Flowbird Parking

Description

Flowbird Parking is a handy mobile app that simplifies the often frustrating process of finding and paying for parking in cities across the United States. The app allows users to locate available parking spots, pay for their parking session and extend time remotely without having to rush back to a meter. Developed by Flowbird, a company with extensive experience in urban mobility solutions, this app integrates with thousands of parking locations nationwide. Users can store multiple vehicles and payment methods in the app for quick access when needed. The interface is straightforward and user-friendly, making it accessible even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy.

Key Features

• Remote parking payment: Pay for your parking session directly from your phone without needing coins or cards. The app sends notifications when your parking time is about to expire so you can extend it if needed.
• Multiple vehicle management: Store information for several vehicles within the app for quick selection when parking. You can easily switch between personal, work or family vehicles without re-entering license plate details each time.
• Parking history and receipts: Access a complete history of your parking sessions for expense tracking or reimbursement purposes. The app automatically generates and stores digital receipts that can be emailed or downloaded when needed.
• Zone-based parking finder: Quickly locate available parking zones near your destination before you arrive. The app displays pricing information and restrictions for each zone to help you make informed decisions.

Tips for Using Flowbird Parking

1. Take a photo of your parking spot or nearby landmarks to help remember where you parked in unfamiliar areas. The app doesn't have a built-in 'find my car' feature, so this simple habit can save you time and stress when returning to your vehicle.
2. Set up your payment methods and vehicle information before you need to park to save time during your first use. Having everything ready in advance means you won't be fumbling with credit card details while standing on a busy street.
3. Check the parking rules for your specific zone carefully as restrictions can vary widely even within the same city. Some zones have time limits that can't be extended regardless of payment, while others may have specific hours when parking is prohibited.
4. Enable push notifications to receive alerts about expiring parking sessions and special announcements. The reminder feature is particularly useful for avoiding tickets when meetings or appointments run longer than expected.

How to Download and Use Flowbird Parking

1. Download the app by clicking on the Google Play Store button if using Android, or use the Apple Store button for iOS. The app is free to download and only requires basic permissions to function properly on your device.
2. Create an account using your email address and set up your profile with vehicle and payment information. You'll need to verify your email address and add at least one payment method before you can start using the service.
3. When parking, open the app and enter the zone number typically displayed on nearby signs or parking meters. Select your vehicle, choose how long you want to park and confirm payment to start your parking session.

Final Thoughts

After using Flowbird Parking for several weeks across different cities, I've found it to be a reliable solution that genuinely makes urban parking less stressful. The interface could use some visual updates to feel more modern but the functionality is solid and dependable. What I appreciate most is the time saved not having to hunt for change or rush back to feed a meter. While the app occasionally experiences slowdowns during peak hours, these issues are minor compared to the convenience it provides. For anyone who regularly parks in cities where Flowbird operates, this app is definitely worth the storage space on your phone.