Oakland airport is offering free parking to international travelers – but there's a catch

A BART Oakland Airport Connector train pulls into Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. A BART Oakland Airport Connector train pulls into Oakland International Airport in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2014. Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 20 Caption Close Oakland airport is offering free parking to international travelers – but there's a catch 1 / 20 Back to Gallery

Oakland International Airport is offering free parking for travelers, but as is often the case with air travel, one should read the fine print.

Those traveling from Oakland nonstop to Europe are eligible for free parking in the on-airport daily lot. The offer only covers five days – not a long period of time for those traveling overseas.

Five-day parking in the lot typically costs $120, at $24 a day.

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To secure free parking, travelers must complete a short form on the Oakland Airport website, after which they will be prompted to download a coupon. Travelers must then present the printed coupon, parking ticket and printed airline itinerary upon exiting the parking lot after their trip.

Oakland launched international flights three years ago and has continuously added new routes in that time. The airport most recently added flights to London-Gatwick, Barcelona and Copenhagen.

Thanks in part to expanded routes as well as terminal renovations, the airport saw a 7.8 percent increase in passenger traffic this January compared to the same month one year ago.

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.