Stressed about flying out of RSW for the holidays? Here's your guide to make it easier
Traveling in and out of Fort Myers can be a hassle, from packing all your clothes into one bag to making sure your family gets through TSA on time.
We want to help make your airport trip less of a hassle this season. Prepare for your flight with our guide on ground transportation at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
Here's what you need to know.
Ubering or getting a Lyft
Uber and Lyft offer rides to and from RSW through its app. Your driver is vetted and approved by Uber or Lyft standards and the app will monitor your location throughout the ride to ensure you're safe.
Plan ahead of time to estimate the cost of your ride. A few days before your flight, open the app and start to book a ride to RSW. It'll show you the price you'll pay to get there. It should be about the same on the day of your flight.
Book your ride earlier than you need to ensure traffic doesn't delay you. The last thing you want is to miss a holiday flight.
When you're leaving the airport, beware of increased Uber or Lyft prices. The apps track when flights land and will skyrocket the prices because of the demand. If you can wait around 15 minutes after you grab your bags, the prices should return to normal.
Also, download both apps on your phone and choose the one that offers you the cheapest price.
Follow the rideshare signs in RSW to get to the Uber/Lyft pick up zones. When your driver arrives, always check the license plate number to ensure it matches the one shown in your app.
More: Fort Myers airport news: RSW's passenger doldrums receive boost in September, a year after Ian
How to use airport taxis
RSW partners with MBA Airport Transportation to offer flyers taxis to and from the airport. These taxi vans are located on the ground transportation level of the airport during airport hours.
No reservations are needed to utilize these taxis, but you can reserve one ahead of time online at www.mbaairporttransportation.com.
To arrange a taxi ride to the airport, call (239) 482-2777.
MBA has a price system that's based on predetermined zones. The zones can be viewed online and range from airport property to South Venice. The prices range from $10 for the closest zone and $140 for the furthest.
More: Holiday travel on the horizon. Some Florida airports might be better options than others
Parking your car at the airport
If you're planning on parking your car at the airport, you can use RSW's online rate calculator to determine the cost.
The airport offers long-term and short-term parking in separate areas. Long-term parking is located behind the short-term parking garage and offers a complimentary shuttle to the departures door you need to be at.
Here's the basic short-term pricing:
First 20 minutes: Free
Next 20 minute increment: $2
First hour: $3
Daily maximum: $24
Here's the long-term parking rates:
Per hour: $2
Daily maximum: $11
Weekly rate: $60
RSW offers a frequent parker rewards program as well where you can earn points whenever you park.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: How to fly out of RSW for the holidays: A guide to make it easier
