How Safe are Airport Car Parks?

Knowing where to park at any Australian airport is key to avoiding overspending, compromising security, or missing out on convenience.

That's why we are here, to give you the best insights on parking at airports across Australia.

Airport parking doesn't have to be complicated; in fact, we were established to ensure it is simple and affordable. 

How safe are on-site airport car parks?

On-site, official airport car parks are typically owned and operated by the respective airport and tend to come with a much higher price tag due to their proximity to the terminal.

While many may think on-site airport car parks are more secure (and while some of them are), that's not always the case.

Unlike private parks, they may be more vulnerable to unauthorised access or security risks, given that they don't have constant on-site staff to surveil vehicles like private car parks do. Official car parks are also pretty big lots, so they are more prone to being overexposed and understaffed.  

Despite this, the majority of Australian airports implement security measures like 24/7 CCTV, roaming night patrols, and electric access points to mitigate any security risks.

Here are the security protocols you can expect at the following airports: 

Melbourne Airport Car Park Security 

📹 24/7 CCTV

👮‍♀️ On-site patrols

🅿️ Premium & Terminal Car Parks offer undercover parking

🚙 Reports of vehicle damage? Yes. Although user reviews do not mention the particular on-site parks the vehicles were damaged at.

💡 TIP: Read reviews of the particular car park you are considering parking at before booking your spot. For instance, we've summarized reviews of the Value Car Park here. 

Sydney Airport Car Park Security 

📹 24/7 CCTV

🚦 Automated entry & exit gates

🅿️ Shade-covered sails are available at some car parks 

🚙 Reports of vehicle damage? Yes, particularly in the long-term car parks. 

💡 TIP: Travellers parking at Sydney Airport should consider taking photos of their vehicle before and after parking, especially when using valet services or leaving the car in busy lots. Do remember that Sydney Airport accepts no liability for damage done to vehicles while parked on their premises. 

Brisbane Airport Car Park Security 

📹 24/7 CCTV

🚙 Reports of vehicle damage? Yes, some travellers have shared reviews online reporting damage to their vehicles while parked at Brisbane Airport, particularly at the International Terminal Car Park and the Valet Car Park.

These include issues such as scratches, dents, and concerns about vehicle handling during valet service.

💡 TIP: Never leave any valuables in plain view

Adelaide Airport Car Park Security 

💡 Car park security features at Adelaide Airport are not disclosed on their website

How safe are off-site airport car parks?

Off-site car parks, which are privately owned, often provide a more personalised, safer experience due to being smaller facilities with constant monitoring from on-site staff & patrols, as well as continuous upkeep. 

Security features like gated access, perimeter fencing, 24/7 CCTV, on-site staff and security, and restricted entry for customers are common in off-site car parks.

In contrast, on-site airport car parks, though conveniently located, may not always provide the same level of personalised security. Due to their larger size and public accessibility, they can be harder to monitor as closely.

That said, they are managed directly by airport authorities and may still offer reliable safety measures.

Security features of car parks listed on ParkMundo (formerly Flyparks):

📹 24/7 CCTV

Constant video surveillance ensures every corner of the car park is monitored, deterring potential theft or vandalism.

🚩 Perimeter Fencing

Secure fencing restricts unauthorized access, protecting your vehicle from external threats.

👮‍♀️ On-Site Personnel

Staff are available around the clock to monitor activities, respond to incidents, and assist customers if needed.

🏘 Private Property Locations

Being situated on private property allows these car parks to implement stricter access controls and manage security protocols more effectively.

💡Well-Lit Premises

Bright lighting across the car park reduces blind spots and enhances visibility for both security personnel and CCTV cameras.

🔧 Proactive Maintenance

Private property settings often result in better upkeep, reducing risks of accidents or hazards.

How Safe are Valet Parking Services?

On-site valet parking services, while expensive, are generally well-guarded and secure.

These facilities are staffed with valet attendants and monitored by CCTV. They are typically off-limits to the public, with only trained attendants handling and parking vehicles.

However, using valet services does require handing over your car keys, so it’s a good idea to read reviews on specific valet services before making a choice.

User reviews can provide insights into how the vehicle was returned, handled by staff, and if it was moved off-site. 

💡Good to know: Many valet parking services do not disclose the exact location where your vehicle will be parked. This could be in a covered or uncovered lot, though vehicles generally remain on airport grounds. 

Is it Safe to Leave Your Car Long-Term?

We understand that you might have concerns about leaving your car at an airport car park on a long-term basis.

We’ve all read the news stories about thieves being able to break into vehicles and steal belongings, or even the car itself!

If you park with a trusted airport parking provider who offers adequate safety measures, your vehicle will be safe while you’re away. For those looking for long-term parking for a week or more, we suggest that you look at the options for airport parking with shuttle service. 

Extra Measures to Keep Your Car Safe

While most on- and off-site airport car parks offer strong security features like lighting, guards, and CCTV, a few extra precautions can give you peace of mind while you're away:

Remove Valuables

Eliminate anything that might tempt thieves, including GPS devices, dashcams, bags, clothing, or loose change. Even an empty bag can give the impression that valuables are inside.

Don't Leave Out Personal Information

Avoid leaving parking receipts, boarding passes, or documents with your travel dates in view. This helps prevent giving away clues about how long your car will remain unattended, and helps reduce the risk of bulgaries. 

Double-Check Locks and Windows

Lock all doors, roll up windows completely, and ensure the boot and sunroof are secure. Sometimes, in a rush, these small details are overlooked.

Use a Steering Wheel Lock

For an added layer of security, consider using a visible deterrent like a steering wheel lock. It signals to potential thieves that your car is not an easy target.

Park Strategically

Choose a space that’s well-lit, in front of a camera, busy with people, or near lifts. Thieves are less likely to operate when they are in plain sight!

Opt for High-Security Car Parks

Research your car park options beforehand, and read reviews. Facilities that offer additional features like gated entries, regular patrols, and live, recorded CCTV are safer choices.

Take Note of Your Car’s Condition

Before leaving, photograph your car. If noticable damage does happen while you're away, you’ll have evidence for a claim.

Disable Remote Entry

If your car has keyless entry, store your keys in a signal-blocking pouch (something like a Faraday pouch will work) to prevent thieves from using relay devices to unlock your vehicle.

Consider Insurance Coverage

Look into your car insurance policy to confirm if it covers theft or damage while parked at the airport. If it doesn’t, adding short-term coverage could give you extra peace of mind.

^{The information presented in this article was accurate at the time of publishing; however, security measures may be loosened or imposed without warning. ParkMundo does not accept responsibility or liability for the use of the information supplied.}