Airport parking & transfers
Getting to the airport on time and finding your car where you left it matters most. You want a firm that turns up as booked and treats your trip with care.
Airport parking & transfers companies
32 companies
About Airport parking & transfers
Airport parking and transfers cover the services that get travellers to and from UK airports, from off-airport car parks with shuttle buses to meet and greet bays, executive chauffeur pick-ups, and shared or private minibus transfers to terminals. Some firms run their own lots and fleets, while others act as brokers that sell bookings on behalf of independent operators.
Most companies in the sector sell online through their own websites and through comparison platforms and travel agents, with airports and hotels also acting as referral points. Operators range from national brands with multiple sites to small local firms with a handful of vehicles, and many depend on repeat business from frequent flyers and corporate accounts.
Private hire drivers and vehicles in the UK are licensed by local authorities, which set the standards for drivers, vehicles and insurance. Industry bodies such as the Association of Airport Parking Operators and the British Parking Association represent parts of the market and publish codes of practice that members agree to follow.
Questions about Airport parking & transfers
How do I choose a good airport parking company?
Start by checking that the company is clearly named, has a UK address and a working phone number, and states its terms before you pay. Confirm whether it is a broker or the operator of the car park, because that affects who you deal with if something goes wrong. Look at how it handles the booking confirmation and whether the details match what the car park actually offers.
What should I compare between airport parking firms?
Compare the total price including any fees, the exact location and distance to the terminal, and whether there is a shuttle or a meet and greet service. Check the cancellation terms, the opening hours of the car park and what happens if your flight is delayed. Read the small print on insurance and liability for your vehicle while it is parked.
Is it safe to book airport parking online?
Pay by credit card or a method that offers chargeback protection, because this gives you a route to recover money under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for purchases between £100 and £30,000. Make sure the website uses a secure connection and that you receive a written confirmation with a booking reference. Keep copies of all emails and receipts.
How do I cancel an airport parking booking?
Check the cancellation policy shown at the time of booking, since most firms set a deadline and may keep a fee after it passes. Cancel in writing by email or through the account page so you have a record, and keep the confirmation of cancellation. If the company refuses a refund you are owed, raise it with them formally before escalating.
What are my consumer rights when booking airport parking in the UK?
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires services to be carried out with reasonable care and skill, and the information given to you must be accurate. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cancellation right for most online bookings made at a distance, unless the service has started with your agreement. You are also protected against unfair terms under the same Act.
Which regulator covers airport parking companies in the UK?
The Competition and Markets Authority enforces consumer law, including rules against misleading pricing and hidden charges. Trading Standards at your local council can act on complaints about unfair or misleading practices. The Advertising Standards Authority covers the advertising claims a company makes about its services.
What happens if my car is damaged while parked?
Your first step is to report the damage to the car park operator and the parking company in writing, with photographs and the time you noticed it. The company must handle your claim under its terms, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires the service to be carried out with reasonable care and skill. If your car insurance covers the damage, you can also make a claim through your own insurer.
How do I make a complaint about an airport parking company?
Contact the company in writing first, setting out what went wrong, what you want as a remedy and a reasonable deadline for reply. If you are not satisfied with the response, check whether the company belongs to an approved alternative dispute resolution scheme, which it must disclose to you. You can then refer the matter to that scheme or to a court in the small claims track for amounts up to £10,000.
Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Refund terms depend on the company's own policy, which should be stated in your booking terms before you pay. Some firms offer amendments or refunds for flight changes, while others do not, so read the conditions carefully. If the terms are unclear or unfair, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 makes unfair terms unenforceable against you.
Are airport parking companies covered by an ombudsman?
Some companies are members of an approved ADR scheme, and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute and the Competition and Markets Authority publish guidance on which schemes apply to which traders. Membership must be disclosed on the company's website or in its terms. Check the company's terms for the name of its scheme before you book.
What should I look for in reviews of airport parking companies?
Look for specific comments about the booking process, the actual car park, the shuttle service and how refunds or complaints were handled. Be wary of many reviews posted within a short period or reviews that repeat the same wording, as these can be unreliable. Pay most attention to reviews that describe what happened after something went wrong.
Do I need to tell my car insurer I am leaving my car in an airport car park?
Yes, you should check your policy because some insurers restrict cover for cars left in commercial car parks or for long periods. The Insurance Act 2015 requires you to take reasonable care when giving information to your insurer. Notify your insurer if the car will be unattended for a long period or used for something other than your normal use.