Airport parking doesn’t always have the best reputation, and it’s easy to see why. Some travellers have returned from holiday to find their cars damaged, extra mileage on the clock, or even missing keys. Stories like these make headlines and raise understandable concerns for anyone looking to park at the airport.
But while these cases do happen, they don’t reflect the whole picture. The majority of airport parking providers work hard to deliver a secure, professional service, but their reputation can be unfairly damaged by a few bad actors.
At SkyParkSecure, we get how important peace of mind is when you leave your car behind. That’s why we only work with thoroughly vetted providers.
How Safe is Airport Parking?
Airport parking can be very safe if you choose the right provider. Reputable airport parking companies often use 24/7 surveillance, secure perimeter fencing, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and regular staff patrols to protect your vehicle while you’re away.
However, not all services offer the same peace of mind. Unlicensed or rogue operators may advertise low prices but cut corners on safety, insurance and staff training. In some cases, cars have been left on public streets or used without the owner’s knowledge.
To stay protected:
- Look for accreditation such as the Park Mark Safer Parking Award, which confirms that the site meets police-approved security standards.
- Check independent reviews on websites like Trustpilot or Google to get genuine feedback from past customers.
- Avoid companies that only accept cash or don’t provide a business address or customer support line.
With the right checks in place, airport parking can be a secure and convenient option. Always choose a provider that is transparent, properly accredited, and trusted by its customers.
How to Choose a Legitimate Company
1. Look for Professional Branding
In most cases, a company’s image is a reflection of its legitimacy and reliability.
- Look for a professional website, secure payment systems, and clear contact information.
- Vehicles and staff should be branded and easy to identify.
- Avoid companies with generic emails, unbranded vans, or unclear pickup instructions.
- Poor presentation can point to a lack of professionalism, or worse, a scam.
Some companies may have names similar to popular brands. For example, Liverpool’s skypark.co.uk and Skypark Manchester are not part of SkyParkSecure. This is not always malicious but can cause confusion for customers.
2. Verify the Location and Security Setup
A trustworthy parking provider should be clear about where your car will be stored and how it’s protected.
Check that the parking location is clearly described, with a real address rather than vague directions. Reputable companies are transparent about whether parking is on-site, off-site, or at a secured compound.
Look for details such as:
- Gated or fenced premises to prevent unauthorised access
- 24/7 staffing or patrols rather than unattended lots
- CCTV coverage across entry points and parking areas
- Controlled access systems, such as barriers or entry codes
Be cautious of providers that avoid sharing exact locations, change instructions last minute, or ask you to meet in unusual places. Lack of clarity around where your vehicle will be kept can be a red flag.
A legitimate provider will be open about their facilities and happy to explain how your car stays safe while you’re away.
3. Book Through Reputable Platforms
Use trusted booking platforms that vet their providers, like SkyParkSecure.
- These platforms perform background checks to ensure safety and reliability.
- You get access to real customer reviews, clear service descriptions, and customer support if anything goes wrong.
- Avoid unknown websites with no verified contact details, unclear terms, or missing reviews.
Look for platforms with transparency, customer service, and strong reputations.
4. Check for Proper Insurance
Make sure the provider offers clear insurance coverage for your vehicle.
- Ask what happens in case of theft, damage, or accidents while your car is parked.
- Confirm coverage for valet or meet-and-greet services, especially if staff will be driving your car.
- Get it in writing. Don’t rely on verbal promises or vague statements.
If they can’t explain their insurance policy, move on.
5. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
Super cheap prices often mean hidden risks.
- Legitimate providers invest in security, staff, and customer service, and that costs money.
- Very low prices might signal unsafe parking, unauthorised vehicle use, or no insurance.
- If it feels suspiciously cheap, trust your instincts and research further.
Low price should never come at the cost of peace of mind.
Common Airport Parking Scams
1. Rogue Meet and Greet Operators
Scammers often pose as legitimate valet-style parking services. You hand over your keys at the airport, but instead of your car being parked securely, it’s:
- Left in unmonitored areas or on public streets
- Driven extensively or even used for personal errands
- Returned late or with damage
Horror stories like these are becoming all too common and although rogue operators are often caught and prosecuted you don’t want to be one of their victims. Discover how one fake airport parking conman swindled travellers out of more than £1.3 million and has now been jailed.
Tip:Always book meet-and-greet services through trusted, vetted platforms.
2. Fake Booking Websites
Fraudulent websites mimic well-known brands or use names that sound similar to legitimate companies. These sites may:
- Collect payment details and then disappear
- Offer non-existent bookings
- Lack contact information or terms and conditions
Tip: Ensure the website URL is legitimate and book through established platforms with verified reviews.
3. Cash-Only Services
Some operators ask for cash on arrival and don’t provide a receipt, which means you’ve got no proof of payment if something goes wrong. It’s often a sign the business isn’t properly registered or insured. If there’s no paper trail, you’ll struggle to make a complaint or claim later.
Tip: Stick with providers that offer secure online payments and send a proper booking confirmation.
4. Unsecured or Nonexistent Car Parks
Some providers don’t even have proper facilities. Your car might be left in:
- Open fields
- Residential streets
- Unfenced or unlocked areas without CCTV
Tip: Look for the Park Mark Safer Parking Award and check satellite imagery or customer photos when possible.
5. Name Confusion
Some companies use names that are almost identical to trusted brands, causing confusion. This can lead to:
- Booking with the wrong company
- Missed pickups or drop-offs
- Lack of recourse if something goes wrong
Tip: Double-check company names and verify if they’re affiliated with larger platforms.
For more safety tips and tricks, read our guide on how to use airport WiFi safely, and how to protect your car while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an airport parking company is legitimate?
Check for accreditation like the Park Mark Safer Parking Award, read independent reviews, confirm proper insurance, and make sure the company has clear contact information and a professional online presence.
What is the Park Mark award, and why does it matter?
The Park Mark is a police-backed accreditation that confirms a parking facility meets high standards of safety, management, and cleanliness. It’s a trusted sign of legitimacy and professionalism.
Are meet and greet services safe?
They can be, but only if booked through a reputable platform or provider. Always check if the company is insured, if drivers are trained, and if the service is Park Mark approved.
What should I do if a company only accepts cash payments?
Be cautious. Legitimate companies typically offer secure online payment options and provide confirmation emails or invoices. Cash-only operations can be a red flag.
How far in advance should I book airport parking?
It’s best to book as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. Early booking gives you access to better prices and ensures availability with trusted providers.
Can I leave valuables in my car while it’s parked?
It’s recommended not to leave valuables in your vehicle. Even in secure car parks, it’s best to take anything valuable with you or store it out of sight.
What happens if my car is damaged while I’m away?
If you’ve chosen a reputable provider, they should have a clear claims process and insurance coverage in place. Make sure to check their damage policy before booking and take photos of your vehicle before drop-off as a precaution.
Main image: Julian Reinhart – Unsplash
