Calling All Heroes!

The Park’N Ticket Team had a blast being a sponsor and hosting the Kids Zone at the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer Event and cheering on all the participants.  The rain did not stop supporters from coming out to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

EVERYONE was a superhero fighting for St. Jude at our photo booth.   With fun props for adults and take home capes for kids, the booth was filled with laughter.  We also had an incredible face painter adding to the festive atmosphere!  Michael M.  was the big winner in our free raffle, winning an iPad mini!  So much going on and all for such a fantastic cause.  We are proud to be a part of it.

All participants also received free airport parking at Park’N Ticket, just as a way for us to say THANK YOU for supporting St. Jude!  If you didn’t get your gift card on event day, be sure to check your virtual goodie bag from St. Jude.

Thanks to everyone who took part in raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  We hope to see you all next year!  We’ve put in a request for some sunshine…cross your fingers!

Fly Over

You have probably seen this Atlanta landmark flying in or out of the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport.  Now, it is easier to spot.  We have just freshened up the paint on our 25 year old rooftop sign seen by thousands of travelers each day. 

 We would love a photo of this iconic sign.  Take a photo of the Park'N Ticket rooftop sign as you fly over and enter it in to our FLY OVER CONTEST!  All entries showing our sign will win a free day of uncovered parking.  The BEST photo will win an iPad Mini. 

To enter:

·         submit your original photo clearly showing our rooftop sign taken as you FLY OVER 
·        Satellite images are not qualified

·         submit photo to Jodi@parknticket.com or post on our facebook page at   https://www.facebook.com/parknticket. 

·         one entry per email address and person

·         entries are due by May 31, 2015

·         Best photo winner is chosen by Park’N Ticket

·         Winner will be announced  June 1, 2015

·         All entries will receive 1 free day of uncovered parking

·         Best photo will receive an iPad mini

·         Not all flights will travel over the sign.

·         by submitting a photo, entrant grants Park’N Ticket the perpetual, unlimited, non-exclusive, worldwide and irrevocable right to modify, post, publish and/or otherwise use the Submission, including any names and likenesses provided in the Facebook, , in any manner and in any and all media now known or hereafter developed, without compensation, notification or permission, without limitation as to manner, frequency or duration of use, including, without limitation, in advertising, promotion and on the Internet.

Good luck and happy travels!

Holiday Travel Tips

1. The lightest holiday travel days will be Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.  If you can plan your travels for these days, you can avoid larger crowds and longer lines.  The heaviest winter holiday travel day is Friday, December 19th.  Avoid flying on this day if at all possible.

2. Ship those gifts ahead of time.   If you plan on traveling with gifts, you will want to wait until you land before wrapping them.  Wrapped gifts may be opened and inspected by TSA.

3. Don’t waste time driving in circles, hunting for parking at the airport.  Park’N Ticket Airport Parking has plenty of parking and provides FREE online reservations.  Book your space now.

4. Reserve a spot for your pet at Airport Park’N Bark, just 2 blocks away.  Park’N Bark will give you a coupon to park with us for just $5 a day, while your pet is being boarded.

5. Sign up for Trak-a-Flight, a free service from the Atlanta Airport that delivers updated flight information to email accounts, PDAs or mobile devices.  

6. Check TSA line wait times online at www.atlanta-airport.com, or sign up for Trak-a-Line to have real-time checkpoint wait times sent to email accounts or mobile devices.

7. The Atlanta Airport suggests you arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights.   

8. When you arrive to our entrance gate, check the sign for the FAST LANE.  It will direct you to the lane where our shuttles are picking up.  This will get you boarded and to the airport quickly.

9. Leave your keys with your shuttle driver and come home to a detailed car.  

10. Before you leave our shuttle, double check that you have your keys and your phone.  These are the 2 most commonly left behind items.

11. Don’t forget to use those frequent parker points you have collected all year!  Register your card and simply tell your cashier you would like to pay with your points.  You receive 1 day free of uncovered parking for every 66 points.  

Happy Holidays!

FREE of CHARGE. Go ahead, PLUG IN.

