The award-winning operator and retailer Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) has compared the different types of airport parking services available in the UK to help travellers choose the right option and get their holiday off to the best possible start.
APH’s recommendations and tips for booking the most suitable airport parking include:
Meet and Greet: Best for a VIP start to the holiday
Meet and Greet parking will leave passengers feeling like royalty as they stroll into the terminal like a VIP. Meet & Greet parking is a drive-up and drop-off service where holidaymakers simply drive to the airport terminal, leave their car with the awaiting chauffeur and then head to the check-in desks while their car is safely and carefully driven to a nearby security-protected car park.
Off-Airport Park & Ride: Best for those on a budget
Off-airport car parks are fully manned sites located outside an airport’s perimeter and are well-suited for travellers who want the most cost-effective option and, importantly, those who don’t want to drive into the often hectic and confusing road systems within the airport. Once arriving at an off-airport site, drivers simply drive to the car park, drop their car keys off at reception and board a free transfer bus that will take them to the terminals.
On-Airport Parking: Best for those on a tight schedule and want to self park
On-airport car parks are located within the airport perimeter, with some located directly next to the terminals. Where they are close to the terminal, typically the Short or Mid Stay car parks, the check-in desks can be often be reached by foot, so this type of parking is well-suited for those who are on a tight schedule. However, Long Stay car parks on-airport can be a bus ride from the terminal so is often comparable to off-airport park and ride in transfer times. On-airport parking tends to be more costly than off-airport. Motorway delays on the way to the airport are any traveller’s nightmare, especially when flying early in the morning or during peak travel periods. For drivers who want to avoid unexpected traffic and enjoy a few extra hours of sleep, booking an overnight stay at an airport hotel allows travellers to arrive at the check-in desks on time and worry-free. Booking an off-airport or on-airport hotel and parking package can also be surprisingly good value, so it’s worth considering as an option if only to simply extend the holiday by one night.
Park Mark Approved Operators: For reassurance while away
For peace of mind while away, travellers should check if their chosen parking company has been awarded the Park Mark Safer Parking Award, which is a police-approved accolade presented to car parks that have measures in place to ensure the safety of people and vehicles. Another way to analyse a company’s credibility is to look for independent reviews, such as Reevoo or Feefo to see what other customers have experienced.
Flexible Airport Parking Bookings: Best for those whose travel plans may change
For those who are looking for extra reassurance in case their travel plans change unexpectedly, providers such as APH offer flexible bookings, which allows for changes to be made or a full refund to be claimed if a booking is cancelled with at least 24 hours’ notice.
Non-Flexible Airport Parking Bookings: Best for parking deals
On the other hand, non-flexible bookings cannot be cancelled or amended, but do offer travellers a discount on their airport parking. Non-flexible bookings are therefore a great way to save money when a traveller is confident their travel plans will not change.
