Best airport car parking tips to avoid the horror stories for your Christmas holiday
Picking the wrong car park can leave you with a host of unwanted costs this holiday period. These tips will help you avoid a Christmas nightmare
MILLIONS of Brits will jet around the globe this Christmas with plenty leaving their motors at airport car parks.
But bargain-hunting travellers in search of cheap parking deals could end up in a festive nightmare if they make the wrong choice..
Drivers that take up budget parking deals run the risk of further costs down the line if their vehicle isn't stored securely.
Cheap airport car parks have been known to slash their overheads by claiming to have a secure parking facility, but instead use fields, public roads or open car parks.
This could leave your car open to damage from other drivers or would-be thieves, and even leave you with fines when you return.
To help drivers avoid falling into these traps this Christmas, the Independent Airport Parking Association (IAPA) have put together a list of ten tips.
They advised drivers to first pick the type of parking service that suits them best -from on site, park and ride or meet and greet.
Motorists were then encouraged to choose professional companies over less established services, and read reviews before making their booking.
How to get the best airport parking experience
- Choose your service: Select which service is right for you, including on-site, park and ride, or meet and greet.
- Stick to the pros: Always choose a professional, established company
- Park Mark: Make sure to book with car parks bearing the police-approved Park Mark sign
- Reviews: Read what other users have said about the lcoation before booking
- Check your insurance: Contact your insurer to make sure you are covered for damage incurred during things like valet service
- Damage control: Make note of all scrapes and bumps on your car before you leave it with parking staff
- Hotel info: If parking as part of a hotel stay, be sure you know where you car will be taken to and left
- Don't go private: Steer clear of private driveways for hire, as you will be liable for any damage
- Gatwick guide: The UK's second busiest airport has a scheme for approved parking operators. Only choose these brands
- IAPA: Always book with to make sure your provider is vetted and safe
Choosing companies with a police-awarded Park Mark will mean drivers pick the most secure locations that have been vetted.
The advice also encouraged drivers to ensure their insurance policy adequately covers their vehicle in the care of a valet service - and that bumps or scrapes are identified before they leave the keys.
The IAPA warned against using private driveways for airport parking, while those travelling from Gatwick were encouraged only to use an approved operator for off-airport parking.
Nick Caunter from IAPA says: “By doing a little bit of research it will be really easy to find a great airport parking deal for the holidays and ensure you’re avoiding the most common risks.
“Most airport parking companies do a great job and offer a superb service, so follow these simple tips to avoid the tiny minority of Christmas Grinches.”