We are so excited to announce that 10 more electric vehicle charging spaces have been added to our offsite parking facility servicing the Atlanta Airport.  EV owners can enjoy this convenient service at no extra charge.  These open air spaces are located on the top deck and are dedicated for EV parking only.  

Our guests now have 2 options for their EV parking at Park’NTicket.  We have always allowed EV’s to plug in to the 110 outlets in the covered parking section.  There are 7 spaces, 3 in the lower deck and 4 in the mid deck with outlets available.  These are open to any vehicle, so guests can also call ahead to reserve these highly sought spaces or request their car be moved to them once they become available.

All of the charging spaces feature 110 v plug in ports for a trickle charge, perfect for our traveling guests.  This type of plug should fully charge within 20 hours, or much less in some cases.   

We want our clients to see that we are here to make their travel experience fast and easy in every way.  Adding more conveniences for you is just another way to do that. 

Celebrating 30

30 years ago, three brothers planned a company from only a sketch drawn on a paper napkin. Together, they created the first travel agency with airport parking and shuttle service.   Park’N Ticket Airport Parking continues to be the only locally and family owned offsite airport parking in Atlanta.

The Oldknow brothers have an innate entrepreneurial spirit that led to this challenging endeavor.  They started with no experience in a highly competitive market and have grown a company with over 30 team members, 1,600 parking spaces, a covered parking deck, and a fleet of 9 shuttles.  The motto, The Fastest Way to the Runway, rings true in thousands of business traveler’s ears.  They flock to our facility, choosing its short distance from the airport and attention to service, for their travel needs.

The travel agency that was the “ticket” portion of Park’N Ticket, was sold in the 90’s in response to the enormous changes in that industry.  Younger brother, Larry Oldknow, sold his part of the business to explore other opportunities.  Twins, Bill and Bob, continue their involvement, though now as advisors.

Bill and Bob expanded on their core idea of “customer convenience” over the years by affiliating with other local businesses that would benefit their guests. Airport Park’N Bark, a pet kennel created by the brothers, is just one of these.   They partnered with several local car dealers, who provide car repair services for their guests while they are away.  A rewards program integrated software that allows guests to view their receipts online, make free reservations, and link a credit card for quick check outs, all while earning free parking. 

Guests’ needs have continued to change along with the travel industry over the last 30 years and Park’N Ticket has anticipated and met those needs.  Several new services, including  dry cleaning, car detailing, and electric car plug in stations, have been added in the last year.  We are always on the lookout for services that can simplify our guest’s travels.  If we can make their day a little easier, we are thrilled.  From day one, we welcomed our guests back with a coke or water for their ride home.  We know it is little things that can really make a difference in someone’s day. 

With the twins now retired, the next generation continues the family owned business with the support from our favorite advisors. Bill’s daughter, Kelley, has been hands on at Park’N Ticket from day one.  She and I, Bob’s daughter, now oversee the business under the watchful eye of our fathers.  We are so proud of our dads and what they built.  It is really exciting to celebrate this incredible milestone with them.

  

We differ from our competition because our family owned style extends in every way to our guests.  There is always someone here.  This is our corporate office.  We have real relationships with our guests.  We really listen to our team members and guests and can adapt to the feedback we receive very quickly.  Our Angel Parking

, providing free parking for cancer patients flying out for treatment at MD Anderson, is one example of that. 

This is a tremendous milestone for Park’N Ticket.  We have a very personal appreciation for each of our team members and guests.  We hope we continue to make them happy and keep celebrating anniversaries.

She's a Keeper!

30 years ago, Park’N Ticket Airport Parking celebrated our grand opening as the only family owned offsite Airport Parking and Travel Agency.  Our manager today, Diane Dalton, was there on day one.   She began with us as a shuttle driver and quickly learned all aspects of the business.  She has been our cashier, dispatcher, travel agent and manager since 2001.

Diane has kept Park’N Ticket moving for the last 13 years as our general manager by overseeing the drivers and taking care of our guests as they head in and out of town.  She has seen it all before and always knows exactly what to do. She doesn’t blink at any difficult situation and handles each customer with care and professionalism.   It is such a joy to see customers come in to the office specifically to say "hello" or "thank you" to Diane. Many of our customers have known her for 20 or more years.  She is such a huge part of our company and is like a member of our family. 

