This was posted 2 years 3 months 28 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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[VIC, Hack] Melbourne Airport T123 Parking $8 for 30 Minutes with Free Extension to 3.5 Hours (Online Booking Only)

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[VIC, Hack] Melbourne Airport T123 Parking $8 for 30 Minutes with Free Extension to 3.5 Hours (Online Booking Only)
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sween64 on 27/07/2022 - 10:11 melbourneairport.com.au (5463 clicks)
Last edited 16/08/2023 - 22:02 by 1 other user

As some people choose to travel again it could be a timely reminder of this great deal, although it has changed slightly since.

It's now $8 for up to 3.5 hours parking in T123.
For those unfamiliar: you book for 30 mins but with the grace periods either side you can extend that to 3.5 hours without extra charge. For example, you plan to be at the airport from 3:30pm to 7pm. You book for 5:30pm to 6pm and pay $8. With this booking you can enter any time after 3:30 pm and you have to leave before 7pm to avoid extra charges. The drive up rate would be $49 and if you booked for the 3.5 hours you intend to use it would be $34.

Snippets from the FAQ:

Can I enter the car park earlier or later than my confirmed booking time?
… You may arrive up to two hours before your booked entry time … There is a one hour grace period for exit after your booked exit time …

Update 1: As JaaayD pointed out the T&C’s are worded differently, I suspect they haven’t been updated. Buyer beware.
Update 2: From fedex11’s comment the FAQ appear to be correct and you can enter up to 2 hours before without additional charge.

T4 is now a flat rate of $12 so not a great option for the online booking hack as the cheapest rate at T123 is cheaper. Also the names have changed, it's now Terminal, Premium and Value instead of Short Stay, Valet and Long Term.

I booked this yesterday. You swipe in and out with the credit card you booked with (actual physical credit card, not Apple or Google Pay etc). No issues with me staying for longer than the 30 mins booked. I only stayed for about 50 minutes so I didn’t push the limits.

———

Update (15/08/23): Entry and exit is now done via a QR code that’s emailed to the booker. Thanks to triplea.

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closed Comments

      • s0805 on 08/02/2023 - 23:38

        update from my end. went on last month, I was out in 30 mins. I didn't get to test it fully.

  • lgacb08 on 08/02/2023 - 21:32
    +3

    still working as of this Monday, went in nearly 2 hour early and only got charge for the booked time.

  • hopper on 09/02/2023 - 13:40

    Worked this mrng. Thx OP

  • silu on 12/02/2023 - 23:37

    Thank you!

  • AliKay on 12/02/2023 - 23:48
    -1

    As a true Oz bargainer, looking for some advice on long term parking at Melbourne airport.

    So we'll be away for 3 weeks. Can a car be safely parked for this much duration and any hack to get this much time for a discount?

    I haven't parked at the airport before so not sure how far the parking is from the international terminal and how to reach there after parking. Any suggestions will be appreciated. TIA

    • sween64 on 13/02/2023 - 06:39
      +1

      Value park is the new name for long term.

      Easy Airport is off site, third party and might be slightly cheaper.

  • zorodluffy on 04/03/2023 - 06:07

    Ok gonna try this today, so we have to use the debit card we book with to tap on and and enter the parking right?

    Do i do the same thing to exit? Or is my number plates entered in booking recognised?

    • sween64 on 04/03/2023 - 09:28

      First question yes.

      Second question, I can’t remember.

  • Nephail on 14/03/2023 - 23:01
    +1

    It worked this morning.. thanks op

  • jaxbob2019 on 19/03/2023 - 09:41

    Great hack. Still working!

  • d-hunterz on 21/03/2023 - 15:26

    New Conditions- You may arrive up to one hour before your booked entry time. If you arrive any earlier than the time prior to one hour before your booked entry time, you will be charged at drive-up rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport’s drive-up rates.​

    There is a 1 hour grace period for exit after your booked exit time. If you exit more than 1 hour after your booked exit time, you will be charged for the time beyond one hour after your booked exit time at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff Car Park rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport Overstay Tariff Car Parks Rates.​

    • sween64 on 21/03/2023 - 18:57

      As outlined in the OP, there’s been a discrepancy between the FAQ and the T&C’s. After testing by the community the rules of the FAQ appear to apply.

