Airport Car Park

How to Save Money on Airport Car Park

By Reece Coleman

Unless you like paying over the odds, you should never ever just turn up at an airport car park, without pre-booking your parking for the period of your travel!

Airport car park charges can be up to 60% more than the pre-booked internet prices that are available online & the earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the best prices. Parking prices at UK airports are also cheaper at certain times of the year, so if you can choose when you travel, then selecting off-peak dates could save you up to a THIRD.

Why should I consider pre-booking airport car park?

• To save money - pre-booked prices can represent great savings over just arriving at an airport car park.
• To save time - no need to queue up to pay your car park charges on your return to the UK.
• To guarantee your parking space - if you have pre-booked your airport car park, the space is guaranteed and at peak times, airport car park can get very busy.

There are lots of different types of car park available & not all types are available at all airports.

On-site parking

This is the name given to car parks operated by the British Airports Authority (BAA). It basically means that the car park is on BAA land, but occasionally 'off-site' car parks can actually work out to be closer to the terminal building.

Off-site parking

Simply any airport car park that isn't part of the airport complex itself. In other words this is the name given to the (invariably cheaper) car parks operated by third-party companies, which lay on regular transport (transfers) to the terminal building.

Meet and Greet (sometimes known as Valet parking)

You drive to the terminal and are met by a driver who takes your car keys and then parks your car for you.

Airparks

Airparks offer low cost off-airport parking. Promoting a focus on value and excellent customer service means repeat customers are a strong business for Airparks who spread their reputation largely through word of mouth, offering friendly staff and efficient service. Although the car parks are not within the airport boundary, the transfer times are very good and their competitive rates make them very popular.

Local car parks

Occasionally, small companies with spare land offer their own airport parking services & try to undercut the mainstream competition on price. It's generally advisable to use a recognized supplier of airport parking as they will be only offering secure car parking & you can park your car & relax on your holiday with peace of mind.

Another reason for checking out airport parking prices online is if you are considering taking a taxi to the airport. You could actually save up to half the taxi fare by pre-booking airport parking instead! Or why not consider booking a hotel packaged WITH parking. If you have an early check-in time, staying overnight in an airport hotel takes all the stress out of getting to the airport on time & leaves you relaxed & ready to fly.