Woman parks at the airport for 2 weeks. Her jaw drops when she sees the bill—then the internet offers a trick to save money

A TikToker named Bert recently returned from a two-week trip only to find a surprise waiting for her. In a viral video that has racked up 11 million views, she documented the moment she went to pay for her airport parking, only to find an astronomical bill.

In her post, Bert fumbled with a parking meter. Once the system processed her information, it displayed a total fee of $511. Her immediate reaction is captured perfectly, as her hand pops up in front of the camera in a universal gesture of disbelief. The video then cuts to a shot of her sitting in her car with a look of total shock. 

TikTok then came through with a hack to deal with the bill. Fair warning: the suggestions are definitely not compliant with the rules, since they game the system. One user advised, “Pay the lost ticket fee instead,” while another seconded the suggestion, “Girl get a new ticket and tell them you lost it they’ll make u pay for the full day instead lol.” As a user stated, “A lost ticket is $30.” Although one suggested skipping it all, “Nah, go get another ticket, it’ll be $2.50.”

Airport parking isn’t just a simple service

Since it is common knowledge that long-term parking at an airport is expensive, one user had a question: “who parks at the airport for a 2 week trip lol what did u expect.” Of course, many others shared their stories. A user recalled that they “left mine 14 months during COVID, $13,800.” Others provided practical advice, with a viewer recommending, “never park at the airport. look for parking near by! I paid $126 for 10 days in Detroit!”

According to Park N Boston, a business that provides parking solutions at Boston’s Logan Airport, travelers often experience sticker shock because they view parking as a simple service rather than a complex piece of infrastructure. Parking at an airport isn’t just paying for a slab of concrete; it’s paying for a massive, interconnected system that includes 24/7 security, lighting, and constant maintenance, especially in places where the weather can be brutal on structures.

Real estate reportedly also has an impact. Airports like Logan are located on premium land in densely populated areas where space is extremely limited. As that land is so valuable, parking closest to the terminals comes with a heavy premium. You’re essentially paying for the luxury of convenience. In fact, one Chicago man used airport parking prices to enact revenge after a messy breakup by abandoning a car in the parking lot, incurring over $105K in fines.

As Park N Boston explains, the prices are also dictated by supply and demand. Just like your airfare, the cost of a parking spot fluctuates based on travel seasons and occupancy. During busy holiday periods, prices rise to manage the flow of vehicles, much like hotels or rental cars. Then there are the hidden operational costs. Per the site, those daily fees help fund the staff, shuttle drivers, and security teams that keep the facility running.

If you’d like to avoid ending up in a situation like Bert’s, Park N Boston suggests being more proactive. Booking your parking in advance can help you lock in a rate and guarantee a spot. Comparing off-site parking providers is another smart move. While off-site parking requires a bit more planning and the use of a shuttle, the cost savings can be significant compared to terminal parking. 

So, some planning and research can keep more money in your pocket for your actual travels. Then again, the system can always glitch, as one Chick-fil-A worker found when 10-minute parking turned into a $3,728 bill courtesy of a glitchy machine.