  • xers on 22/03/2023 - 09:57

    From the FAQs

    If you exit more than one hour after your booked exit time, you will be charged for the extra time beyond one hour after your booked exit time at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff car park rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport over stay rates.

    However, when you click on "over stay rates" it just takes you to the Drive-Up rates which is free for the first 15 minutes for Terminal parking so does that mean you can technically stay 1 hr 15 min after your booking end time which makes it 3 hrs 45 min in total?

    • sween64 on 22/03/2023 - 19:49

      Give it a go and let us know.

      • xers on 23/03/2023 - 12:57
        +1

        Wanted to this morning but ended up not staying as long as I intended so couldn’t. However I can confirm that the grace period before the entry time is indeed 2 hours.

  • Nojas on 27/03/2023 - 10:30

    The booking page also says:

    "Getting to the Airport early or delayed on the way back? A 2-hour grace period applies to all online bookings parking over 4 hours, a 15-minute grace period applies to all online bookings parking for less than 4 hours."

    So that's three sets of information:

    • FAQs: 2 hours before, 1 hour after
    • T&Cs: 1 hour before, 1 hour after
    • Booking page: 2 hours (for bookings over 4 hours); 15 minutes (for bookings less than 4 hours) - doesn't say whether the period is before or after the booking time, or both.
    • Nojas on 29/03/2023 - 16:28
      +1

      After contacting them, I've been told the grace period is 1 hour before and 0 after for a 'short stay' (presumably less than 4 hours).

      • mrvaluepack on 19/04/2023 - 18:41

        From other's experience doesn't look like this is correct.

  • rentonc on 14/04/2023 - 13:41

    Important to know that you cannot book less than 2 hours prior to your arrival.

  • ozblogger on 16/04/2023 - 20:26
    +1

    Now says this right before you book

    Getting to the Airport early or delayed on the way back? A 2-hour grace period applies to all online bookings parking over 4 hours, a 15-minute grace period applies to all online bookings parking for less than 4 hours

    However T&C still says 1 hour
    Will see how it goes tomorrow

    • AnDyStYLe on 18/04/2023 - 11:25

      What was your experience, if you wouldn't mind sharing please? 😃

  • AnDyStYLe on 18/04/2023 - 11:24

    Hmm I need to use this hack this coming weekend… So many discrepancies in different links as many members have also commented.

    On the first bit on Step 2 it mentions 2 hours grace period…

    Step 2 of 3
    Select an entry & exit time
    Melbourne local time: 11:22.
    All bookings have a 2h grace period.

    But when you get almost to the end to book it references this…

    "Getting to the Airport early or delayed on the way back? A 2-hour grace period applies to all online bookings parking over 4 hours, a 15-minute grace period applies to all online bookings parking for less than 4 hours."

    I used the automated chat box, and the info provided in that chat is as per this link https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/parking-help

    So it's still 2 hours before, 1 hour after…

    Can I enter the car park earlier or later than my confirmed booking time?
    You may enter a car park any time after your booked entry time, or exit a car park any time before your booked exit time, without incurring any additional fees.

    You may arrive up to two hours before your booked entry time. If you arrive any earlier than the time prior to two hours before your booked entry time, you will be charged at drive-up rates for your entire stay (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. View Melbourne Airport’s drive-up rates.

    If you exit a car park before your booked exit time (as confirmed by Melbourne Airport via email), you will not be entitled to a refund or adjustment. There is a one hour grace period for exit after your booked exit time. If you exit more than one hour after your booked exit time, you will be charged for the extra time beyond one hour after your booked exit time at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff car park rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport over stay rates.

