Transforming Airport Parking: A New Era of Savings and Income with HermitGo
Mar 3, 2025 at 9:45 AM
For travelers, airport parking has long been a financial burden. However, an innovative app called HermitGo is revolutionizing the experience by offering free parking and the opportunity to earn income through vehicle rentals.
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Pioneering a Novel Solution for Travelers
Airport parking can be one of the most expensive aspects of travel. Major airports often charge exorbitant daily fees that can quickly add up. For instance, at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, parking rates can exceed $30 per day. This cost has become a significant concern for local residents who frequently travel.Two young entrepreneurs, Akhil Damani and Jacob Berchtold, both former Cornell University students, identified this problem during a family trip. They observed the vast expanses of airport parking lots filled with idle vehicles, each accruing fees. Inspired by this observation, they developed HermitGo, an app launched exclusively in Connecticut in August 2024. The app offers travelers free parking while providing an opportunity to rent out their vehicles, generating additional income.HermitGo operates on a peer-to-peer rental model similar to Airbnb but for cars. Users can park their vehicles at the airport for free and have the option to rent them out to other approved users. Even if the car isn't rented, owners still benefit from free parking, which is especially advantageous for frequent travelers. For renters, HermitGo offers a more affordable alternative, with rental costs approximately half those of traditional rental companies.
A Seamless Rental Experience
The founders aimed to create a user-friendly platform that simplifies the rental process. HermitGo ensures a no-wait experience for picking up and dropping off vehicles. All bookings and insurance are managed through a partnership with The Hartford Insurance Group, providing peace of mind for both hosts and guests.Danielle Rurak, a Florida resident who traveled to Connecticut over the holiday season, found HermitGo to be a more affordable and reliable option compared to traditional rental services. She noted that the app primarily appeals to younger drivers aged 21 to 25, who often face higher fees on other platforms due to their age. HermitGo's pricing structure and intuitive interface make it an attractive choice for this demographic, offering both savings and earning opportunities.
Strategic Launch and Expansion Plans
Choosing Connecticut as the launch location was a strategic decision for Damani and Berchtold. They considered the airport size and the high insurance costs in neighboring states like New York. Since its launch, HermitGo has steadily gained momentum. Long-term hosts are already earning an average of $750 per month per car based on data from the last two months. Short-term parkers benefit from free airport parking, even if their cars aren't rented. As the user base grows, the founders expect rental activity to increase significantly.Rentals typically last about five days, with travelers spending around $250 per trip, or about $50 per day. This highlights HermitGo’s potential as an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional rental options. The app also features a referral program where users can earn $50 for referring new car users to the platform, helping to expand its reach.
The Journey from College Dorm Rooms to Startup Success
Starting a business has been an invaluable learning experience for Damani and Berchtold. They credit their college education for providing a solid foundation, but building HermitGo has offered real-world lessons that go beyond the classroom. "College gave us a strong base, but starting this business has been like a real-life MBA," said Damani. "Building something from scratch is the best way to learn."As HermitGo prepares for future growth, it aims to transform airport parking into an opportunity for savings and income generation for travelers across the country. To learn more or sign up for HermitGo, visit HermitGO.com or download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
