Roberta Aguirre
Gatwick Airport parking can be a stressful experience, especially with the unpredictability of flights and travel plans. If you've pre-booked airport parking, you may be wondering if you can arrive early. The short answer is yes, in most cases, you can enter airport parking early. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as potential early arrival fees and checking the terms of your booking. Airports generally accommodate early arrivals, but it's best to contact the parking provider directly to confirm their policy and any potential charges. Pre-booking is beneficial for ensuring a smooth experience and getting the best price, but it's not essential. Gatwick Airport car parks are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and parking prices vary by car park and date of travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I arrive early for airport parking at Gatwick? | Yes, in most cases, you can enter airport parking early. |
| Early arrival fees | Some airport parking providers charge extra if you arrive before your booked time, especially if it means crossing into a new 24-hour period. |
| Flexible booking options | Some providers offer flexible parking options that allow you to arrive early without incurring additional charges. |
| Advantages of arriving early | Arriving early can help alleviate the stress of unexpected delays and secure a better parking space. |
| Gatwick Airport's policy | If you have booked Gatwick Airport Official parking, you can access the car park up to two hours prior to your booking. However, if you arrive before the 24-hour period you've booked, you'll need to pay for an extra day at the standard overstay prices. |
| Gatwick Airport's recommendation | Gatwick Airport recommends allowing enough time to comfortably park your car and make your way from the car park to the terminal, especially for long-stay parking. |
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What You'll Learn
Gatwick Airport official parking allows early access
Yes, you can arrive early for airport parking at Gatwick. If you have booked Gatwick Airport Official parking, you can access the car park up to two hours prior to your booking. However, parking prices are applied to 24-hour periods, so if you arrive before the 24-hour period you've booked, you'll need to pay for an extra day at the airport's standard overstay prices. The fees are applied per day you are earlier than your original booking.
It is recommended that you pre-book your parking, as this often results in a reduced price and guarantees you a reserved space. You can also amend or cancel your booking up to 24 hours before your arrival time. When pre-booking, it is helpful to provide your flight landing time, so that the car park can have your vehicle ready for your return.
While most car parks will accommodate early arrivals, it is best to check the terms of your booking, as some car parks charge extra if you arrive before your booked time, especially if this means crossing into a new 24-hour period. If you are using a Meet & Greet service, it is recommended that you call ahead to inform them of your change in plans, as arriving too early could mean waiting for an available driver.
Gatwick Airport has a range of parking options, including Short Stay, Mid Stay, Long Stay, and Premium Short Stay. The Short Stay South car park has a height restriction of 2m, while the North Terminal's Short Stay Car Park 5 has a height restriction of 1.8m. The Long Stay car park can be accessed via a bus transfer, which takes 20 minutes from the North Terminal and 10 minutes from the South Terminal.
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Early arrival fees may be charged
If you are planning to arrive at Gatwick airport earlier than your booked time, it is important to be aware of the potential for early arrival fees. While it is generally possible to enter airport parking early, there may be additional charges, especially if your early arrival means crossing into a new 24-hour period.
Gatwick Airport's official parking policy states that car park prices are applied to 24-hour periods. Therefore, if you arrive before the start of your booked 24-hour period, you will be charged for the additional time at the standard overstay prices. These fees are applied for each day that you are earlier than your original booking.
Other parking providers at Gatwick may have similar policies, so it is important to check the terms and conditions of your booking. Some providers may offer flexible options that allow early arrival without extra charges, so consider choosing one of these providers if you anticipate the need for some flexibility.
If you are unsure about the early arrival policy of your chosen parking provider, it is recommended to contact their customer support team directly. They will be able to confirm whether early arrival is permitted and inform you of any associated charges. By understanding the specifics of your booking, you can ensure that you don't encounter unexpected fees and have a smooth and stress-free parking experience.
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Contact the parking provider to confirm early arrival
If you're uncertain about the early arrival policy, it's best to contact the parking provider directly. Their customer support team can confirm whether an early arrival is permitted and what charges may apply. For instance, some airport parking providers charge extra if you arrive before your booked time, especially if it means crossing into a new 24-hour period. If you do decide to arrive early, you may encounter early arrival fees, or you may need to wait for an available driver in the case of Meet & Greet services.
