There was an interesting story in the Guardian this weekend about BAA’s official valet parking at Stansted Airport.
Although the complaint received by the paper happened in September last year, the story is still relevant today and highlights the need for anyone using any type of parking, particularly meet and greet parking, to read the small print and identify what a parking company is and isn’t responsible for should your car be damaged while you are on holiday.
The Guardian’s article contains a letter from a customer who booked BAA’s valet parking at Stansted and on his return from holiday found his car had ‘significant scratching at the driver’s side bumper’. The damage was pointed out to the company, forms filled in and photos of the damage taken, however, he later received a letter saying that, as per the terms and conditions, BAA was not responsible for the damage – BAA’s T&Cs stated that it is not liable for damaged caused to cars once they are parked.
It would be difficult to prove when the car was damaged – before parking, during parking, while parked or during the return journey to the customer.
When booking airport parking don’t assume that your car is safe, and that the parking company will take responsibility for any damage. Always read the terms and conditions and, as the Guardian article’s response to the customer points out:
“your letter is a timely reminder to other readers that their cars are not automatically safe just because they are parked at an official airport car park.”
To view the Guardian's article: "BAA's airport parking not up to scratch" click on the link.
15 June 2011
Free Prestwick airport parking
If you’re looking for an unbeatable deal on Prestwick Airport parking get yourself over to Prestwick Airport where Barrhead Travel has recently opened a new branch.
To celebrate the opening, the travel agency is offering free Prestwick airport parking to customers who book a holiday.
Barrhead Travel is the largest independent travel agency in Scotland.
To celebrate the opening, the travel agency is offering free Prestwick airport parking to customers who book a holiday.
Barrhead Travel is the largest independent travel agency in Scotland.
23 May 2011
Change to car park names at East Midlands airport
Customers wishing to book, or who have booked, East Midlands Airport parking are being advised that the airport has made changes to their car park signage and changed the names of the car parks.
The new car park names are as follows:
The new car park names are as follows:
- Long Stay 1 – formerly Car Park 1
- Long Stay 2 – formerly Car Park 2
- Long Stay 3 – formerly Car Park 3
- Shuttle Plus – formerly Car Park 6
- Shuttle Economy 1 – formerly Car Park 7
11 May 2011
Changes to details for on-airport parking at Luton
There have been some minor changes to the arrival and departure procedures for Luton on airport car parks.
Car parks concerned are:
Arrival Procedures are as follows:
The car park has an automatic number plate recognition system, so make sure you enter your car registration number correctly when you make your booking. We recommend that you bring a copy of your booking confirmation with you.
Drive up to the entry barrier and press for a ticket. Your car registration number and booking reference number will be printed on your ticket. Follow the signs to the nearest available spaces.
Make a note of where you have parked and make your way to the nearest bus stop.
If the barrier does not recognise your vehicle registration number, please take a ticket and park in the nearest available space.
Departure Procedures are as follows:
Collect your car and drive to the exit barrier.
Put the ticket you took when you came into the car park into the exit slot. The barrier should lift. If it doesn't, or the machine displays a price, you should press the intercom and staff will help you.
If your entry ticket does not have your booking reference number printed on it, press the intercom and staff will help you. Please explain that you have pre-booked and quote your booking reference number or booking confirmation.
If you have parked for more time than you booked, you will have to pay for the extra time before you go. The machine will show the amount in the exit column and you can pay by credit or debit card.
Car parks concerned are:
- Long Stay Pink
- Long Stay Pink Supersaver
- Mid Stay Green
- Mid Stay Green Supersaver
- Short Stay Yellow
Arrival Procedures are as follows:
The car park has an automatic number plate recognition system, so make sure you enter your car registration number correctly when you make your booking. We recommend that you bring a copy of your booking confirmation with you.
Drive up to the entry barrier and press for a ticket. Your car registration number and booking reference number will be printed on your ticket. Follow the signs to the nearest available spaces.
Make a note of where you have parked and make your way to the nearest bus stop.
If the barrier does not recognise your vehicle registration number, please take a ticket and park in the nearest available space.
Departure Procedures are as follows:
Collect your car and drive to the exit barrier.
Put the ticket you took when you came into the car park into the exit slot. The barrier should lift. If it doesn't, or the machine displays a price, you should press the intercom and staff will help you.
If your entry ticket does not have your booking reference number printed on it, press the intercom and staff will help you. Please explain that you have pre-booked and quote your booking reference number or booking confirmation.
If you have parked for more time than you booked, you will have to pay for the extra time before you go. The machine will show the amount in the exit column and you can pay by credit or debit card.
05 May 2011
Change to Bristol Airport long stay and Premier Park procedures
If you are using Bristol Airport long stay or Premier Park for your airport parking, please be aware that the arrivals procedure has changed.