    So what is it to be???

    🤯

    • mrvaluepack on 19/04/2023 - 18:42

      Please let us know what you did and how it went? I'm going in 2 weeks time haha

      • AnDyStYLe on 19/04/2023 - 19:13
        +1

        So I've gone with the outlook of 1 hour before and 1 hour after parameters 😓

        I need to be at the Airport for pickup, flight lands at 7:35pm. Therefore, I've booked 9:00pm - 9:30pm, with the intent of arriving just on 8:00pm and GTFO by 10:30pm.

        I'll share my experience 😎

        • atlas on 24/04/2023 - 20:18

          So what happened??

          • AnDyStYLe on 24/04/2023 - 23:56
            +2

            @atlas: Wasn’t a great test…

            Arrive exactly at 8:00pm, left just after 9:00pm. Debited the $8 only.

  • almostfrench on 27/05/2023 - 22:42

    Anyone can confirm about the new 15' grace period for bookings under 4hrs?

    Is it correct, or the 1hr before and 1hr after booking time still applies?

    • llllllllllllll on 10/06/2023 - 05:48

      Keen to know if anyone has tried this out as well. Seems like they are caught up to this now.

  • nmehta on 15/06/2023 - 08:35

    Folks - anyone recently tried to see if the grace period of 2 hour before entry time & 1 hour post exit time still works? I need to pickup someone next Thurs and any update would be appreciated.

    • sween64 on 15/06/2023 - 08:36

      You can be our tester!

      • nmehta on 15/06/2023 - 15:49

        👍😁

    • TheWhizz on 16/06/2023 - 12:48
      +2

      Dropped off a family member last week - 8th June 2023.

      Booked for: 7.30 - 8 AM
      Arrived at: 7.05 AM
      Left at : 8.58 AM
      Charged: $8

      I think that confirms we at least still have 1 hour before the booking time and 1 hour after the booking time. Not sure about the 2 hours though.

      • nmehta on 17/06/2023 - 08:50

        Thanks mate 👍

  • R081N on 16/06/2023 - 16:32
    +3

    Used it today.
    Booked for: 14.30 - 15.00
    Arrived at: 12.50
    Left at: 14.05
    Charged $8 (no other charges pending as of yet)

    Seems like 2 hour grace at beginning is therefore still the case.
    If any other charges appear I'll update.

    • nmehta on 17/06/2023 - 08:50

      Thanks for the confirmation buddy 👍
      Interesting to know that you can leave before your booked entry time without any penalty cost.

    • fr0z3nb1t3s on 20/06/2023 - 12:29
      +1

      I did this today and was charged additional $15.36, on top of the $8 prepaid.
      Booked for: 10:00 - 10.30
      Arrived at: 8:15
      Left at: 9:14
      was told that parking under 3 hours only allow one hour grace period to entry before booked time and no grace period after. She said the T&C had recently been updated but I can still find the 2hours before on the FAQ. Not sure how to dispute as the inquiry and refund forms on their website are broken.

      • hardik1us on 21/06/2023 - 14:17

        By any chance did you use other card to entry into the car park and not the one that you used to book it online? Also I dont understand where that additional 15.36 comes from? Walk in 1 hour charge?

        • fr0z3nb1t3s on 01/08/2023 - 11:57

          Sorry for late reply, I didn't get the notification. Because I entered within 2 hours prior to booked time, they charged me drive-up rates of $15+ ccard surcharge. I called and they said booking under 4hrs only have 1hr grace period before entry but I managed to get my original $8 refunded as I said the T&Cs still listed 2hours prior.

      • sween64 on 23/06/2023 - 12:21
        +1

        Is it because you left before your booking window started?

        • fr0z3nb1t3s on 01/08/2023 - 11:59
          +1

          No, it was because of the reason I just replied to hardik1us above. I tried again this morning. Booked for 9-9.30, entered 8.10 and left 8.45 and it seemed to work ok.