A HUGE THANK YOU to Diane for ALWAYS being there.  

30 Days of Giveaways!

Park’N Ticket Airport Parking is celebrating our 30 year anniversary with a

“30 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS” SWEEPSTAKES.   This is a tremendous milestone for us and we are thrilled to share it with our guests.

This contest will take place on Facebook and is very simple.  All you need to do is Like our Facebook page and fill out the short entry form.   Every day, for 30 days up until our anniversary, we will give away a prize.  Be sure to enter to win now.   Receive a bonus entry when you share the contest with a friend who enters the sweepstakes.  Our 1^st winner will be chosen July 15^th! 

We have fantastic prizes which include gas cards, free parking, Six Flags tickets, Georgia Aquarium passes, golf packages, Kindle Fire HD, car detailing, and more!  Our most exciting prizes are round trip airline tickets traveling anywhere in the US, 1 year of free parking and a GRAND PRIZE OF $3,000!

 Thank you celebrating with us and Good Luck!

Sud Studs Have Arrived!

Park'N Ticket Airport Parking is welcoming Sud Studs Mobile Car Wash and Detailing Service to our line-up of customer conveniences.   While you travel, your car will be pampered by the trained staff of this trusted detailing company. Customers return home to a beautiful clean car.  This amenity is the latest we’ve added that is geared towards the busy traveler.

We understand our customers expect a high standard of service.  We choose Sud Studs to be our official detailing service due to their reputation for having a meticulous attention to detail and a level of service that is professional and customer focused.

Sud Studs treats every vehicle, no matter the age or condition, as if it were a luxury sport car.  Sud Studs Mobile Detailing is fully licensed and insured.  They are the premiere provider of luxury car care in Atlanta. Their clients include Aston Martin, GM, Mazda, Lamborghini of Atlanta, the PGA Tour Championship, Parkway Properties, and many other venues with the highest standards of excellence and professionalism. 

The detailing packages offered from Sud Studs range from “The Wash Plus” at around $40 up to “The Royal Treatment” at around $300.   Prices vary based on the size of the vehicle and service package.  Customers simply leave their keys and service form with the Park’N Ticket shuttle driver upon their arrival.  Your car will be cared for while they are away, shining and detailed upon your return. 

Park’N Ticket knows that we are the start and end of our customers travel experience.  We are adding services that add a value to their stay.  We want to take stress away from our clients.  One or two less errands is a huge benefit.  Returning to a detailed car for your ride home is not just taking away stress, but adding joy.      

DETOUR On Over to Park'N Ticket

The Atlanta Airport is in the midst of an inbound roadway improvement project.  This traffic causing undertaking is due to continue through April.  What does this mean for you?  Major traffic headaches, if you plan on parking at any of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport’s lots.  These detours and delays will cost you time and anxiety.  Instead, park one mile away at Park’N Ticket and let us navigate the detours for you.

It seems to be a secret that there are options beyond the Airport’s own parking choices.  More travelers will explore these choices to avoid driving through the airport’s construction maze and heavy congestion.  Families traveling are quickly finding out what corporate travelers have known for years, Park’N Ticket offers a better choice for their airport parking needs.

Park’N Ticket will pick you up at your vehicle and assist you with your luggage.  No hauling bags through a parking lot.  We will drop you off at your airlines terminal, allowing you to relax on our comfortable shuttle and avoid the stress of driving around the construction.  Upon return, our shuttle will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your car.  We will even send you home with a complimentary drink. 

Why add stress to your travels?  Park’N Ticket is the stress free and FASTEST WAY TO THE RUNWAY!

LIFT UP before LIFT OFF

Park’N Ticket is encouraging you to LIFT UP before LIFT OFF.  This huge coat drive will benefit homeless and low income neighbors here in Georgia.   We are giving 50 Frequent Parker Points, which can be used towards free parking, for each donated gently used coat.  