Both Bristol airport parking services use an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system so it is essential that you have entered the correct vehicle registration when you make your booking.
The arrivals procedure is now as follows:
Upon arrival at the car park entry barrier, the ANPR system will take a moment to read your vehicle’s registration. Touch the button on the machine to be issued with a ticket and to raise the barrier. Keep this ticket safe as you will need to insert it at the exit barrier upon leaving the car park.
It is advisable to bring a copy of your booking confirmation with you.
If the ticket issued on entry does not have your vehicle registration printed on the front, and instead contains the words “payment required”, upon your return please go to the Car Park Kiosk (manned kiosk situated adjacent to the exit barriers). Present your booking confirmation and entry ticket, which will then be validated for exit. The kiosk is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Both Bristol airport parking services use an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system so it is essential that you have entered the correct vehicle registration when you make your booking.
The arrivals procedure is now as follows:
Upon arrival at the car park entry barrier, the ANPR system will take a moment to read your vehicle’s registration. Touch the button on the machine to be issued with a ticket and to raise the barrier. Keep this ticket safe as you will need to insert it at the exit barrier upon leaving the car park.
It is advisable to bring a copy of your booking confirmation with you.
If the ticket issued on entry does not have your vehicle registration printed on the front, and instead contains the words “payment required”, upon your return please go to the Car Park Kiosk (manned kiosk situated adjacent to the exit barriers). Present your booking confirmation and entry ticket, which will then be validated for exit. The kiosk is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
26 April 2011
The environmental benefits of airport parking
Have you ever stopped to think about the environmental impact your method of transport to the airport has on the environment?
I know we are reminded about the impact our flights have, but quite often we forget about how we get to the airport. Yes, the airports are always trying to get us to take public transport and, although public transport figures are rising, it’s not always practical to get a bus, train or coach to take us to the airport.
I like to do my bit for the environment, but honestly, you try getting two young children and your luggage on board a coach, train or bus to the airport, it’s not easy. Many of us have often volunteered to take friends or family to the airport to save them the hassle of driving themselves or the cost of a taxi, but in today’s climate with rising fuel costs, it no longer seems like an easy favour.
But did you know that dropping a friend off at the airport, or taking a taxi to the airport is a lot more environmentally unfriendly than driving yourself and parking at the airport? Probably not, but think about it: if you drive to the airport, parking your car yourself and then drive yourself home after your holiday, that’s two journeys – one to, and one from the airport. If you take a taxi, or get your friend to drop you off, that’s four journeys – one to the airport, one home, another to the airport to pick you up and then the journey back to your house - twice the number of miles, twice the cost, and twice the carbon emissions.
So, before you request the services of your mate to take you to the airport this summer, stop and consider airport parking. Airport parking prices aren’t prohibitive, they’re often cheaper than you think, and if booked online in advance can save you up to 60% on the gate prices and a lot of carbon emissions.
If you don’t want the hassle of parking yourself, or don’t want to park off-airport and get the shuttle bus to and from the airport, consider meet and greet parking where you just drive up to the airport terminal, hand over your keys and let someone else park your car. The best part is that on your return your car is outside waiting for you ready to be driven home.
If you want to take your carbon savings one step further, book with a green airport parking company that makes a donation to an environmental programme, or plants a tree for every booking made.
I know we are reminded about the impact our flights have, but quite often we forget about how we get to the airport. Yes, the airports are always trying to get us to take public transport and, although public transport figures are rising, it’s not always practical to get a bus, train or coach to take us to the airport.
I like to do my bit for the environment, but honestly, you try getting two young children and your luggage on board a coach, train or bus to the airport, it’s not easy. Many of us have often volunteered to take friends or family to the airport to save them the hassle of driving themselves or the cost of a taxi, but in today’s climate with rising fuel costs, it no longer seems like an easy favour.
But did you know that dropping a friend off at the airport, or taking a taxi to the airport is a lot more environmentally unfriendly than driving yourself and parking at the airport? Probably not, but think about it: if you drive to the airport, parking your car yourself and then drive yourself home after your holiday, that’s two journeys – one to, and one from the airport. If you take a taxi, or get your friend to drop you off, that’s four journeys – one to the airport, one home, another to the airport to pick you up and then the journey back to your house - twice the number of miles, twice the cost, and twice the carbon emissions.
So, before you request the services of your mate to take you to the airport this summer, stop and consider airport parking. Airport parking prices aren’t prohibitive, they’re often cheaper than you think, and if booked online in advance can save you up to 60% on the gate prices and a lot of carbon emissions.
If you don’t want the hassle of parking yourself, or don’t want to park off-airport and get the shuttle bus to and from the airport, consider meet and greet parking where you just drive up to the airport terminal, hand over your keys and let someone else park your car. The best part is that on your return your car is outside waiting for you ready to be driven home.
