Our most recent holiday was always going to be splendid, involving a luxurious hotel (the Domes of Elounda, which we will write about soon) in a beautiful place (Crete). However, I did have one major concern, which worried me even before we were going to leave the country. And that involved how we would get to the airport.We were flying to Heraklion Airport, going via Gatwick and coming back on a bank holiday Monday where there was the risk of a rail strike. My husband and I decided we should drive to the airport in case the strike did go ahead, but this meant the risk of traffic jams, then all the hassle of airport parking. It was not a very cheery thought.
Ah yes, airport parking. In my experience this involves stress and rush. At least until now.....
I say this because we were really spoilt this holiday. Instead of a frantic drive to the airport then struggling with luggage and children while jumping on a courtesy bus to the airport, we tried out Meet and Greet parking via APH. And I have to say we were impressed.
If you don't know what Meet and Greet parking is, it is exactly what the name suggests - someone meets you and then takes away your car to look after it for a week. Having looked into parking at the main airport car park, we were surprised to find that Meet & Greet was in the same kind of ballpark when it comes to money. And it is rather more relaxing.
We drove to Gatwick the day we were leaving, having already giving APH an idea of when we would get there. We also rang from the car to confirm when we would arrive. Barry was waiting for us in the short-stay orange carpark when we arrived. He was extremely friendly and checked over our car with us (so we would know if anything had happened to it when we were away), noting down any scratches or dents. He also told us that the distance to the depot was seven miles away, so we would see an extra 15 miles on our car when we returned from our holiday.
After filling in the paperwork, he reminded us to take our hats, mobile phones and gloves and wished us a good holiday! It was as simple as that. We were off to check-in, with no transfer to a minibus or hassle at all. We all felt remarkably relaxed, and we knew our car was safe.
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Barry was helpful and friendly![/caption]On our return to Gatwick, it was similarly straightforward. We rang APH when we were in baggage reclaim and another Barry (maybe only men called Barry are allowed to work at this company) met us in the orange car park with our car. It was all incredibly quick and I have to say, it really did take away one of the negatives I associate with holidays. There is simply so little stress with this method and it is also something we would try again. Plus I think it would be even more rewarding if you had small children and all the paraphernalia that involves....
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We look quite relaxed for a return from holiday, don't we?[/caption]Disclosure: We tried out APH's meet and greet parking on a complimentary basis, but the company had no input into this blog post. One week’s Meet & Greet airport parking at Gatwick Airport with Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) costs from £74.95. To book, visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859536.
I love Meet and Greet parking at the airport - it's just the best option, especially if you have a horrible early morning flight. I've used APH a couple of times too and they're excellent.
ReplyDeleteYes, there was nothing not to like!
ReplyDeleteYES! We have used APH's Meet and Greet and absolutely loved it - so nice to not have to lug bags and children across carparks or on airport shuttle buses that don't turn up....we love it!
ReplyDeleteI've always been nervous of a meet and greet because when you book in advance, it can often work out the cheaper option. I think it's because I saw a Watchdog programme where they drove off and left your car in a residential street not looked after! I clearly need to get over this and try it out on your recommendation
ReplyDeleteWe did Meet and Greet parking at Luton and it was fantastic - definitely would do it again. Last time we flew from Heathrow we treated ourselves to a night at the Sofitel which is just a 10 minute walk to the departures at T5 this probably beat Meet and Greet but only slightly! x
ReplyDeleteI don't so overseas travel by air at the moment but this sounds like a great idea to cut out all the faff. I'm on the doorstep of Manchester airport though so probably have it very easy!
ReplyDeleteWould not benefit form this much as don't tend to go abroad but is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI love meet and greet parking. I went on a trip on my own and it made me feel so much more secure
ReplyDeleteThis service sound so hassle free! When you are travelling, it's important to ensure that plans are as smooth running as possible so this service seems like it would be a great idea.
ReplyDeleteWe always do meet and greet. It is worth every penny
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this was even a thing! This would be perfect with young children and much cheaper than I expected for a week.
ReplyDeleteYes, I really think it takes the stress away and isn't too costly either.
ReplyDeleteAh, a night at a hotel sounds good too!
ReplyDeleteI tried this for the first time when my daughter was about 10 months old, and I'm hooked now. I quite often fly from Gatwick, so that means driving and we do meet and greet every time. When I'm travelling alone with my three-year-old, complete with buggy and suitcase, I cannot bear to think of negotiating shuttle buses as well, especially if jetlag is involved! And as you've discovered, it's surprising that it's not normally much more expensive. I've used various companies, including APH, and have never (touch wood) had a problem.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes , yes - we have used this twice now and it is the best way to travel and park
ReplyDeleteI know, it makes me not want to try anything else!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a plan! It's worst when you are tired trying to negotiate how you will get home from holiday.
ReplyDeleteUsed meet and greet for the first time two years ago when we had a small baby and have always used since. Takes away all the hassle of parking and walking with luggage!
ReplyDeleteI really should be commenting on the meet and greet but can't get past the fact that you've been to the Domes of Elounda! Have seen this in brochures and online so often and drooled about it. Can't wait to hear how you got on.
ReplyDeleteAs for the meet and greet, I have a husband who is nervous, like Ting, about someone driving off with his vehicle. So, for now, it's park and bus!
I love this idea - anything that gets our holiday off to an easier start x x
ReplyDeleteI do like the sound of this, so much better than struggling to find a spot, then traipsing all over with your luggage!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, I hope this is ok to post.
ReplyDeleteMeet and greet parking is really convenient but do be careful who you book with. Always look for the ParkMark logo on the company's website, and if you're flying from Gatwick, always use a Gatwick Approved Operator - APH is one of only eight companies approved. You'll find a list of approved ones here: http://www.gatwickairport.com/parking/other-parking-options/operator-scheme/
Oh wow this sounds like a great idea!
ReplyDeleteIt's fine to post this, thanks Paula. It seems genuinely useful!
ReplyDeleteIf you use an approved, insured, company, I don't think they'd drive off! And yes, Domes was utterly gorgeous...
ReplyDeleteI think we would go for this next time we go on holiday
ReplyDeleteWe've used this service before and it really is hassle free and anything which helps make life easier is good to me
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a far better option than paying for airport parking. Especially as it's a similar price.
ReplyDeleteYes,
ReplyDeleteIt is a very very good experience to use meet and greet at airports especially in London.
Yes many times and it is a very fantastic mode of car parking at the airport.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have tried meet and greet parking service many times and it is always the best experience and the best advantage is that my car is secure and safe.
ReplyDeleteMeet and greet is the best way of Airport Car Parking and very helpful to park a car safely and sound.
ReplyDelete