Hot days and early flights don’t always mix well. If you’re flying this summer, there’s a good chance you’ll be dealing with both. Between the forecast, the traffic and getting to the terminal on time, it helps to have a plan that makes the lead-up easier.

Here at Melbourne Airport, there are parking options to match the way you travel, whether you’re looking for undercover airport parking to stay out of the sun or want something simple that gets you moving quicker on the day. So what’s the best way to park, prep and stay ahead of the heat? Here’s what to think about before you fly this summer.

Hot weather doesn’t need to throw off your travel plans, but it’s worth making a few small adjustments, especially if you're flying out during the middle of the day. From how you park to how you pack, planning ahead means less time out in the heat and fewer things to think about once you reach the airport terminal.

Here are a few ways to make the lead-up easier when the temperature climbs:

• Avoid peak heat hours if possible. If your flight timing is flexible, aim for earlier morning or late evening arrivals. Mid-afternoon is typically the hottest part of the day, and even short outdoor walks can feel tougher in that window.
• Arrive with time to spare. Build in extra time to get from your parking space to check-in, especially if you’re travelling early in the afternoon when the heat is at its peak.
• Dress for short outdoor walks. Even a few minutes outside can feel longer on a 35°C day. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat to make the walk from your car to the terminal a bit more comfortable.
• Keep water in the car. Have a bottle of water within reach before you head in, especially if you’re travelling with kids or older family members. It’s a small detail that helps during the walk to the terminal.
• Pack with heat in mind. Make sure your luggage is easy to carry across short distances. Avoid overstuffing bags if you’ll be lifting them out of the car or wheeling them over warm pavement.
• Know where you’re headed. Each airport terminal has different walking distances from the car parks. Knowing which terminal you're flying from helps you park closer and spend less time outdoors.
• Choose a car park that shortens your walk. Not all car parks offer the same amount of shade or cover. If the forecast is sitting above 30, it’s worth looking at options that limit your time in direct sun.
• Think about where your car will sit. If you’re parking for several days, consider how much direct sun your car might get. Interior temperatures can rise quickly, even in cooler weather. A shaded bay or multi-level structure can make a difference when you return.

If walking through open sun in 35-degree heat isn’t high on your list, there are onsite airport parking options here that help. Some even offer that extra bit of comfort when it’s hot, whether that’s a shorter walk, extra cover or a cooler car when you return.

where the covered parking options are. Both the Terminal T123 and T4 car parks include undercover parking bays, giving you a bit more comfort when you’re loading bags or heading to your gate.

Several parking products sit within these multi-level car parks, each with different perks depending on how you like to travel:

• Terminal car parks: These car parks sit directly opposite the terminals, offering a mix of open-air and undercover bays across both locations. The T123 car park connects to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 via a covered link bridge. It works well if you’re flying Qantas, Virgin Australia or heading overseas from the international terminal. The T4 car park is just 100 metres from the Terminal 4 entrance and suits Jetstar, Rex, Link Airways and Virgin Australia flights.

Whether you're travelling for a full week or just the weekend, these parking facilities suit both long-term and short-term stays. You’ll also enjoy a direct walk to check-in. No need for a shuttle bus. They’re a good fit if you want to stay close, reduce your time outdoors and move quickly from your car to the terminal.

• Premium Self Park: Looking for the best-placed undercover parking bays you can drive into yourself? Premium Self Park sits on Level 1 of both the T123 and T4 car parks, putting you just minutes from the terminal doors. You keep your keys, park in a shaded bay closest to the terminal entrances and head straight in. No handovers. Just a quicker, cooler way to start your trip. This is especially helpful on hot days, early mornings or when you're managing bags or kids on your own.
• Premium Valet: If parking is the last thing you want to think about in the heat, Premium Valet makes it simple. Just pull into Level 1 of the T123 car park, hand over your keys to our valet parking team and head straight to the terminal. This option suits early flights, summer departures and any day you’d rather stay cool and keep moving.
• Qantas Valet: Flying out without much time to spare? With Qantas Valet, you can just drive in, hand over your keys and head straight to the terminal. No booking needed. It’s located on Level 1 of the T123 car park and open to all travellers. You’ll park undercover, skip the search, and even have the option to request a car wash while you're away. If you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer, you’ll also earn points every time you use the service.

