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19 May 2012 | Sign In
Airport parking - on-site or off-site?
The age-old question….where shall we park?
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Kayte Platts Tuesday 27 July 2010 |
You have booked that fantastic holiday, you are looking forward to the lazy days in the sun. Everything has been planned down to the last detail, and then you suddenly realise…parking!
There are, of course, the usual options of parking ‘on site’. We were at Gatwick on this occasion but it could have been at any other airport for that matter and, if you plan to be away for a long period, parking can become very expensive. This is when the last minute bargain that you ‘bagged’ seems to start losing its appeal.
This year we decided to try out an ‘off-site’ parking option, one where you pre-pay for your ‘Guaranteed Parking Space’ via the internet or telephone. It took just a few minutes to complete all the details and have the job done.
On the day we simply drove up, parked by the office and went in to confirm our details. They took our car keys and then drove our car off to its designated place. We then boarded a luxury coach (they even loaded our luggage for us) and we were driven to our terminal. It was all very civilized and it really took the stress out of the whole journey and parking process.
For our return, we were given a telephone number to call whilst collecting our baggage off the carousel. They then gave us a designated place (just outside the terminal) to meet the coach and took us off to collect the car. There was really very little ‘waiting around’ time. It could hardly have been easier, and the cost of all of this was considerably less than the on-site parking option.
The company we used offered both long stay or short stay, and was located about 10 minutes from Gatwick. We found out later that they also offer a ‘Meet and Greet’ service whereby, if you are really pushed for time, you can meet them at the airport and they will take your car off to their secure compound for you. This valet service is obviously more expensive but might be just the thing if you are short of time.
It is worth considering? Definitely. I was a much less stressed passenger as a result!
| Comments |
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Mrs Jenkins, Aston 29 July 2010, 08:04AM | |
We have used the same kind of service at Birmingham and found it was really good. | |
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Zoe Wells, Canterbury 29 July 2010, 03:29PM | |
We too have used this service and have always found it to be stress free. | |
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Phil Johnson, Northampton 2 August 2010, 03:46PM | |
Airparks Luton seems a good service. Secured off-airport car park for those flying from London Luton Airport. There are transfers to and from the airport terminal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making this one of the most convenient options for Luton airport. You can save up to 25% against on-airport parking. | |
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Dave Noble 3 August 2010, 07:39AM | |
We always get a local executive-car firm to take us and pick us up. We have looked at the pros and cons and the relative costs and just find it to be the most convenient method. | |
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Lucy Williams, Shoreham 5 August 2010, 02:09PM | |
I like this idea, and I think it would take a lot of stress out of travelling with my small children, they also love going on coaches, so it is an adventure in itself, it is something I will look at next time I travel. | |
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Elliot Davis, Dover 11 August 2010, 01:07PM | |
I always forget to organise my parking before I go on holiday or a business trip, this is a really good idea and I could do with being a bit less stressed, I will look into this next time I go away. | |
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This is a much cheaper option I have found, if you have a last minute deal, and you go on one of these websites you can often get a great deal with your parking, it is well worth a look. | |
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