You’ve got a few different options when it comes to leaving your car at the airport. It’s important to choose the right one for your trip – you could even find a great deal by shopping around.
Here are some of the most popular options:
These are official car parks owned by the airport. There’ll usually be a long stay and a short stay option.
This will usually be the airport’s off-site parking option. A shuttle bus service will take you to and from the terminal with your luggage.
You drop your car off at the airport, where a chauffeur will drive it to the car park for you while you head to check-in.
Individuals or companies might offer car parking sport near the airport. As these aren’t owned by the airport, you might not get the same level of security, but you could get a cheaper deal.
Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for – will there be a shuttle bus, or will you have to walk or arrange transport to the terminal?
Finding out the airport’s distance from the terminal is also important as cheaper car parks will likely be further away.
Check the security as some airport car parks will usually have CCTV in place, but local car parks might not.
If there are transfers, how often they run? You don’t want to be hanging around for ages, waiting for a shuttle bus.
Check the cancellation policy and find out if your deal will be non-refundable if you change your mind or something unexpected crops up.
Different car parks have different policies on this but taking out cancellation cover when you book might help your case. If you don’t, you might be charged to cancel your airport parking.
Airports usually have a grace period, but these can also vary. If you’re already abroad, you may be charged more for if you go over the grace period time limit. Get in touch with the provider to let them know what’s happening and follow their advice.
Check the airport’s security standards to be sure your car will be safe.
Look out for the Park Mark award that’s awarded to car parks with low crime rates and tight security in place.