Free Parking Hack at Birmingham Airport's New McDonald's
A newly opened McDonald's restaurant at Birmingham Airport is providing a cost-saving opportunity for drivers picking up or dropping off passengers. The branch, located at Car Park 6 on Jetstream Road, opened in May and offers one hour of free parking in its customer car park. This allows motorists to bypass the official airport drop-off fees, which can cost £12 or more for a short stay.
How the Hack Works
The McDonald's operates 24/7 with 50 seats and offers dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, click and serve, and McDelivery services. Its customer car park is equipped with ANPR cameras and enforces a strict "no return within 60 minutes" policy. Drivers can park for free for up to one hour, providing ample time to walk to the terminal and back. The walk takes approximately five to ten minutes each way, according to the airport.
Comparison with Official Airport Parking
Birmingham Airport recommends using Car Park 5 for picking up passengers, which costs £12 for up to an hour and involves a five to ten-minute walk via a covered walkway or a free shuttle bus. For those preferring direct access, the multi-storey car parks directly opposite the terminal doors cost £12 for up to an hour at Car Park 1 and £13 at Car Parks 2 and 3. The McDonald's hack effectively saves drivers the equivalent of a cup of coffee while offering similar walking distances.
Important Considerations
While the McDonald's parking hack is a budget-friendly alternative, it is subject to the restaurant's terms and conditions. The ANPR system ensures compliance with the 60-minute return rule, and the car park is primarily intended for customers using the restaurant. However, drivers can combine a quick visit to McDonald's with dropping off or collecting passengers. The hack is particularly useful for those with light luggage or who do not mind a short walk.
