Airport parking is one of those essential parts of a holiday or business trip
that's often overlooked until the very last minute, but by pre-booking your
parking as you would a hotel or flight, you can find the best airport car park
for your needs - and save money too.
Airport parking options
There are three different types of airport parking, and your choice of car park
will largely depend on your budget and whether you want the cheapest, closest or
most convenient option.
On-airport car parks are located next to or near to the airport terminals
and as such they offer excellent convenience. Each airport will offer a
choice of short stay and long stay car parks, with the short stay car parks
typically located within a short walk of the terminal itself. Long stay car
parks, if not within walking distance, will be a short but complimentary
bus ride away.
Short term car parks are generally geared towards business travellers who
want a quick getaway and pick up; they are the most expensive parking option
on a cost-per-day basis, however there may be special offers on at weekends
when business travel quietens down.
Most on-airport car parks are run by the airport authorities or contracted
out to companies such as BCP or NCP, who run the car parks on the airports'
behalf. Parking is gate controlled with entry and exit barriers and ticket
machines – if you haven't pre-booked then usually you'll collect a
ticket on entry to the car park and then make your payment at a pay point
when you return to your vehicle.
Off-airport car parks typically offer the best opportunity to save money.
Normally, they are located a short bus ride away from the airport terminals,
so you'll need to factor the duration of the bus transfer into your drop
off and pick up times. You'll usually be required to leave your car keys
with the car park reception and although security at off-airport car parks
is generally very good, with regular security patrols and CCTV monitoring,
for peace of mind you should always check the security measures in place at
any car park you are interested in before booking – this information should
be available online.
Also known as 'valet parking', you drive to a designated drop off
point at the airport terminal, where you'll be met by a representative
of the parking company. You simply unload your luggage and your vehicle will
be driven away to be parked on your behalf; on return it will be delivered
back to the pick up point ready for you to drive away. This is one of the
more expensive airport parking options but it does offer maximum convenience
with no fuss and no hassle.
How can I save money on airport parking?
The key to saving money is to plan ahead and pre-book. Most car park companies
offer discounts against the 'gate price' - that is the price you'd
pay if you didn't pre-book and simply drove up and paid. By booking in
advance you can take advantage of discounts of around 30-40% against
gate price.
What are the other benefits of pre-booking?
By pre-booking your airport parking you'll have peace of mind knowing
you've secured your parking space. The number of spaces
at airport car parks is limited, so during peak periods there really is no
guarantee that a space will be available unless you have booked in advance.
Pre-booking also allows you to find the right car park,
depending on your budget and your needs. Perhaps you want to find the cheapest
deal, the car park closest to the terminal or a car park company that's won
awards for it's security measures? Whatever your choice, you can avoid the
stress and worry of parking in an unsuitable location by booking early.
By pre-booking you can also save time - there'll be no
driving around searching for a free space or queuing to pay.
What information do I need to provide when I book?
You'll need your flight itinerary to hand when making your booking. Allow
enough time to arrive, park and make your way to the terminal to check-in.
If you are parking away from the terminal you'll need to factor in bus
transfer times and frequency – this information will usually be available
online from the parking company. When you return, allow time to collect your
luggage and again factor in bus transfer times and frequencies if necessary.
The parking company will require a number of details when you make your booking:
- Your name
- Number of people in the vehicle
- Car make, model, registration and colour
- Outbound flight number and departure time
- Inbound flight number and arrival time
- Payment method
- Email address
- Home address and telephone numbers
What happens next?
Once you've made your booking you should receive an email detailing your parking
arrangements and providing instructions for what to do and where to go.
This email may act as your ticket for the car park, so keep it safe and above all
don't forget to take it with you when you travel! Alternatively, you may be required
to insert the credit card used for the booking into the car park entry or exit machine
as a means of validating your parking, so ensure you have this with you if so.
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