The LIFT UP before LIFT OFF coat drive will last the entire month of November.  We hope to have hundreds of coats for LIFT UP Atlanta.  LIFT UP Atlanta is a local organization, which provides homeless and working poor in the metro Atlanta area with safe housing, food, clothing and other services designed to help them meet their basic needs. The coats will be distributing by this 501c3 charity.

We really enjoy giving back to the communities that have made their success possible.  Our company and our family believe in giving back to our community. We are excited about this program and the positive impact it will have on our neighbors.

Coats can be dropped off any time since we are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Gently used and clean coats can be dropped off at Park’N Ticket, located at 3945 Conley St. in College Park.  Customers flying out can drop them in the donation containers on their shuttle.

Our customers love a great deal.  How can you beat cleaning out your closet, getting points towards free airport parking, and helping out your neighbor all at the same time? It’s a win-win. 

 

 

Getting Teed Up for Charity

 

 

 

Park’N Ticket recently had the honor of being one of the many sponsors for the Third Annual Y Golf Open.  This event was Atlanta’s LARGEST charitable golf tournament spanning 6 Canongate Golf Clubs and involving 20 YMCAs.  We were so impressed by all of these wonderful people and companies coming together to raising funds to provide programs for youth and teens at your local YMCA. 

 

We know we have many customers who would love to participate on some level with such an amazing event.  Several have already contacted us wishing they had known about the 2013 event.  We plan that for the 4^th annual Y Golf Open, Park’N Ticket will organize some teams and sponsors.  We will keep you posted!

 

Thank you to the Robert D. Fowler YMCA for allowing me to tag along and experience some of the most giving people.  You must love what you do EVERY day!

Planned Spontaneity

 

 

 

I am spontaneous,   but in an extremely planned way.   Oxymoron you say?  I disagree.   It is all about knowing about the area you are traveling.   A little research can add options that you can switch up on the fly. 

Here are a few tips for a planned spontaneous vacation:

1. The main attractions - Chances are you are visiting a specific area for a reason.  There is something there you want to experience.  Find out all the details up front.  What are the hours, the price, and the parking situation?  Do you need reservations?  Should you arrive early? Do they have a behind the scenes tour?  It would be a huge disappointment if you did not get to see a specific attraction because they are closed that day or sold out.   
2. Where are you staying?  Read the reviews!  Do they offer breakfast, Wi-Fi, free shuttle to airport, free parking?    This information can make a big difference in your stay.
3. How are you getting around?  Find out if a car rental, taxis, local transit, or just hoofing it makes more sense for the area you are visiting.  Some areas may have extraordinarily high parking fees that effect your decision.  Other areas have everything you want to see in walking distance.
4. You HAVE to eat.  Take in some locally recommended restaurants.  Yelp.com  is a great tool for this.  Keep the name and address of several that appeal to you and have great reviews.   You can choose from this pre-checked list.  You aren’t limited to this list, so get the local’s tips before you arrive.  
5. Weather or other circumstances may change your itinerary. To enjoy a trip, you’ll need to be able to “roll with it”.  Plans change, events are cancelled, it rains, the show is booked, etc. so be ready with back-up options.   Have some side trips or activities pre-scouted in case you find yourself with extra time.  This could include a great shopping district, artist’s area, historical tour, or museum.   
6. En route - You never know, you might drive right by a Bigfoot museum.  Check to see if there is anything worth pulling over to explore.  If you find yourself wanting to take a break from driving, you’ll know where to stop.   

This research is much like packing.  Now you have a suitcase full of all the clothes you’ll need, and many you won’t.  Just because you brought that blue sweater, doesn’t mean you have to wear it.  It also doesn’t mean you can’t buy a sweater while you are there.  But if you get cold, it is wrinkle free and ready to keep you warm.   

I’m not suggesting you schedule every minute of your trip.  That can actually add stress.  However, knowing what to expect can alleviate stress. Plan to be spontaneous!

Here are some tools I use when I plan a trip:

• Yelp.com is a wonderful source to scout our restaurants and bars.
• Tripadvisor.com is my first stop.  They have terrific lists of attractions and helpful forums.
• Check out the area’s own website for local tips.  Many offer travel guides.
• Of course, I always reserve my airport parking at parknticket.com

Happy Travels!