Airports can make more from parking and shopping than planes. Leave it until the last minute to park your car there while you're on holiday and it can cost a fortune, but book the right way and you can halve the cost in minutes.
The following are airport parking deals: - £5 off your first parking reservation - 10% off when you book online - FREE cancellation
This first section of the guide is dedicated to booking and cancellation tips on how to cut the cost of airport parking for those planning to travel after the coronavirus pandemic. For similar information on flights and hotels, as well as details on current travel rules and destination options, see our coronavirus travel rights guide
You can book a flight flexibly/Airport car parking in case of cancellations.
If you're looking to book airport parking for a trip now that coronavirus restrictions on travel abroad have been lifted, make sure you look for bookings with a clear and free cancellation policy. Some people struggled to get refunds when the pandemic first hit, so it's a good idea to read reviews and check social media to see how companies have handled cancellations in the past.
The most safe option is to remain flexible as things can still rapidly change, with airlines having to cancel thousands of flights due to a lack of staff related to the coronavirus, as well as strike action. Many travel insurance policies also don't cover 'extras', such as airport parking. Find out what you need to know below to get the best airport parking deal.
What should I do when I need to cancel airport parking?
Make sure to check if you are able to change your booking to a later date or time if you can no longer travel. This is especially important if your flight has been cancelled. Some airports and parking firms waived admin fees when travel was severely restricted due to coronavirus, but it is less likely that this will be the case now.
Will my travel insurance cover the cost of parking at the airport?
In this case you may be able to get a refund through your tour operator or airline. If you are not able to cancel your reservation, you can try contacting your travel insurer. However, many policies do not cover extras, such as airport parking, in this scenario. Additionally, be aware that you may not be covered by travel insurance if you are unable to travel for coronavirus-related reasons. This is particularly true if the UK government or the government of the country you are going to change travel restrictions. In this case, you may be able to get a refund through your tour operator or airline.
Few things you should know about airport parking:
There are a few things you should keep in mind before looking for a cheap deal. Here are the key points:
1) Parking’s are more expensive than a train, taxi and couch so you can use alternatives
Though it may be expensive, parking at the airport is often your best option. If you are staying for a long period of time, the parking fees can add up quickly. There are other options available, such as bribing a relative to drop you off, but these alternatives are often more costly in the long run.
However, you can often travel the same routes as trains for cheaper prices. In London, you may find that taking the tube is the cheapest option.
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If you have heavy luggage, it might be cheaper to consider a pre-booked taxi instead of a local taxi. However, don't count on getting a return taxi at the airport. When airports only allow one firm to operate, that company can charge higher prices since there is no competition. Booking your taxi in advance from your local firm and providing your flight number can often help to get a cheaper rate.
2) Book flexible deals early for Saving maximum
when it comes to airport parking and that's to book in advance. If you book your airport parking in advance, you can avoid paying too much.
In case your flight is rescheduled The sooner you book your airport parking, the greater the chance of getting a discount. Although, make sure the service is flexible in case your flight gets rescheduled.
If you book in advance, you could cut the cost by up to a third, depending on when and where you book. If you haven't booked in advance, there's still hope; you may not save as much, but you could still see a significant reduction in cost.
Arriving at the airport without first booking a flight can end up costing you more money.
The most expensive prices for parking are usually for people who just drive in and pay. So, it's cheaper to book your parking space in advance, even if it's just before you head out. Here are some examples from the MSE forums:
“I just got an amazing deal on a 4-day vacation by using one links for short-term parking. It only cost me around £40 instead of £115! Granted, I booked it for the August Bank Holiday in March, but this just goes to show that there are bargains to be had by booking ahead!” (Bigdaddy 1210)
3) Stop considering just price, All car parks are not same
There has been a variety of car parks. The cheapest option may not be the best option for you, so use this guide to help you understand the terms:
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OFF-SITE: The text is discussing off-site parking, which is any car park not located at the airport. These third-party car parks are often cheaper than on-site parking, and can be just as quick and convenient.
Be Cautious:
After handing your keys over to the valet, there is often limited coverage for any damage caused to your vehicle. Such damage is a remote possibility, but it is worth checking the parking firm's terms and only going with this option if you are comfortable. It is also well worth taking any valuables out of your car just in case.
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SMALL PARKING LOTS: Private, smaller parking areas located near an airport. Usually, people and businesses located close to the airport with some extra land will offer their own parking services at a lower price than the competition. On the downside, they usually don't offer the same level of security, and availability is more limited.
