COMMENT
Slash The Price Of Airport Parking

By Alison Hunt (TMFAlly)
January 12, 2006

Now all the snow's melted, January is feeling slightly dreary and cold -- which makes it the perfect time to book a holiday! If you've followed our cheap travel tips, you'll probably already have snapped up a bargain deal. However, if your trip involves using an airport, you'll know the expense and hassle involved in parking. Luckily, we at the Fool have some top tips to cut your airport parking costs!

Book in Advance

This tip is simple but effective. As with most things, booking early can shave pounds off "on the day" prices, and give you the added peace of mind of knowing you'll have a space. Check out the BAA website -- you can book car parking for all of the major airports here.

I found that I could book two week's car parking at Heathrow in May for £161 in the long stay car park, saving £56.50 on the drive up price. However, by paying £14 more (£175) I could reserve a spot in the much more convenient business car park, saving £98 compared to paying on the day. However, the valet parking, which allows you to drop and collect your car at the terminal forecourt, would be £176.50, and would be ideal for those with young children or excessive luggage.

Booking at Gatwick gives more options than for Heathrow, with the same two weeks' parking costing from just £52.30 (saving £55.70 on the drive up price). This would be in its "Holiday parking" zone -- an off airport location approx nine minutes from the terminal -- this is also a "supersaver" price, meaning you can't amend or cancel your booking. The long stay car park would work out to be £100, saving £21 on the drive up price, with valet parking costing from £122 -- including a two-star car wash and vacuum service!

Airport Hotels

Of course, spending over £150 for two weeks' parking, even at a discount would be a bit galling. But there is an alternative. Booking accommodation at the airport for the night before can often include up to 15 days' car parking, and mean that you effectively get your night's stay for free. This is particularly useful if you live a long way from the airport, or if you have very early flights as it can allow you to start your holiday in a more relaxed fashion.

Check out companies such as Airport Hotel and Parking -- it can search for hotel accommodation and car parking at over 20 UK airports. A quick search revealed that staying for one night (Friday 26 May) at the Thistle Hotel at Heathrow would cost just £77, including up to 21 days' parking, with transfers to the airport available at £3 single/£5 return (children under 12 travel free).

Alternatively, find out about local Bed and Breakfasts. Rooms at the Lawn Guest House at Gatwick, for example, are from just £58 for a double, with long-term parking charged at £3.50 per night. One night's accommodation and two weeks parking would therefore cost £107, and the airport is only five minutes away -- you simply arrange your airport transfers when you arrive.

Taxis

Finally, depending on how far from the airport you live, don't rule out the idea of booking a taxi. Most firms have a special fixed price for airport runs, which usually means the longer your holiday, the more cost effective a taxi can be. And if you have early flights/jetlag on your return to worry about, it can be a far more relaxing way to travel. Check out the firms listed in your Yellow Pages -- you may be pleasantly surprised.

So there you have it, a few ways to cut parking costs -- and get your holiday off to a flying start. Have a great trip!

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