AirGarage is a cashless, mobile friendly parking system. You can pay from your phone by scanning a QR code or sending a text message — no app download required. Here's how it works from start to finish.
Step 1: Start your session when you park
As soon as you park, you need to start a rental session. There are 3 ways to do this:
- Scan the QR code on the signs at the parking facility with your phone's camera.
- Or text the word "Pay" to the phone number listed on the signs, then click the link you receive via text message.
Either option will open the AirGarage payment page in your browser. Enter your license plate number, state, and payment information, then press the orange "Start Parking" button.
If you are a frequent visitor, you can also download the AirGarage app to pay, but this is not required!
Important: you must complete this step before leaving your vehicle. If you walk away and return later to pay, you may receive a parking violation in the meantime.
Step 2: Confirm your session started
After entering your details and pressing "Start Parking", you should receive a text message from AirGarage within a few seconds. This message confirms your session is active and includes a link to manage your rental.
If you do not receive a text message, your session did not start. Check your signal and try again.
Note: Monthly or Daily rentals where you enter your email will receive a receipt via email instead of text message.
Step 3: End your session when you leave
This is the most important step. AirGarage charges you for the exact amount of time you park — but only if you end your session when you leave.
- Click the link in your confirmation text message to open your active rental.
- Or visit pay.airgarage.com/rentals from any browser.
- Press the red "End Rental" button.
If you do not end your session, your rental will continue running until you reach the daily max rate. If you reach the daily max, your rental will end automatically overnight so you will not continue to be charged.
How billing works
- For hourly rentals, you are charged by the minute, not a flat fee upfront.
- There is a one-hour minimum charge on all hourly rentals.
- The total is calculated when you end your session.
- Your card is charged when the rental ends - however, there may be a pre-auth transaction at the time you press start rental.
Note: Some AirGarage locations offer flat daily rates or multi-day parking instead of hourly. The pricing model at your specific location will be shown on the payment screen before you confirm.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving without pressing "End Rental" — you will keep getting charged until you end the rental or reach the daily max.
- Assuming Apple Pay or Google Pay haptic feedback means your rental started — it doesn't. Always wait for the confirmation text.
- Entering the wrong license plate — enforcement checks plates against active sessions. If your plate doesn't match, you may receive a violation even if you paid.
- Waiting until you're back at your car to pay — start your session as soon as you park, before walking away.
Helpful links
- View or end your active rental: pay.airgarage.com/rentals
- Contact support: visit the AirGarage Help Center home page and submit a request