If you want to take your carbon savings one step further, book with a green airport parking company that makes a donation to an environmental programme, or plants a tree for every booking made.
20 April 2011
Change of procedures for Car ParKing at Manchester Airport
There has been a change in the return procedures Car ParKing at Manchester airport.
Return Procedures:
Once passengers have collected their luggage they should call 0161 775 3066.
When they have confirmed their transfer they should make their way to the pick up point outside the terminal.
Return Procedures:
Once passengers have collected their luggage they should call 0161 775 3066.
When they have confirmed their transfer they should make their way to the pick up point outside the terminal.
Ryanair’s partnership with Holiday Extras extended
Ryanair and Holiday Extras have announced an extension of their partnership to provide airport parking at 27 UK airports.
The two companies have had a partnership for the past five years, and this new agreement extends arrangements for another 18 months.
The two companies have had a partnership for the past five years, and this new agreement extends arrangements for another 18 months.
19 April 2011
Guide to airport parking
In spite of attempts to encourage passengers to travel to the airport by public transport, driving yourself to the airport is still a very popular way of getting to the airport.
If you are driving yourself then you will need to book airport parking.
But there are now so many options that it can be difficult deciding what to book and what type of parking will best suits your needs.
Below offers a breakdown of the different types of airport parking available, what sort of service you should expect and how the prices differ and why. All in all, the ultimate guide to airport parking.
Meet and Greet Airport Parking
This type of parking at the airport is when you drive to the airport’s arrivals/departures drop off area. It is also sometimes referred to as Valet Parking. Here you are met by the parking company driver who then takes your car to the car park for you. This leaves you to make your way directly into the airport terminal. It’s a very quick service. Avoids any hanging around. You do not need to drive to a remote car park away from the airport. You do not need to use a courtesy bus to make your way to the airport having dropped your car off.
Just as if a friend was dropping you off at the airport, you drive right up to the airport, unload and off you go – this is what customers of Meet and Greet parking benefit from.
This type of parking is ideal for everyone. In fact most travellers, having used the service rarely use any other type of parking afterwards. It’s especially good if travelling with heavy baggage, sports equipment etc. Families find it ideal as they don’t have to worry about getting children in and out of a car onto a bus (usually the bus won’t have child seats, and it’s a case of them on your lap). Equally, the service is good for the elderly or those with limited mobility for the same reasons.
It is a little more expensive than traditional airport parking, however you don’t have to add an extra 30 – 45 minutes to your journey time as you drive straight to the airport, not an off-site car park.
Valet Parking
This is exactly the same as Meet and Greet parking – see above – it is just sometimes referred to as Valet parking.
Chauffer Parking
Again, this is simply another name for essentially what is Meet and Greet parking, as described above.
Airport Hotels With Parking
This type of airport parking is when you book your parking along with a night at an airport hotel. You drive to the hotel, you meet your parking company driver, they take your car to their car park, whilst you check-in at the hotel. You spend the night before you fly at the hotel (sometimes you can choose to stay the night after you fly back into the UK instead of the night before). The following day you make your way, usually a short walk, into the airport to check-in for your flight.
Park and Fly / Park and Stay Parking
These are other names/terms used for Airport Hotels with Parking.
On-site Short Stay Parking
On-site means the car park is in the grounds of the airport. So, if you are only away for the day then this is a consideration. However, be aware that any on-site parking is costly as you are on the grounds of the airport. The car park is usually operated by the airport.
Off-site Short Stay Parking
This car park will be located a few miles away from the airport and will be run by an independent parking firm. It will involve you driving to the car park and then using the courtesy bus back to the airport. As the car park is short stay it will be for parking for a day or two. This option of short stay parking is usually cheaper than an on-site car park but you will need to allow about an extra 30 – 45 minutes to your journey time in order to park, wait for the next available bus and the 5 – 10 minute journey back to the airport.
On-site Long Stay Parking
The On-site car park will be in the grounds of the airport. This car park is for use of a few days. Charges are higher than those by an off-site car park as you are paying for the privilege of parking on-site.
Off-Site Long Stay Parking
This type of car park is for parking durations of more than a few days, up to weeks away. The cost will be considerably cheaper than an on-site car park. Most airports have a large choice of independent car parking operators offering this service. Do be aware that by using an off-airport car park you will need to use the car park’s courtesy bus to get from the car park to the airport. They usually run every 15 minutes and take around 5-10 minutes. It’s best to allow around 30-45 minutes extra to your journey in getting to the airport for check-in.
Airport Park and Ride Parking
This is actually the same as described for off-site parking, you ‘park’ in the car park and you ‘ride’ back to the airport on the courtesy bus. It’s simply a different term sometimes used to describe parking.
