What are the Different Types of Airport Parking Services: An Overview

What are the Different Types of Airport Parking Services: An Overview

How to choose the best airport parking service?

Choosing the right airport parking is essential for a smooth trip. Knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands eliminates all your worries whilst you're abroad. Factors such as planning ahead, comparing rates, and reading online reviews ensure a better selection of service. At FHR, we take the burden of researching car parking off your chest and help make your journey a little easier. Having to browse multiple sites is incredibly time-consuming and frustrating, which is why FHR is at your service to provide you with the best options that suit your budget and needs.

Introduction: Why You Need Airport Parking Services

Travelling is stressful as it is, having to juggle logistics, luggage, and getting to the airport in one piece. Airport parking provides easy access to check-in, allowing you to avoid rushing in fear of missing your flight! Those with children are given extra ease due to the proximity to the airport, and the 24/7 access is a huge benefit. You're also provided security for your car, meaning that you're able to jet away with full peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands.

The Benefits of Booking Airport Parking Services with FHR

At FHR, we believe in affordability without having to compromise on quality service. We strive to ensure that your trip is smooth and swift without any hiccups. Helping you book the perfect parking service is a huge weight off your shoulders and one less thing to worry about whilst you're abroad!

FHR allows you to book directly with the supplier at their best price, helping you look after the pennies. We compare all major UK airport car parks, allowing you to easily browse through different agents to pick the best option for you. The filters on our extensive search engine help tailor the search specific to your needs. So, whether you're jetting off on a family holiday or a business trip, FHR is sure to deliver.

 

The Factors to Consider When Choosing Airport Parking Services

With a range of fantastic airport parking services at your fingertips, it can be a little confusing knowing which type to pick. That’s why it's important to consider all the major factors of your trip to select the best option.

Those with flights leaving at awkward times such as rush hour, or very early/late hours of the day may want to be as close to the airport as possible to ensure you have enough time to park up and get to the check-in desk with plenty of time to spare.

Children are another major factor to consider when booking your parking as your child may not cooperate when walking long distances. It's also crucial to bear in mind how much luggage you have, as rushing to the airport with a lot of weight to carry will massively slow you down.

Those who are anxious to leave their car behind should select car parks that provide a high level of security. Many services include number plate recognition, flood-lit car parks, security patrols, and a car finder system, all ensuring the safety of your vehicle.

 

The Main Types of Airport Parking Services 

On-Site Parking: Park Your Car Within the Airport Premises 

If you're looking for extra peace of mind regarding parking security, then this is the best service for you. On-site parking is exactly what it sounds like, these car parks are very close to the terminal. Simply park your vehicle in one of the short-stay car parks where airport officials are directly responsible for security, then stroll to departures within minutes. This car park is ideal for meeting or dropping passengers as well as short trips away and business meetings.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of On-Site Parking

The biggest perk of on-site parking is the convenience it provides. The proximity to the terminals makes it ideal for those with children or a lot of luggage. Travellers who are flying during awkward times such as rush hour or early/late hours of the day can save time by being close to the check-in desk.

The disadvantage is that due to the convenience that on-site parking provides, it is an incredibly popular service.  The pricing is slightly higher than regular parking due to high demand, and they can book up quickly.

 

The Best Airports for On-Site Parking in the UK

Considering convenience, cost, and proximity to the terminals, some of the best on-site car parks in the UK can be found at the following airports:

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• London Gatwick (LGW)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
  Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)

 

Off-Site Parking: Park Your Car Outside the Airport Premises 

These car parks are a little further out from the airport, however, still provide excellent security for your vehicle as the car parks are secure with cameras and regular patrols. Simply drive your vehicle to one of the long-stay car parks, check-in, and then jump onto one of the complimentary shuttle services. These shuttles will have you at your terminal in no time – usually between 5 to 15 minutes. You get to keep your keys, and some airports also offer the service of being able to call the car park when you arrive for a staff member to have your car ready for you in the collection area. The complimentary buses run throughout the day and night at the majority of the UK airports, so you won't need to worry about figuring out how to reach your car if you land during awkward hours. If your trip is longer than a week, then Park and Ride would be a fantastic option to benefit from the excellent value for money and security.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Off-Site Parking 

The location of off-site parking reduces the pricing by a considerable amount, making it the perfect budget-friendly option for those travelling for a longer period or during peak season. There's also more availability ensuring you’ll be given a space.

