UK drivers warned over common airport parking mistake

Airport parking warning as drivers risk leaving it too late

UK drivers warned over common airport parking mistake British holidaymakers are being warned against leaving airport parking until the last minute, with a parking expert saying the mistake could leave travellers struggling to find a suitable space. Larne O’Donoghue, a parking specialist at YourParkingSpace, said motorists should arrange their airport parking well before travelling rather than waiting until the night before. Many drivers leave airport parking too late Research involving 2,000 UK drivers found that 58% book airport parking at least a month before travelling. However, only 23% said they plan ahead and book their parking more than three months in advance, while 46% of those who pre-book admitted leaving it until the final 24 hours at least once. The warning comes as airport parking can form an important part of the journey, particularly for holidaymakers travelling with luggage and trying to reach their terminal on time. O’Donoghue said he would not leave parking until the night before travelling, suggesting drivers look at their parking arrangements once their flights and accommodation have been booked. He said booking early gives motorists more time to choose an option that suits their trip, rather than having to make a rushed decision shortly before departure. The research also found that 52% of road users consider finding and parking in a suitable airport space stressful. That means parking can add another source of pressure to a journey that already involves checking in, dealing with luggage and making sure there is enough time to reach the gate. Drivers also need to check the journey to the terminal Booking a space is not the only thing motorists need to consider. The research found that just 40% of airport parkers actually check how they will travel from their parking location to the terminal. At larger airports, drivers may need to use a shuttle bus after parking, with some transfers taking 10 to 15 minutes in addition to a walk to the terminal. O’Donoghue said travellers should check the final part of the journey before booking, including the distance to the terminal, transfer time and how frequently shuttle buses operate. He also highlighted the added challenge for families, saying a short walk can feel very different when travelling with suitcases, hand luggage and young children. For motorists heading away on holiday, the advice is therefore to treat airport parking as part of the travel arrangements rather than something to sort out at the last minute. Booking earlier can give drivers more opportunity to consider the available parking option and how they will actually get from the car park to the airport terminal. The figures suggest a significant number of travellers still leave this decision late, despite many drivers already finding airport parking stressful. For anyone preparing for an upcoming flight, the key message from the expert is simple: arrange the parking alongside the flights and accommodation, and check the full route from the car park to the terminal before setting off.