  • grange on 23/06/2023 - 10:33
    +3

    Used it 20th June.

    Booked for: 0830 - 0900
    Arrived at: 0755
    Left at: 0915
    Charged $8 (no other charges pending as of yet)

  • nmehta on 23/06/2023 - 15:10
    +2

    Used it 22/06/2023.
    Booked for: 16.30 - 17.00
    Arrived at: 13.20
    Left at: 16.25
    Charged $8 (no other charges pending as of yet)

    Just like @R081N - I left before my arrival time and so far no charges are shown on my credit card. Will update if any new charges appears.

  • wxwsf on 12/07/2023 - 11:29

    A 2-hour grace period applies to all online bookings parking over 4 hours, a 15-minute grace period applies to all online bookings parking for less than 4 hours.

    • sween64 on 12/07/2023 - 13:27

      Are you quoting the T&C’s or FAQ that have already been quoted several times?

      • wxwsf on 13/07/2023 - 09:28
        -1

        believe they have made some changes after 1/07/23.
        the new rate is $12 now instead of 8 for half a hour and only 15 minute grace for booking less than 4 hours

        • sween64 on 13/07/2023 - 09:46

          only 15 minute grace for booking less than 4 hours

          That would have to be confirmed with testing.

        • AsukaST on 27/07/2023 - 17:40

          30 mins booking is still $8.
          30-60mins is $12
          not sure about the grace period thou

          • TMEL on 06/08/2023 - 17:34

            @AsukaST: Booked 4/8 for 5/8

            Booked: 7:30 am - 8:00 am
            Arrived: 6:45 am
            Left: 8:30 am

            Paid $8

  • AWS on 17/07/2023 - 09:29
    +3

    Booked and used in July with $8.

    Used it 09/07/2023.
    Booked for: 12.00 - 12.30 pm
    Arrived at: 10.03 am
    Left at: 12.04 pm
    Charged $8

    • sam is here on 17/07/2023 - 22:42

      Thanks, I was also able to use with the 2 hour grace today.

  • NitNav on 18/07/2023 - 21:09
    +2

    Used on 11th July with $8.

    Booked for 10:30pm to 11:00pm.
    Arrived around 8:30pm
    Left around 10:55pm

    After one week, still only got charged $8 thus far.

  • Jstar on 28/07/2023 - 22:14
    +2

    Used on 28/07/23.
    Booked for 0630 to 0700.
    Arrived: ~0555
    Left: ~0620

    Got charged $8.

  • life is suffering on 02/08/2023 - 22:11

    https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/parking-terms-and-condit…

    You may arrive up to one hour before your booked entry time. If you arrive any earlier than the time prior to one hour before your booked entry time, you will be charged at drive-up rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport’s drive-up rates.​
    You may enter a Car Park after your booked entry time, or exit a Car Park before your booked exit time, without incurring any additional fees.​
    If you exit a Car Park before your booked exit time (as confirmed by Melbourne Airport via email), you will not be entitled to a refund or adjustment.​

    There is a 1 hour grace period for exit after your booked exit time. If you exit more than 1 hour after your booked exit time, you will be charged for the time beyond one hour after your booked exit time at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff Car Park rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you will not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport Overstay Tariff Car Parks Rates.​

    going tomorrow will confirm as above

    • AsukaST on 06/08/2023 - 19:55

      Did you get 2 hours before entry time free?

      • life is suffering on 06/08/2023 - 19:57

        I got 1 hour before and after

        Booked 9-9:30

        Entered 8:05 am

        Exited 10:30

        I reckon there is no point going 2 hours early.

  • hashtagbargain on 15/08/2023 - 11:01

    Seems there is a change in terms now:

    "For an online booking for less than 4 hours, there is a 15-minute grace period for exit after your booked exit time. If you exit more than 15 minutes after your booked exit time, you will be charged for the time beyond 15 minutes after your booked exit time at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff Car Park rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you may not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport Overstay Tariff Car Parks Rates.

