If you’ve never used airport parking booking before, it’s easy to feel a bit lost. Which type should you pick? How far ahead should you book? What actually happens when you arrive?

It’s far simpler than it looks, and the steps are the same whichever UK airport you’re flying from. Here’s how it works, from choosing your car park to driving home after your trip.

Step 1: Decide what matters most to you

Before you look at a single car park, ask yourself what you want from the experience. Most people care about one of three things:

• Convenience. You want to get from your car to the terminal with as little fuss as possible.
• Price. You’re happy to take a short transfer if it saves you money.
• Peace of mind. You want to know your car is somewhere safe while you’re away.

Your answer will point you towards the right type of parking.

Step 2: Choose the type of parking

There are two main options, and they suit different travellers.

Meet & Greet. A driver meets you at the airport, takes your car, and parks it for you. When you come back, your car is brought to you. There are no shuttle buses and no hunting for your space, which makes it popular with families, early-morning flyers and anyone travelling with heavy luggage.

Park & Ride. You drive to a car park near the airport, leave your car there, and take a shuttle bus to the terminal. It’s usually the better-value choice, and it works well if you don’t mind a short bus ride.

Neither is “better”. It depends on whether you’re paying for convenience or for savings.

Step 3: Check your airport and terminal

Confirm which airport and terminal you’re flying from. This matters more than people expect, especially at larger airports with several terminals. Knowing your terminal helps you choose a service that drops you in the right place, so you’re not rushing across the airport with a suitcase.

Step 4: Book early

Airport parking is a bit like flights: prices and availability can change, and busy periods such as school holidays and Christmas fill up fast. Making your airport parking booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed gives you more choice and less stress. It also means one job ticked off your list long before you pack.

Step 5: Enter your dates and compare your options

Pick your airport, enter the dates you’ll be away, and compare what’s available. Look at:

• The price for your full trip
• What type of parking it is (Meet & Greet or Park & Ride)
• How long the transfer takes, if there is one
• What other customers say about the service

Tip: Check your return time carefully. If your flight lands late at night or early in the morning, make sure the service you choose can handle it.

Step 6: Double-check the details, then book

Before you pay, read through the booking summary. Check that your dates, times, airport and vehicle details are all correct. A small typo in a registration number is easy to make and easy to fix, but only if you spot it early.

Once you’ve booked, you should receive a confirmation. Save it somewhere you can find it quickly, on your phone and perhaps printed out too.

Step 7: Prepare for the day

A few small things make arrival day much smoother:

• Leave a bit of extra time, especially in busy travel periods.
• Keep your booking confirmation and contact number handy.
• Take a quick look at your car, and remove any valuables.
• Note the time and place you’re meeting your driver or catching your shuttle.

Step 8: Enjoy your trip, and come home to an easy return

When you land, you collect your luggage, follow the return instructions in your booking, and your car is ready for you. That’s the real benefit of booking ahead: the end of a long journey is one thing you don’t have to worry about.

Why book with Executive Parking?

Executive Parking and Hotels has been helping travellers park with confidence since 1984. Today we work with trusted partners, including Airport Parking and Hotels, to give you a wide choice of secure, convenient parking at airports across the UK, all in one place.

Whether you want the ease of Meet & Greet or the value of Park & Ride, just choose your airport, enter your travel dates and compare the options available. You can also add an airport lounge for a more relaxed start before your flight.

Ready to sort your airport parking booking? Book now and take one worry off your travel list.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book airport parking?
As soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Booking early gives you more choice, especially during school holidays and other busy periods.

What’s the difference between Meet & Greet and Park & Ride?
With Meet & Greet, a driver collects your car at the airport and returns it when you’re back. With Park & Ride, you park yourself and take a shuttle to the terminal.

Which is better for a first-timer?
If you want the least stress, Meet & Greet is usually the easiest. If you’d rather save money and don’t mind a short shuttle, Park & Ride is a good choice.

What if my flight is delayed?
Delays happen. Check the terms of your booking, and contact your provider as early as you can so they can help.

Do I need to print my confirmation?
It’s wise to have it on your phone and, if you like, a printed copy as a backup.