Contacting the parking provider directly is the best way to understand their specific policies and any potential charges for early arrival. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about your travel plans and ensure a smooth and stress-free parking experience.
When you contact the parking provider, be sure to have your booking details ready, including your confirmation number, arrival and departure dates, and any other relevant information. It's also a good idea to ask about any potential fees that may apply for early arrival, as these can vary depending on the provider and your specific booking.
Additionally, consider providing them with your flight landing time if you have it. This allows them to plan for your arrival and have your vehicle ready for your return, ensuring a smooth transition back home. Most providers are understanding of unpredictable travel plans and will do their best to accommodate your needs.
Remember, each parking provider may have different policies and procedures regarding early arrival, so contacting them directly is the best way to confirm their specific guidelines.
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Potential for waiting with Meet & Greet services
Meet & Greet services at Gatwick Airport offer a convenient and stress-free parking experience, allowing travellers to save time and avoid the hassle of searching for a parking space. These services are provided by various companies, including APH and I Love Meet & Greet, with slightly different procedures but the same underlying concept.
For the APH Meet & Greet service, travellers are instructed to call the company when they are 10 minutes away from the airport. Upon arrival at the designated meeting point, a chauffeur will be waiting to take possession of the vehicle and park it in a secure facility. The process is straightforward, and travellers can rest assured that their cars are safe and well-taken care of.
I Love Meet & Greet offers a similar service, allowing customers to drop off their vehicles at the terminal entrance and head straight inside. Their service is available for both the North and South Terminals, with uniformed drivers ready to assist. The company has over 40 years of experience and maintains competitive pricing, ensuring a seamless and affordable experience for travellers.
While Meet & Greet services provide convenience and peace of mind, it is important to manage expectations regarding arrival times. Most car parks understand that travellers may arrive earlier or later than expected, and they will accommodate such situations as best they can. However, it is always a good idea to inform them in advance if possible. Additionally, car park prices at Gatwick Airport are based on 24-hour periods, so arriving earlier may result in an additional day's charge.
Overall, Meet & Greet services at Gatwick Airport offer a seamless and efficient experience, allowing travellers to bypass the hassle of parking and proceed directly to their check-in. With reliable and experienced operators, travellers can have confidence in the safety and security of their vehicles during their trip.
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Advantages of early arrival include better parking spaces
Yes, you can arrive early for airport parking at Gatwick. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check the terms of your booking, as some car parks charge extra if you arrive before your booked time, especially if it means crossing into a new 24-hour period. In this case, you may be charged for the additional time. Secondly, if you have booked a Meet & Greet service, arriving too early could mean waiting for an available driver, so it is best to call ahead and inform them of your change in plans.
Pre-booking your airport parking is beneficial but not essential. By pre-booking, you can be sure to get the best price for your trip and have the peace of mind that a space is reserved for you. However, if you haven't pre-booked, you can still view the roll-up prices for each car park and book upon arrival. Remember to allow enough time to comfortably park your car and make your way from the car park to the terminal, especially if you are parking in the Long Stay car park, as the bus transfer can take up to 20 minutes.
Your airline will advise you on how early you should arrive at the airport. Gatwick Airport recommends booking as early as possible to secure a reduced price and protect yourself from future price fluctuations. If you are providing your flight landing time, you can update it before you travel, and the airport can have your vehicle ready for a smooth departure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most cases, you can enter airport parking early. However, you may have to pay for an extra day at the airport's standard overstay prices if you arrive before the start of your 24-hour parking period.
If you have booked Gatwick Airport Official parking, you can access the car park up to two hours prior to your booking.
For car parks where someone does your parking, it is best to check the contact details on your booking confirmation and call them beforehand to let them know when to expect you.
Some airport parking providers charge extra if you arrive before your booked time, especially if it means crossing into a new 24-hour period. However, some providers offer flexible parking options that allow you to arrive early without incurring additional charges.
Arriving early can help alleviate the stress of unexpected delays. In long-stay car parks, arriving early can also give you a greater selection of spots, which could mean a shorter walk to the terminal.
