Understanding how to choose an airport car parking operator
Chauffeur parking, valet parking and meet and greet parking are all different names for the same service – a parking facility which allows you, the traveller to drive directly to your terminal where you will be met by a driver who parks your car for you. Your car will also be returned to you at the airport on the return part of this type of service. So now with all the confusion out of the way, how do you choose an airport parking operator?
It’s always wise to go with one of the UK’s leading parking companies. To check if an operator is reputable, they should have accreditation symbols displayed on their website or testimonials from customers, these key elements can support an operator’s authenticity. It’s also interesting to see if operators have a feedback page on their website, as it’s best to choose someone who not only listen to your needs at the beginning but is also interested in your experiences after using the service.
When it comes to airport parking, experience does count. Make sure you select an airport parking operator, which has decades of experience in airport parking. As a competitive business, many meet and greet parking companies are amalgamating and forming one division, to stand out in the market place.
All good airport parking operators should have drivers, which are easily recognisable at the airport from their branded uniform and ID badges. This way you can ensure you are meeting the right person and leaving your car with someone who is professional and that you can trust. Remember the meet and greet drivers are there to take care of you so your journey can be as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.
The density of travellers parking at the airport causes the transfer buses to be crowded, slow and uncomfortable at peak times. With meet and greet parking there is no driving around looking for a car park miles from the airport, no standing in queues or scrambling on buses with heavy luggage. You are driving direct to the terminal and a uniformed driver will help you with any difficult and heavy luggage - perfect for all holidaymakers, families, honeymooners, business travellers and the less abled.
Meet and greet operators also provide total security for lone travellers. Having the pick up and collection points conveniently located directly outside the terminals means you don’t have to wait for transfers to the airport car parks – particularly beneficial on a dark and cold winter’s evening or at the end of a long trip!
Many meet and greet airport parking operators are part of the Safer Parking Scheme and are awarded with an accreditation symbol known as the Park Mark. The Park Mark is an award given by the Police to car parks that have achieved the standards of the Safer Parking Scheme. This scheme is designed to reduce both crime and the fear of crime in car parks and the symbol shows that the operator provides parking services rated at the top standard for security and safety. By using car parks that display the Park Mark Award you are supporting operators that have invested in their facilities to create a safer environment for your vehicle.
Meet and greet parking is a safe, convenient and time saving service, which benefits many types of people, for example the business traveller with little time to spare, who requires the convenience of being dropped outside the terminal building, travellers with large items of luggage such as golf clubs, and also women travellers, as there is no waiting around, or being dropped off in poorly-light car parks.
To add value to their services, many meet and greet parking operators now offer additional services, such as car cleaning. You can come home from your trip to a car that is fresh and clean. Other operators can organise for your car to be serviced whilst you are away. Some operators can even transfer your car between their airports, for example you can leave from Heathrow and return back to Gatwick and still have your car waiting at the terminal as usual. Operators who provide these services are demonstrating an understanding of their customers needs and constantly looking at ways to improve the level of service they provide.
So, now you are fully equipped with the key elements to look out for in understanding how to choose an airport parking operator, you can make your choice with confidence and find one, which is most suitable towards your needs.