Airport parking operator and retailer Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) has revealed five insider tips on how to save time and money on airport transfers and arrive at the terminal stress-free this spring:
1. Getting to the airport: consider all the options to save time and money, don’t just be a creature of habit
When it comes to money and time saving, it’s worth considering all options for transfers to the airport and checking to see if a usual mode of transport is still the best option. Travelling by train or coach can work extremely well for those who live very close to a station; if not, and if travelling in a group or family, the costs can soon mount up.
2. Save money on airport parking: consider all the parking options to save money…
If you do decide to drive yourself and park it’s best to shop around before and pre-book to find the best deal. Although considered the most straightforward option, parking on-site at a car park operated by the airport itself can be more costly. To save on premium fees, compare airport parking prices online and consider pre-booking parking at a Park Mark-approved off-airport Park and Ride site. Bus transfers to the airport are usually frequent and speedy so this is an ideal way to save money that can be spent at a destination instead.
3. …but beware of rogue parking companies: sometimes the cheapest isn’t good value
If a low ‘Meet and Greet’ price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Before booking take a few simple steps to avoid a bad experience with a ‘cowboy’ company. One of the easiest ways is to check to see if a parking facility has been awarded the police-approved Park Mark Safer Parking Award, which is only presented to car parks that meet certain security standards. Another is to look for independent reviews, such as Reevoo or Feefo to see what other customers have experienced.
4. Combining an overnight airport hotel stay with a money-saving parking package can be a major stress reducer
Those with early flights can save money and eliminate morning stress by combining an overnight hotel stay at or near the airport with an airport parking package. Booking overnight accommodation and parking at the same time can be surprisingly good value, so it’s worth considering an overnight stay to avoid early morning traffic and secure a few extra hours of sleep before a long day of travel or to simply extend your holiday by one night.
5. Damage control: check the car before arriving at the airport
Finally, if driving yourself, before departing home for the airport, travellers should make a note to check their car for any existing external scratches or damages. Most airport parking sites have cameras installed to provide security and a visual record of cars as they enter, so claiming for damage that was already there before parking could potentially lead to an embarrassing situation.