Top Tips When Booking Parking at the Airport
Here’s a tip – always pre-book your airport parking, and always try to book online. This way you will secure the very best prices for your parking.
If you are driving yourself then you will need to book airport parking.
But there are now so many options that it can be difficult deciding what to book and what type of parking will best suits your needs.
Below offers a breakdown of the different types of airport parking available, what sort of service you should expect and how the prices differ and why. All in all, the ultimate guide to airport parking.
Meet and Greet Airport Parking
This type of parking at the airport is when you drive to the airport’s arrivals/departures drop off area. It is also sometimes referred to as Valet Parking. Here you are met by the parking company driver who then takes your car to the car park for you. This leaves you to make your way directly into the airport terminal. It’s a very quick service. Avoids any hanging around. You do not need to drive to a remote car park away from the airport. You do not need to use a courtesy bus to make your way to the airport having dropped your car off.
Just as if a friend was dropping you off at the airport, you drive right up to the airport, unload and off you go – this is what customers of Meet and Greet parking benefit from.
This type of parking is ideal for everyone. In fact most travellers, having used the service rarely use any other type of parking afterwards. It’s especially good if travelling with heavy baggage, sports equipment etc. Families find it ideal as they don’t have to worry about getting children in and out of a car onto a bus (usually the bus won’t have child seats, and it’s a case of them on your lap). Equally, the service is good for the elderly or those with limited mobility for the same reasons.
It is a little more expensive than traditional airport parking, however you don’t have to add an extra 30 – 45 minutes to your journey time as you drive straight to the airport, not an off-site car park.
Valet Parking
This is exactly the same as Meet and Greet parking – see above – it is just sometimes referred to as Valet parking.
Chauffer Parking
Again, this is simply another name for essentially what is Meet and Greet parking, as described above.
Airport Hotels With Parking
This type of airport parking is when you book your parking along with a night at an airport hotel. You drive to the hotel, you meet your parking company driver, they take your car to their car park, whilst you check-in at the hotel. You spend the night before you fly at the hotel (sometimes you can choose to stay the night after you fly back into the UK instead of the night before). The following day you make your way, usually a short walk, into the airport to check-in for your flight.
Park and Fly / Park and Stay Parking
These are other names/terms used for Airport Hotels with Parking.
On-site Short Stay Parking
On-site means the car park is in the grounds of the airport. So, if you are only away for the day then this is a consideration. However, be aware that any on-site parking is costly as you are on the grounds of the airport. The car park is usually operated by the airport.
Off-site Short Stay Parking
This car park will be located a few miles away from the airport and will be run by an independent parking firm. It will involve you driving to the car park and then using the courtesy bus back to the airport. As the car park is short stay it will be for parking for a day or two. This option of short stay parking is usually cheaper than an on-site car park but you will need to allow about an extra 30 – 45 minutes to your journey time in order to park, wait for the next available bus and the 5 – 10 minute journey back to the airport.
On-site Long Stay Parking
The On-site car park will be in the grounds of the airport. This car park is for use of a few days. Charges are higher than those by an off-site car park as you are paying for the privilege of parking on-site.
Off-Site Long Stay Parking
This type of car park is for parking durations of more than a few days, up to weeks away. The cost will be considerably cheaper than an on-site car park. Most airports have a large choice of independent car parking operators offering this service. Do be aware that by using an off-airport car park you will need to use the car park’s courtesy bus to get from the car park to the airport. They usually run every 15 minutes and take around 5-10 minutes. It’s best to allow around 30-45 minutes extra to your journey in getting to the airport for check-in.
Airport Park and Ride Parking
This is actually the same as described for off-site parking, you ‘park’ in the car park and you ‘ride’ back to the airport on the courtesy bus. It’s simply a different term sometimes used to describe parking.
Top Tips When Booking Parking at the Airport
Here’s a tip – always pre-book your airport parking, and always try to book online. This way you will secure the very best prices for your parking.
- If you book only a day or two before you travel you’ll pay more than you have too.
- If however you are left with no choice but to book on the day you are travelling, always call the company you want to book with, as same day online bookings cannot be processed.
08 April 2011
East Midlands Stress Free Meet and Greet Parking
Arrivals Procedure for East Midlands Airport Stress Free Meet and Greet Parking:
- When you are 30 minutes away from the airport call the team of chauffeurs on 07721 738549
- Your chauffeur will then be dispatched to meet you at outside the departures
- If you are running late or early, it is important that you call to give as much notice as possible
- On arrival at the airport, please pull into the Airparks bays in Car Park C where a chauffeur will be waiting for you. Collect a ticket from the barrier and hand it to the chauffeur who will be waiting for you.
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