If you want to park at the airport during your summer getaway, you need to book in advance to get the best deal. Turning up at the last minute without booking is a sure fire way to pay a small fortune. Even booking on the day can save you money, while booking further in advance can save you up to a third.
Check comparison sites. Skypark Secure (skyparksecure.com) gives a minimum 13 per cent discount on all airport parking, with a potential 30 per cent discount at Gatwick, Heathrow and Glasgow. A seven-day meet and greet parking ticket (valet parking by another name) booked a week in advance costs £56.80 — a saving of £23.20. Holiday Extras (holidayextras.co.uk) offers a minimum 10 per cent discount and 14 per cent off airport hotels and lounges, while looking4parking.com offers a 31 per cent discount on 146 of the 218 airport car parks in the UK.
Try airport car parks that are off-site — often the shuttle-bus service is as quick as the trip from on-site car parks. Or you could rent a private space close to the airport. There are eBay-style parking market places, such as Justpark, Park Let and Your Parking Space, that link those looking for a parking space close to an airport with those who have a driveway or garage to let.
Sometimes it’s worth checking directly with airport parking operators to get the best possible deal. Heathrow airport parking is rarely discounted, but its website claims that “you won’t find our parking for less”. For those who live far away from the airport or have early flights, hotel parking packages are often the best option.