Meet & Greet parking (also called valet airport parking) is where a driver meets you right at the terminal, takes your car to a secure car park, and brings it back when you land. No shuttle buses or hunting for a space. Just hand over the keys and walk to check-in.
“With competitive pricing and trusted operators, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is in safe hands while you travel.”
How does Meet and Greet parking usually work?
| Feature | Meet & Greet Parking | Park & Ride Parking |
| Drop-off location | At the terminal. | At an off-site car park. |
| Transfer to airport | None. Walk straight in. | Shuttle bus to terminal. |
| Luggage handling | Minimal walking. | May need to carry to bus. |
| Best for | Families, business travellers, heavy luggage, mobility needs. | Budget-conscious travellers. |
| Booking | Strongly advised in advance. | Advised, but sometimes on-the-day is available. |
| Time savings | Significant. | Moderate. |
| Security | Varies by provider. Check accreditation. | Often strictly vetted sites. |
| Driving | Driven by chauffeur to secure car park. | You park it yourself. |
| Wait on return | Short or none. | Wait for shuttle bus. |
Service and instructions can vary by airport and provider, but most meet and greet parking providers follow a similar format:
- Book Your Space: Reserve your Meet & Greet parking online in advance, ideally at the same time you book your flight, to secure the best price and guarantee availability.
- Arrive at the Airport: On departure day, drive straight to your terminal. Depending on the provider, you may need to call ahead. A fully insured chauffeur will meet you at the agreed spot.
- Hand Over Your Car: Meet your driver, hand over your keys, and they’ll& conduct a quick check of your vehicle. Your car will then be taken to a secure, monitored car park for the duration of your trip.
- Pick Up on Return: After landing, call your parking provider once you’ve collected your luggage. Your chauffeur will bring your car back to the terminal, ready for you to load up and head home.
Meet and Greet Tips:
- Use reputable operators (look for accredited car parks in the UK).
- Photograph your car and mileage when you hand it over.
- Check insurance, opening hours, and height/EV restrictions.
- Read the meet point details. Each terminal can differ.
Where can I find Meet and Greet Airport Parking?
SkyParkSecure offers meet and greet parking services at all major UK airports, including Manchester, Stansted, Heathrow, Luton and Gatwick. To book airport parking for the location closest to you, see the full list of airports we cover.
With competitive pricing and trusted operators, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your car is in safe hands while you travel.
Pros and Cons of Meet and Greet Parking
Pros
- Quickest and most convenient option: You drive straight to the terminal drop-off point, hand over your keys, and walk into the airport. No shuttle buses, no long walks, and no hunting for a parking space.
- Perfect for families: Avoid the stress of juggling children, suitcases, and long transfers.
- Ideal for travellers with heavy luggage: Great if you have sports equipment, large suitcases, or multiple bags.
- Helpful for passengers with mobility needs: Reduces walking distance and removes the need to board transfer buses.
- Time-saving for business travellers: Lets you maximise your time and minimise delays when catching flights.
- 24/7 availability at many airports: Flexible for early morning or late-night departures.
Cons
- More expensive than park-and-ride: Premium convenience often comes with a higher price tag.
- Possible short waits on pickup: During peak times, you may wait a few minutes for your car to arrive.
- Extra charges for delays or late returns: Some companies charge additional fees if your flight is delayed or you return outside your booked times.
- Not all providers are equally secure: Some cheaper operators may not park your car in fully secured or monitored facilities; research before booking.
- Requires trust: You’re handing your keys and vehicle to someone else, so it’s important to use a reputable, insured provider.
Who Benefits Most from Meet & Greet Airport Parking?
Although meet and greet parking is increasingly affordable and far from exclusive, the following groups are best suited to the service:
- Business Travellers: For frequent work trips, time is money. Meet & Greet parking offers a fast and smooth experience so business travellers can avoid unnecessary delays.
- Families: Travelling with children and luggage can be stressful. With Meet & Greet, there’s no need to wrestle with shuttle buses or trek through large car parks, making both the start and end of your holiday much easier.
- Travellers with Accessibility Needs: Perfect for elderly passengers or anyone with mobility challenges. The short walking distance and lack of transfers make it a hassle-free choice.
- Frequent Flyers: For those who fly often and value comfort and speed, Meet & Greet parking helps make every trip smoother and more predictable.
- Luxury or High-Value Car Owners: Owners of premium vehicles like to choose Meet & Greet for the extra care and security. With SkyParkSecure, all our car parks are strictly vetted, so they’re secure and well-protected by police standards.
For more parking insights, visit our guide to on-airport parking and overview on airport park and ride.
FAQs
What is meet and greet airport parking?
Meet and greet airport parking is a premium service where a driver collects your car at the terminal and parks it for you, returning it to the same spot when you arrive back.
How does meet and greet parking work?
You book in advance, drive to the terminal, meet your assigned driver, hand over your keys, and head straight to check-in. When you return, your car will be waiting for you at the agreed meeting point.
Which airports offer meet and greet parking?
Most major UK and international airports offer meet and greet parking, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester Airport, Stansted, and Birmingham Airport.
Is meet and greet parking safe?
Reputable providers use secure, monitored compounds and fully insured drivers. Always check if the parking facility is legitimate.
How much does meet and greet parking cost?
Prices fluctuate depending on the airport, season, and booking date. Booking early often gives the best rates.
Do I need to book meet and greet parking in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy travel seasons, to secure availability and lower prices.
Can I use meet and greet parking for early or late flights?
Most services operate 24/7 but always confirm opening hours and any out-of-hours fees with your provider.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Inform the provider as soon as possible. Reputable companies will track flight information to adjust pickup times.
Where do I meet my driver at the airport?
Your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting point, which may vary by terminal.
Can meet and greet parking save me time?
Yes. You skip the shuttle bus or long walk from the car park and head straight into the terminal.
Is meet and greet parking suitable for families and disabled travellers?
Absolutely. It’s especially useful if you have heavy luggage, young children, or mobility challenges.
Do drivers perform a vehicle inspection?
Yes, most providers record your vehicle’s condition and mileage when you hand over your keys.