    For an online booking for more than 4 hours, there is a two-hour grace period for exit after your booked exit time. If you exit more than two hours after your booked exit time, you will be charged for the time beyond two hours after your booked exit time at Melbourne Airport’s Overstay Tariff Car Park rates (noting that these rates may vary from the rates quoted via the online booking system) and you may not be entitled to a refund or credit on those charges. Click here for Melbourne Airport Overstay Tariff Car Parks Rates."

    Anyone tested these?

  • triplea on 15/08/2023 - 11:18
    +1

    It looks like the booking process has changed. They have moved to a QR code system. I booked online and turned up with the credit card on my booking, but to my shock got charged again. When I contacted them, they said we now have to use the QR code on the email to enter and exit rather than the card.

  • billy72 on 16/08/2023 - 21:19
    +1

    I still got 2 hours with 30-minute booking on 7/8.

    However, on 8/8 their website was off for maintenance and update, and there is a major change with QR code.

    On 10/8, I didn't check the email so I turned up with the credit card as usual and got charged 2 times. Not sure we can get 2 hours if using the QR code.

    Waiting for someone to test it.

  • iShibby on 17/08/2023 - 14:32

    Looks like the terms and conditions have changed where you can only get 15mins grace period if you book online less than 4 hours. Dream is over - https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/parking-terms-and-condit…

    • sween64 on 17/08/2023 - 14:45
      +1

      The T&C’s and FAQs have been wrong from the start. Many people have still been able to get the extended grace period, as recently as 10 days ago.

      • iShibby on 17/08/2023 - 15:04

        oh sorry it is too, my bad

  • iShibby on 18/08/2023 - 08:46
    +1

    Friend of mine tried last night (17/08/2023).

    They booked 9.00-9.30pm.

    Arrived 7.47pm and the QR code didn't work.

    They called the contact number and was told they were too early as they had booked for 9.00pm and it's "strictly" 30mins only. She told them they would have to purchase a new ticket.

    Looks like this may be dead :(

    • sween64 on 18/08/2023 - 10:52
      +1

      Damn. That’s a shame. If a few more reports come through I’ll mark it Expired.

      • s12321 on 21/08/2023 - 22:25

        sadly, it's now $8/30 mins and $12/1st hr. it's hard to load everyone on to the car and left the parking within 15 mins from the paying machine, specially you may have kids, elderly or need to arrange luggage.

        It's hard to predict delay flight too and they don't allow you to change the booking within 2 hours. Also the booking option is only allow every 30 mins.

        Is the best practice not booking online now? instead, go there, drive circle and pick up?

        • sween64 on 22/08/2023 - 07:10

          It's possibly 90 mins for $48 but further testing required.

        • sween64 on 22/08/2023 - 07:17

          Otherwise there's the wait zone, first 30 mins free, $4 for 30 to 60 mins. It's a few minutes drive from there to the pickup locations.

  • panadol520 on 18/08/2023 - 10:58
    +3

    New Update.

    I have booked 11:30-12pm today

    Tried to enter at 10am with the QR code and was denied entry.

    Pressed the call button to get the attendant and was told you only get 15mins grace period for booking less than 4 hours.

    They seems to enforce the T&C now. They refunded me and I just drive in & out with 0-15min free parking.

    I have no remorse for holding up 10 cars behind me at the gate because it wasn’t my fault, it was working on my April trip this year.

  • adamm12 on 19/08/2023 - 02:09

    Booked 30mins park to begin at 12am, arrived 11:40pm, scanned QR code and was let in. Left 12:55am and was charged $8 as per the online booking.

    • sween64 on 19/08/2023 - 06:58
      +2

      Hmmm that’s still beyond the T&C’s. The grace period is meant to be only 15 mins before and after. How far can we push the after period? Is that 2 hours?

      • adamm12 on 19/08/2023 - 13:30
        +1

        Well, I think 30 mins before and 30 mins after, so I'd say 90mins all up but it needs to be tested.

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