One of the most important things often overlooked when catching a flight is airport parking. In an ideal setting, passengers should have ample time to safely park their vehicles without sacrificing their travel budget. Of course the majority of people would rather embrace the craziness of an imperfect world and take their chances. But proper preparation before driving to the airport will save time, frustration, and money.

Here’s a little checklist for a smoother airport parking experience:

Plan Ahead

Just like booking a promo flight online, securing an advanced parking slot saves valuable expenses. Take Heathrow Airport in London. In Terminals 1, 2, and 3, an unplanned weeklong stay would cost a passenger close to £200. However, by reserving parking online, that bill can be marked down for more than half its original price. UK-based parking aggregator, Parking4Less, also enumerates the four types of parking so travellers can choose the one that suits their needs.

Find the Best Hotel and Parking Package Deals

When staying for one to two weeks, hotel with parking deals generally work out well compared to booking each element individually. For example, in Gatwick passengers who look to lodge at the nearby Holiday Inn can get an overnight stay with eight parking days arrangement for just £107; getting more than 50% in total savings. On the other hand, for short stay and valet parking deals, look to secure a reservation two or three weeks before the departure date to get a higher chance of finding a good deal. Though it won’t be cheaper than long stay, the ease of walking from the car to the terminal compensates the slightly padded cost.

Get Rid of All the Clutter Inside the Car

As a last piece of advice, travellers should maintain the orderliness of the car; meaning the inside should be free from clutter. Nobody wants to give robbers a reason to steal personal belongings inside the vehicle. Yes, airport parking security is present, but at the end of the day, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Additionally, make sure to know whether or not the parking staff requires passengers to bring the ticket during the trip.

With these three basic tips your parking experience should be more economical, pleasant, and efficient!