Travel & Places Air Travel

Pros and Cons of the Different Types of Airport Parking Facilities

Why is it essential to book a car parking space when you are planning a trip somewhere? For the simple reason that this is the most convenient option you have. When you opt for an airport parking for your car, you need not arrange for any other transport to the airport. You can drive in your own car to the airport.

Your car stays in the secure parking space for the period you are away and is handed over to you once you come back. Therefore, you need not bother about how to get home after your return.

A number of car parking services are available in the Southampton Airport. The question is which one do you choose? Before you make any decision about this, you need to understand that different services may work in different ways. You need to know the categories of airport parking services and their pros and cons before you select one.

On-site airport parking: Like every airport, the Southampton Airport also has an on-site parking facility. You can book a parking space for your car here. You can also drive in on the day of your journey and arrange for a parking space.

The advantage of on-site airport parking is that your car stays within the airport premises. You can drive it to the allotted space and take it when you come back. There is no need to give your keys to a chauffeur or ride a bus to the terminal.

The downside is it is often the most expensive choice. Another problem is that the parking area may not be as near the terminal as you would like it to be. Airports are big places, and you cannot really expect that your car would be parked near the runway!

Off-site airport parking: Parking facilities for vehicles may be available just outside the airport premises. You may opt for these facilities but before you do make sure that they are close to the airport.

The advantage of this choice is that you get an affordable way to park and leave your car within secured premises. This makes it possible for you to afford a parking place for your vehicle even when you are on a strict budget.

The downside of off-site airport parking is that you may have to walk for a few minutes after you park your car. This becomes a hassle if elderly family members or small children are with you or if you have heavy luggage.

Airport "park and ride" service: You can get this service from many airport parking services in Southampton. Most of them require you to park your car in their secured area, or let a chauffeur do it, and take an airport transfer from there.

The advantage of a "park and ride" service is that you do not need to pay much for it. You need not walk to the airport terminal as well. A bus or coach operated by the service would take you there.

The downside is that you have to take a bus or coach from the decided point. You may also find it bothersome to find the allotted space to park your car when you are in a hurry to catch a flight. This often bothers people about the service.

Valet airport parking: This is the ultimate in comfort you can get from an airport parking service. The "meet and greet" option, as it is popularly known, works in a simple way and you arrive at the terminal and let a chauffeur drive your vehicle and park it in the allotted space.

The advantage of this choice is that you need not bother about anything about your journey to the airport or the safety and security of your car. After you arrive at the Southampton Airport, all you need to do is give the keys to the trained chauffeur and board your flight.

The downside of valet parking at the airport is that it is more expensive than the "park and ride" option. However, if you consider the advantages you get from this type of service, you would understand that they easily outweigh the costs.


Leave a reply