Airport Parking Tips

Here are our top tips for airport parking, if you follow all these tips and stay on top of things you can prevent a lot of frustration when traveling on holidays.

Compare The Cost Of Airport Parking to Getting a Taxi

If you get a quote from a taxi company for your airport transfer, and compare that to the online airport parking costs you should be in for a nice surprise! Most holidaymakers find they can save around half the taxi fare by booking airport parking online. That's the return trip for free!

Always Pre-Book

If you just turn up without pre-booking your airport parking you'll be paying through the nose for your parking, it can be up to 60% more than online prices.

Book Airport Parking In Advance

Booking early will you save money (you can get airport parking up to 60% cheaper than just turning up at the airport and paying at the gate), but you'll also save time as you will have a reserved parking space. Often, the earlier the book, the cheaper you can get it.

Choose The Right Car Park

At each airport you will find a choice of car parks, on airport, off airport, long-stay, short-stay, or a meet and greet service. Choose the airport parking type that suits you (and your budget). Airport parking that is located outside the airport boundary can be much cheaper and surprisingly, the transfer times for off-airport car parks can sometimes be less than the on-airport transfer times.

Get Informed

Staying informed is one of the best ways to save time, money, and prevent frustrations when traveling. Knowing which airports have shuttle services is an important piece of information to consider. This information is often found online, but can even be found by phoning the airport prior to your departure. You can also get information on what an expected wait time might be. Make sure to have pertinent information such as your flight number and travel time and date handy in case the airport asks for this information.

Know Where You're Going

Call ahead or check the website of your airport to make sure you know the rates for parking and the exact location of the parking service you intend to use.

Allow Plenty Of Time

Driving your own car to the airport means you don't have to rely on someone else to get you to the airport on time. Allow yourself plenty of time on top of your airport check-in time to drop your car off, especially if the car park is offsite and you have to catch a shuttle bus. Keep in mind that during the holidays many people are departing from the same location. This means there will be less and less parking space available. Planning for parking in the farthest away space is a good way to make sure you are not at risk of missing your flight.

Don't Lose Your Ticket

Another important tip is to make sure that you keep your parking ticket. Some airports charge for losing your ticket. And don't leave it in the car, make sure you take it with you.

Remember Where the Car Is!

If you parked your car yourself, make a note of where you parked it. Make sure you know where to go at the airport to collect your car when you arrive back. And if there's a shuttle bus, make note of where it will pick you up as it could be a different place to where the bus dropped you off.

Add Cancellation Protection To Your Booking

A weeks airport parking can be around £60, and for just 99p extra you can cancel your booking and get your money back should you need to. Check with the airport parking companies, but we recommend you take it out.

Print Out your Order Confirmation

You will probably need this at the airport, it's a good idea to take it with you.

Use a Voucher Code

If you book your airport parking without using a voucher code you could spend your holiday kicking yourself!