4) Mindful of any potential pitfalls, such as check-in and check-out times, security and cancellation policies.
There are more fun ways to spend time than comparing airport car parks, but it is important to be prepared. Here is a quick checklist of the relative merits of City Airport's new long-stay parking area.
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The time taken, and frequency of, the shuttle buses from car parks to the terminal is an important factor to consider when planning your travel. If you're traveling at an unsociable hour, check to see if buses stay regular throughout the night.
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It can be worrying leaving your car parked anywhere while you are away, but most airport car parks will have 24-hour CCTV coverage and guard patrols.
If you're considering using a local service, be aware that they may not be as secure as the larger companies. It's usually your responsibility to deal with any problems that arise, not the company's. To be safe, don't leave any valuables in your car while you're gone.
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If your travel plans are not definite, you might want to consider adding a 'cancellation waiver' to your parking reservation. Some sites offer this as an additional service, where for an extra fee, you can be guaranteed a refund on parking costs if you need to cancel at short notice. Otherwise, you will usually have to pay more to cancel a booking.
If, for example, you drop your car off at 10 a.m. and have a flight back that is scheduled to land at 6 p.m. a few days later, you can often book to pick your car up until midnight or sometimes 10 a.m. the day after without having to pay any more.
Different airport parking companies have different policies, so check with the company you've booked with. This usually only applies to traditional long-stay car parks, not 'meet and greet' services. With 'meet and greet' services, you have until midnight on the day of your return, no matter when you booked.
5) Must know your rights as a Customer/Consumer
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If you're unsure about a company, look for some online reviews. If there's only a small price difference, it may be better to go with a company that has a good reputation rather than an unknown company.
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If you choose to go with meet and greet parking, your vehicle will be vulnerable to damage with little to no protection from the parking company. Although it is unlikely, it is still a good idea to check the company's terms and conditions before making your purchase.
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If the company goes bankrupt and the total amount is less than £100, you may be able to get a refund if you paid with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express credit or charge card, or a prepaid card.
Always check discounts offered by Various Comparison Sites
The best way to find cheap parking is by using a special comparison site that searches the web to find you the best deals. Remember to check your booking is flexible in case you can't use it because of cancellation or future restrictions.
You can often get a cheaper price by booking through a third-party site rather than booking directly with the company. I have also been able to get a few extra percent off the prices of the following comparison sites.
The following text discusses how to find the best price when booking a flight. The author suggests that the best way to find a good deal is to look at the size of the discount being offered by the airline, taking into account things like fees and the range of airports covered. However, they caution that it is not an exact science and that sometimes a bigger discount does not mean that the overall price will be the best. They advise that prices change daily, so it is worth checking around with a few different airlines to find the best deal.
If you want to save money on parking, in addition to checking the rates at the airport and hotels, you can also look into renting a private parking space or taking advantage of hotel parking packages.
We have Recommended comparison sites with Discount on airport parking
You should also check with the parking operators to see if there are any discounts available
You can sometimes find a cheaper price by going directly to the company, rather than using a comparison site. Check the price the company offers against the prices from the comparison sites, and go with the cheaper option.
Renting a private space near the airport is a cheap alternative
If you're looking to save money on airport parking, it's worth checking out smaller, private options in addition to the cheapest big car parks. There are marketplaces online where people who live near airport car parks can list parking spaces on their own driveways or vacant land for rent.
The prices are low because the overhead costs are low, but there is a trade-off. These types of parking lots usually do not have the same high level of security that dedicated car parks have.
There are many websites that list parking spaces, and you should be able to find a competitive price in a few minutes:
4- www.travpare.com
Talk to people who live in the area to see if there are any other parking options, like at a local train station
Other local car parks may be cheaper to park at. You can check online or ask around for recommendations. For example, some people have saved money by parking at a nearby train station.
Be sure to read the fine print of any parking garage you use so that you're aware of the security it offers. Make sure that the security it offers is enough for you and your car.
We have created a series of airport-specific discussion boards to help you find the best local parking options.
Hotel parking packages are also an option
If you're looking for a place to stay before or after your flight, many airport hotels offer room packages that include parking. This can save you money and hassle if you live far from the airport or have an early morning flight.
For a normal hotel stay See if you can find a cheaper hotel than the one you are staying in by looking at the hotel's transfer arrangements. Some hotels charge for their 24-hour transfer service, while others do not. You may also be able to find a cheaper hotel by looking at the general cheap hotel deals guide.
To get the best deal, it is worth checking if you can get cashback on top of the lowest price at your chosen airport!