However, being further away from the airport means that travellers will have to plan their trip to the airport adding on the extra time needed to get to the terminal. It's also important to check the shuttle bus timings beforehand to avoid long waits and delays.

The Best Airports for Off-Site Parking in the UK 

Considering convenience, affordability, and availability of shuttle services, some of the best off-site car parks in the UK can be found at the following airports:

• Glasgow Airport (GLA)
• Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
• Manchester Airport (MAN)
• Luton Airport (LTN)
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)

 

Valet Parking: Let a Professional Driver Park Your Car for You 

Meet and Greet parking is a quick and easy service, where you simply drop your vehicle off with a fully qualified driver, then stroll to the terminal in minutes. The staff member will take your vehicle to be parked, allowing you to avoid wasting time driving in circles hunting for a space!

Valet Parking is very similar to Meet and Greet and these two services often go hand in hand at multiple UK airports. With valet parking the comfort is taken a step further, with a chauffeur who will bring your car directly to your terminal upon your arrival. Many airports also offer a cleaning service where a staff member will have your vehicle cleaned inside and out, shortly before your arrival.

 

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Valet Parking

Meet and Greet/Valet car parks are a popular option for those who wish to travel in comfort and ease. It's a great option for those who have mobility issues or if you're travelling with young children. Those with a lot of luggage can benefit from this service as some airports assist with carrying baggage. Travellers are also able to arrange a specific drop-off and pick-up time, allowing you to have more control over your travel schedule. This service is efficient, convenient, and the most secure way to park your vehicle at the airport.

The disadvantage would be that due to the excellent services provided, Valet parking works out to be the most expensive. There may be a few extra fees and there is limited availability.

 

The Best Airports for Valet Parking in the UK 

While valet parking is not as common at UK airports as it is in some other countries, a few airports do offer this premium parking service. Here are some of the best in the UK:

• London Heathrow (LHT)
• London Gatwick (LGW)
• London Stanstead (STN)
• Manchester Airport (MAN
• Birmingham Airport (BHX)
• Bristol Airport (BRS)
• Glasgow Airport (GLA)

 

How to Find and Book the Best Airport Parking Services for Your Needs

At FHR, we want to take the burden of researching car parking off your chest and help make your journey a little easier. Firstly, consider your major needs regarding your trip. Are you travelling for business, a family holiday, or is this a solo trip? Do you have children with you? Or a lot of luggage? Identifying important factors then allows you to research accordingly using our extensive search engine.

Use FHR’s Comparison Tool and Customer Reviews to Compare and Choose from a Range of Options

We strive to deliver when it comes to providing you with the best services for your airport parking. Our comparison tool allows you to browse between different companies, comparing customer reviews and ratings. Having to choose between multiple companies can be overwhelming, which is why at FHR we aim to make that process easier for you, helping you pick the best option from a range of options.

 

Use FHR’s Discount Codes and Loyalty Rewards to Save Money on Your Airport Parking Services

We care about your budget and strive to get you the best deal without you having to compromise on quality. This is why at FHR it gives us great pleasure in providing you with discount codes and loyalty rewards to help you save the pennies. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest deals.

 

Contact FHR’s Customer Service Team for Any Queries or Assistance

Your time is important to us which is why we're always here to support you. Don't hesitate to contact us for reservations or customer services.

Customer Service

Email: customerservices@bookfhr.com

Available: 09:00 to 16:00 | Monday to Friday

Reservations

Email: reservations@bookfhr.com

Available: 09:00 - 17:30 | Monday to Friday