gizmo3000

Well, perhaps you might want to find out if there's a shuttle service or a bus you can take to the airport, which would be a lot cheaper than a taxi.

+1 here. I used to live an hour away from the airport, but there was a "limo" service that would take me to the airport for $15, making stops along the way to pick up other drivers.

Such a service is likely more expensive these days, but even at $50 it's still cheaper gas + parking. Heck at $120 each way a cab might be cheaper than gas plus parking. How much is the parking fee at the airport? It's $99 a week at my local airport. Assuming you live about 60 miles away gas will probably be $20. Cab might be a bargain, but I doubt it, whereas a limo service would certainly be.

[...m...]

...most regions have airport shuttles which serve all the surrounding communities, i'd carefully look into your available options, as i'm certain you can find something much cheaper than a taxi and much more secure than a public parking lot...

...as an aside, mehve's been daily driven for fast approaching four years now, she's still on her original battery, and still starts without hesitation every time...

[mjf]

Back on topic, I have over 10k miles on my car. I left it for 3 weeks when we had "unfriendly" weather here one time. Never had a problem starting it.

[drchris1]

Originally Posted by davecarama

You all amaze me. It is a car... Sheesh! It should be fine. I drive mine into Baltimore and park it on the street every day. No touchers yet and it has been over a year.
Dave

Leaving a car in a public, poorly monitored (probably NOT monitored) long-term parking lot, where, by definition, people know it will be days or weeks before you're anywhere around, is asking for trouble. (and it's not the same thing as daily parking on a busy street, where lots of people are around and most would assume you might come back any minute or may be watching from a nearby window). I would never leave this car at the airport. Be dropped off or get a cab. Leave your car plugged in to a battery TENDER (not just a charger) at home where it's safe.

Oh, and +1 on the luggage problem.

Happy travels!

[TheViper]

In this situation a cheap car cover would be a good thing to do.

[mjf]

Originally Posted by drchris1

and it's not the same thing as daily parking on a busy street, where lots of people are around and most would assume you might come back any minute or may be watching from a nearby window

I have a story!

So I'm meeting this guy for lunch. The restaurant is closed due to a neighbors flooding. While I'm waiting for the guy to show up so we can pick somewhere else to eat I plug my phone into my car and turn it on to charge it. My friend finally arrives and I say hello and explain the restaurant thing, and the owner pops her head out and apologizes to us. We agree to Indian food and walk a block over, have lunch, return about an hour later.

There's my car. Unlocked. Windows open. Phone still plugged in. Keys in ignition. ENGINE STILL RUNNING.

I figure anyone that walked by it must have figured it was a setup and stayed clear of it. It was parked in the restaurant's 4 car "lot" next to a reasonably busy sidewalk, tons of people must have walked by it.

[John.duh]

Your trip is probably over by now, but hey.

If you're airport car park is one with multiple levels you have another option.
Just park it near the exit ramp.

If you return and the car won't start turn on the ignition, push it to the ramp, hop in and wait for it to gain some speed, put in gear and engage clutch. The engine will start :-)

oh, and ignore the stupefied looks people will give you

[...m...]

Originally Posted by mjf

I have a story!

We agree to Indian food and walk a block over, have lunch, return about an hour later. There's my car. Unlocked. Windows open. Phone still plugged in. Keys in ignition. ENGINE STILL RUNNING.

...fortune smiled upon you, my friend...

...the closest i've ever come (not in my lotus) was walking out of the office after a long day at work not to find my car where i parked it, but in another lot across several lanes of traffic, parked cars, and a median - locked, parking brake off, DOWNHILL...not a scratch on her, either...

[chapster5]

Use a cab, probably cheaper to pay the $120 than to pay the other ammount of money to fix any damage that COULD occur to the car. Seriously better safe than sorry

[Gripp]

1. Don't leave your car at airport... I am sure it cost more to paint and pull out ding/dings!!! From the careless people in the airport... Just do a little research and find a way there. Ask someone you would drive there if they asked you.

2. Buy a S*&Tbox and drive it that around. I don't know how much you drive your car but my buddy was driving about 100 miles a day for 17 months and he was hit 3 times. Had a 1/2 dozen dings, and was taking his Elise in for service to the tune of about $400.00 bucks month (plus payment), oil, brakes, tires etc. Sounds to me if you worried about $125.00 to take to airport you may not be ready for those types of cost.

3.Battery: Sometimes I don't drive my Exige for 3 weeks no problems.

You ask what where does he work? THE AIRPORT "ATLANTA AIRPORT"

Let us know how it went... always willing to hear about a happy ending.

[Brian 111]

Originally Posted by Gripp

I am sure it cost more to paint and pull out ding/dings!!!

Ding/dings...

That only works on metal-bodied cars. Just call the Paintless Ding-Ding Removal guy...