If you're travelling on a budget this summer, the Value car park is the most practical option for longer trips. It’s an open-air car park with entry via Airport Drive or Mercer Drive, and a free shuttle bus service that runs to Terminals 1 and 4 every 15 minutes, 24/7.

While the bays are open-air, the bus shelters provide shade and air-conditioning, so you have a cooler place to wait before heading to the terminals. It still helps to pack light and move efficiently, especially if you’re parking during the middle of the day.

Flying during the school holidays? During the peak travel periods, you can book Value Express here. It’s a seasonal valet service where you just drop your car at the Value Express zone near Bus Stop B, hop on the shuttle, and our team will take care of the rest, including bringing it back when you return. It’s not an undercover car park, but it removes the need to park and walk in the heat, which is handy on hot days or when things are busy across the terminal precinct.

You don’t need to, but booking airport parking ahead gives you more control over your day when the heat’s climbing, traffic’s building and every minute starts to count. It’s one less thing to juggle when you’re already managing bags, timing and a hot walk to check-in. It also gives you more choice during busy travel periods like summer, when the precinct is at its peak.

Here’s why pre-booking parking makes sense in warmer weather:

• You know where you’re headed. With parking already sorted, you can plan your drive to the airport properly. It’s easier to check traffic conditions around Tullamarine, work out your timing and avoid unnecessary delays on hot days. Plus, booking confirmations include information to help get you to your booked car park.
• You save more when you book online. Booking parking online is always cheaper than paying drive-up parking rates, even during busy travel periods. For the best parking prices, book as early as 12 months in advance.
• You get a time buffer built in. All online bookings come with a grace period. That’s an extra hour on either side for short stays under four hours, or two hours each way for longer stays. This gives you more breathing room if things run early or a little late.
• You get the option to add the Overstay Guarantee. It’s an optional extra you can add when booking online, giving you peace of mind if your return is delayed. It applies in cases like flight cancellations, illness or border closures, so you’re not paying extra if you can’t get back on time.

Worried about locking things in? Plans can shift, especially in summer. If you haven’t arrived yet, you can update your booking or cancel it online anytime through the Manage My Booking page. Just make sure you do this at least two hours before your booked entry. If you’re already parked and need more time, you can extend your stay through Manage My Booking too.

Just doing a quick airport run? You can use the pick-up and drop-off zones at all terminals, or park for free for the first 15 minutes in the Terminal car parks. If you’d rather stay a little longer, the Wait Zone near Airport Drive and the Tullamarine Freeway gives you up to 60 minutes of free parking.

Booking your chosen airport parking service online only takes a few minutes, and it’s the easiest way to plan ahead when the heat and timing matter most. You can book up to 12 months in advance or as late as two hours before you arrive (subject to availability).

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Choose your entry and exit times, travel dates and terminal.

Step 2: Browse the available parking options and select the one that suits your trip.

Step 3: Add any extras, like the Overstay Guarantee.

Step 4: Enter your details and pay using a debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Step 5: Once you’re done, you’ll get a confirmation email with a QR code that will act as your parking ticket. Scan it when you enter and exit the car park.

Summer departures can come with enough to think about, but airport parking doesn’t need to be one of them. Sorting where you’ll park your car ahead of time helps you avoid last-minute decisions and pick the option that fits the way you travel.

Got a few more questions before you book? Head over to our Parking FAQs, or feel free to get in touch with our customer service team. We’re always happy to help. And if you want parking tips, updates and offers before your next trip, you can sign up for Melbourne Airport’s Parking Deals newsletter and get it all straight to your inbox.