
Nothing tests your patience quite like circling an airport car park for the tenth time, desperately hunting for a space as your flight draws nearer.
The tension builds with every lap, each empty bay already taken or blocked.
And when you finally spot one, only to find a thoughtless parker has made it impossible to use—it can push anyone to the edge.
Melbourne Airport parking dispute sparks viral debate
A recent incident at Melbourne Airport has sparked heated debate online, with Aussies split over whether one woman’s response to a badly parked car was clever revenge or simply going too far.
Melbourne content creator Greta Fraser experienced this exact frustration recently when she encountered a driver parked across the lines in an already packed airport car park.
Fraser decided to squeeze her car right up beside the offender, making it difficult for them to access their own vehicle.
'Airport parking is chocker block, and this rude person has parked like this!! I have squeezed in beside them and hope they have to climb through their passenger seat to get to their driver's seat now.'
Parking frustrations fuel online debate
Fraser’s video quickly went viral, drawing sharply divided responses.
Some viewers praised her ‘petty justice,’ while others cautioned she might have targeted someone who had simply made the best of a tricky parking situation.
Melbourne Airport’s parking woes provided the perfect storm for Fraser’s frustration.
Over 2,000 car park bays were temporarily closed to make way for a new express road project, leaving travellers scrambling for the remaining spaces.
Officials warned that 'ALL car parks are very busy this week, with limited drive-up spots available' and urged people to 'consider alternative transport options.'
Melbourne Airport parking costs (2025)
Value Car Park: $19 per day
Terminal Car Park: $12 per day (online bookings)
Drive-up rates: $7-$89 per day depending on location
Free options: 60 minutes in Wait Zone, first 15 minutes in Terminal Car Park
The debate over parking etiquette
Even with Melbourne Airport claiming to be 'the cheapest capital city airport for daily parking,' $12-19 per day for basic options still stings, and wasted spaces quickly add to travellers’ stress.
Fraser’s video sparked a wider conversation about parking etiquette.
Supporters encouraged her actions, suggesting she could 'get closer' or even report the vehicle to the Australian Federal Police.
Others pointed out that poorly parked cars can sometimes result from earlier issues, creating a domino effect that unfairly blames later arrivals.
However, deliberately blocking another vehicle carries potential risks.
Forcing someone to climb through a passenger door can increase the chance of accidents or injuries, particularly in busy car parks.
There are also legal implications—interfering with someone else’s vehicle could be considered harassment or property interference.
Furthermore, small disputes can escalate quickly, turning ‘petty justice’ into confrontation or damage.
Smart parking strategies for busy airports
- Book parking online in advance—it’s often 20-50 per cent cheaper than drive-up rates
- Arrive with extra time to search for spaces during busy periods
- Consider off-site parking options with shuttle services
- Use airport apps to check real-time parking availability
- Keep calm and carry a camera if disputes arise
Better alternatives for frustrated parkers
Reporting poor parking to Melbourne Airport security allows staff to handle the issue, and taking photos of the situation provides proof if action is needed.
Off-site parking or shuttle services, like the SkyBus from Southern Cross Station for $22 or rideshare options from $45-$65, can also save time and stress.
Construction delays in the T123 car park areas may last up to an hour during peak periods, but the $1 billion investment in terminals and road infrastructure—including The Naarm Way Stage 2 project—promises improved access, safety, and reduced congestion in the long term.
Meanwhile, online bookings reward travellers with cheaper rates, starting at $12 per day.
Did you know?
Melbourne Airport Value Car Park Offers a free 24/7 shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes to all terminals, providing a budget-friendly alternative that avoids terminal parking chaos entirely.
Final thoughts on airport parking disputes
What This Means For You
Parking disputes can escalate quickly when drivers feel frustrated or powerless, turning a simple trip to the airport into a stressful experience.
With Melbourne Airport’s ongoing construction significantly reducing available car park bays, travellers are feeling the pressure more than ever.
Thankfully, safer and more constructive options exist, such as reporting poor parking to security, using shuttle services, or choosing off-site car parks to avoid the hassle altogether.
Planning ahead and booking online can also save money, time, and unnecessary confrontation, helping everyone navigate the chaos with a little more calm and control.
For those who travel frequently, especially during busy periods, these strategies are essential to avoid frustration and ensure a smoother start to the journey.
If you thought airport parking frustrations were limited to crowded car parks and inconsiderate drivers, there’s another side to the story that can hit your wallet hard.
Some vehicles left unattended for long periods can accumulate thousands of dollars in fines, showing just how costly parking disputes or neglect can become.
For a striking real-life example, check out this eye-opening case that highlights the unexpected consequences of leaving a car in an airport car park.
Aussies divided over petty airport parking act — Reports on a viral Melbourne Airport incident where a woman squeezed her car beside a badly parked vehicle, sparking debate over whether her actions were justified.
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...t/news-story/d9404c37fa5b166d7b36198d30a7c530
Drive Up Rates New | Melbourne Airport — Provides current drive-up parking rates and terms at Melbourne Airport, highlighting the costs and online booking benefits.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/drive-up-rates-new
Melbourne Airport Parking. Plan ahead. Book online. Save Money. | Melbourne Airport — Details temporary closure of over 2,000 car park bays due to construction and advises travellers to plan ahead.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au...ort-parking-plan-ahead-book-online-save-money
Parking Transport Solutions—Start Travelling Smarter | Melbourne Airport — Advises that all car parks are busy and recommends alternative transport options to avoid frustration.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/parking-transport
Melbourne Airport Parking—Value Car Park for Long Term Parking | Melbourne Airport — Highlights the Value Car Park's free 24/7 shuttle service running every 15 minutes to all terminals.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/parking-product/value-parking
Melbourne Airport Parking Guide 2025 – Cheapest Rates, Map & Booking Tips — Provides drive-up rates ranging from $7–$89 and outlines shuttle and rideshare alternatives for travellers.
https://discovermelbourne.au/melbourne-airport-parking/
Melbourne Airport Parking. Plan ahead. Book online. Save Money. | Melbourne Airport — Notes potential delays of up to an hour during peak periods due to ongoing construction in T123 car park areas.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au...ort-parking-plan-ahead-book-online-save-money
Melbourne Airport Parking. Plan ahead. Book online. Save Money. | Melbourne Airport — Explains that booking online can save money with rates as low as $12 per day and highlights overall airport pricing restructure.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au...ort-parking-plan-ahead-book-online-save-money
Choosing Between Short-Term and Long-Term Parking at Melbourne Airport | Melbourne Airport — Notes that airport parking areas are monitored by CCTV and regular patrols to ensure safety.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au...rm-and-long-term-parking-at-melbourne-airport
Parking Help & Information—Quick Guide for Travellers | Melbourne Airport — Details the $1 billion annual investment in airport infrastructure including The Naarm Way Stage 2 project for improved access and safety.
https://www.melbourneairport.com.au/parking-help
Have you ever faced a similar airport parking nightmare, and how did you handle it?