What to check before leaving your car at the airport

Vehicle security and valuables

Verifying that windows and doors are closed and locked, putting any visible items away in the trunk—bags, electronics, documents—and activating any alarm system reduces the risk of opportunistic theft, possible even in monitored parking lots. The same goes for smartphone holders or satellite navigation devices left on the dashboard: even if of little value, they still draw attention.

Technical condition for extended absence

Completely turning off headlights and courtesy lights avoids finding a dead battery on return, the most common issue after a long stay. Those with an electric or hybrid vehicle should leave with enough charge to keep the vehicle's minimum functions active. For stays longer than two or three weeks, tires stationary in the same position can lose pressure or deform slightly: it's worth checking them on pickup, especially before a highway trip.

Documenting position, pre-existing damage, and vehicle documents

Taking a photo of the row or sector number shown by the signage, together with a visual reference point nearby, prevents wandering around on return looking for your car from memory. Also photograph the bodywork from various angles before leaving the vehicle to document any scratches already present, useful in case of disputes over damage on return. Keep handy, even in digital format on your phone, your registration and insurance documents, along with your parking reservation confirmation.

For very long stays

Some operators offer a complimentary periodic vehicle check service for longer stays: where available, it should be requested explicitly at the time of booking, because it's rarely offered automatically. Those leaving their car during a period with frequent bad weather should check if the facility has covered areas. Informing someone you trust of your absence and vehicle location is an additional useful precaution for stays of several weeks. Those still choosing where to park can compare options in how to choose the right parking at the airport.

The most useful and most often skipped check is a photo of the row number taken before leaving: it prevents you from wandering around the parking lot on return, especially after a long flight and a night of lost sleep.