Meet and greet parking may be convenient but it is one of the most common airport parking pitfalls.
It’s popular with rogue meet and greet operators because they can take your money and park your car anywhere without you knowing.
You think your car has been parked in a safe and secure location, although it could end up parked in a muddy field in the middle of nowhere.
Meet and greet can be a great option to avoid airport drop-off fees but do your research first.
Before you book
- Check the company is registered at Companies House and that the details match the booking confirmation and website.
- Is the company genuine? Check the contact page.
- Check whether the operator is using a comparison website and read the terms carefully. The company you book through may not be the company actually storing your vehicle.
- Enter the address into Google maps.
- Check the most recent reviews on Google, Trustpilot and independent comparison sites – not just the testimonials on the company’s own website.
- Look for recurring complaints about damaged vehicles, excessive mileage, delays or unexpected charges.
- Be wary of prices that seem significantly cheaper than established operators.
- Confirm exactly where your vehicle will be parked rather than assuming it will remain on airport property.
- Does the company have a proper stand at the airport. Or do they simply meet you on arrival and hand over the keys?
- Check whether there are any additional shuttle or administration charges before booking.
- Can you pay by credit card?
- Do they have insurance to drive your car?
- Will your car be parked securely? Ask the firm to send you a photo of your parked vehicle and use Google Maps to verify the location.
When you drop your car off
- Photograph and do a walk-round video of the exterior, interior, fuel level and mileage – pay close attention to wheels and alloys before and after.
- Ask exactly where your vehicle will be parked.
- Ask for identification when you hand over your keys and get a receipt showing the company name, booking reference and condition of the vehicle.
When you collect it
- Inspect the vehicle before driving away.
- Check for scratches, dents, cracked trim, wheel damage and missing items.
- Compare the mileage with the reading when you dropped it off.
- Report any damage immediately and take photographs before leaving.
Check the company website
Park Mark – the blue Park Mark logo is awarded to car parks that have passed a police-backed risk assessment for safety and security.
This logo should give you the confidence that the parking operator has put in place measures designed to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour such as appropriate lighting, effective surveillance and a clean environment.
Keep your valuables safe
Remove all valuables from your car wherever possible. If you can’t, keep them completely out of sight.
Ensure your car is locked before you leave.
If something goes wrong
If your vehicle is damaged, driven around without your consent, returned dirty or if any other issues arise – don’t just accept it.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, meet and greet firms must provide the service with reasonable care and skill. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to compensation, reimbursement of any losses or a refund depending on the circumstances.
Report any issues with the meet and greet firm immediately, keep copies of all correspondence and photographs and stress there has been a ‘breach of contract’ under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Chargeback and Section 75 Claims
Another route is to make a chargeback with your bank or credit card provider to reverse and dispute the transaction within the first 120 days. Chargeback is a voluntary scheme banks subscribe to, which allows your bank to claim money from the retailer’s bank on disputes. You have a 120-day time limit from the date of transaction for debit and credit cards.
The transaction will be temporarily reversed, and the retailer will be given an opportunity to defend it. You need to stress ‘breach of contract’ on chargebacks as they are often declined on the first attempt.
If the booking cost more than £100 and you paid at least a deposit by credit card, you can make a Section 75 claim under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This holds the card provider jointly liable for a breach of contract.
If your card provider rejects your claim, ask for a ‘deadlock letter’ which sets out their final position so you can refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Avoid meet and greet firms altogether
Ask a friend for a lift to the airport. Get them to drop you outside of the perimeter to avoid drop-off fees.
Use public transport.
Look at park and stay rates at hotels near the airport.
See if you can park on someone’s drive near the airport and use public transport.
My view
Consumers have rights but they also need to take responsibility. Buying a car is the second biggest purchase you’re ever likely to make in your life. Would you hand your car keys to a stranger outside your home? I suspect the answer is no. So why would you hand your car keys to a stranger at an airport?
Do a few checks in advance. You are paying for more than a parking space – you’re paying for your vehicle to be kept safe. If it’s damaged or the service falls below what’s been promised, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 covers you.
Take photos, check where the car will actually be stored and pay by credit card where possible.
What are your experiences of meet and greet parking firms? Can you add anything to this?
