How to spend the time you are waiting at the airport

In order to provide organized and secure flights for the millions of travellers passing through the World’s airports every year, passengers are asked to arrive at the airport two or three hours before their flight takes off. Transfers between one flight and the other also may last several hours. If passengers didn’t mentally prepare themselves for this waiting time, it can be quite frustrating to wait for several hours after having checked in and passed security checks..
There are additional challenges if you are travelling with children, as you have to keep them busy.

Fortunately, many airports are prepared for these events, and offer a wide range of services, entertainment, shopping opportunities and cafés or restaurants you can access during your waiting time. Just be careful not to miss your flight….

Visit an art gallery…

Let’s have a look at the many ways Heathrow Airport is offering relaxation and entertainment to their passengers while they are waiting for their flight.

Heathrow Airport displays one of the World’s only on-airport art galleries at Terminal 5. An ideal opportunity to discover the variety of artwork by renowned artists, and also produced by young artists starting their career. At the Art Gallery your time will go by in a fly…

Relaxation and massage!

How about relaxation, massage, make-up and even manicure? At all Heathrow Airport terminals – and in many international airports – you can get a fast or more extensive massage to relax your muscles before flight. And if you want to look like a movie star, you can even have a specialist giving you make-up and manicure. If you are a man, you might prefer to get your shoes shined… a free service is provided. And the best, these astounding services are free of charge….

Some airports even offer a yoga studio, fitness equipment or ping-pong tables – at Singapore Airport you can find a swimming pool and Jacuzzi. While you can go ice-skating at South Korea’s Seoul Airport, Hong Kong’s airport even offers an on-airport golf course! You may use your spare time to get common vaccinations – like flu vaccination; you may even have your teeth whitened.  So get a health shot…

While Dubai Airport impresses through its wonderful inner decoration, if you travel through Kuala Lumpur you can visit the rainforest – right inside the airport!

Have a nap!

Travelling is tiring, especially if you travel through long distances. You may get a solution even to that problem. Many airports now offer comfortable seats, in which you can relax or have a nap. At Heathrow Terminal 3, you can even rent a small Yotel room (for a minimum period of 3 hours), but only during daytime.

Go shopping

You may also like to go shopping in the luxury duty-free shops, or just have a look at the many items around. Think about loved ones, friends and colleagues to whom you could bring a souvenir from your trip… You could even give some to people at the hotels or places you visit! They will be delighted…

Or play games

Why not choose to play a game. If you travel with other people, a card game, board game or guessing game may be fun, even more so if children travel with you. Some airports also offer gaming stations – for free. What about a “flash mob?” These flash assemblies of people at a certain point of the airport – often performing a short theatrical movement and quickly dissolving – is an amusing way to distract the crowds. Why not be delighted by a “flash mob” done – let’s say – by beautiful stewardesses? You may even participate in one… And can you guess what Las Vegas Airport offers to its travellers? A casino with slot machines of course!

Yes, of course, you are at a busy airport. There are several coffee shops at Heathrow giving you a view on the runways. Don’t miss that exceptional opportunity…

Maybe you feel hungry (or thirsty) and planned to fill your waiting time having a good dish or sitting at the bar.

Another entertaining activity is to observe people from all-over the World passing by. Try to guess where they are from, or observe their clothing and behaviour – you may guess something about their culture, or try to imagine their personal story, their profession, and the aim of their travel… This is also a fun activity if you travel with children, and gives you the opportunity to teach them something about other regions of the World.

Entertain your children

As a similar activity, you may look at the departure board and locate the many towns that appear. Did you know all of them? If not, you can look them up through the Internet. This as well is a curious activity to practice with your accompanying children. Similarly, you can take a seat overlooking the airplane traffic and let them guess the various plane types. By the way, there are some excellent books to keep children busy during your journey (but you might have to buy them beforehand). You can order them online through the following link:

http://www.usborne.com/catalogue/book/1~AB~ABHT~4167/50-things-to-spot-at-the-airport.aspx

Some airports also offer a supervised play area for young children.

Are you travelling alone? That may be an opportunity to know new people… If you spot another lonely traveller, you can start a conversation with a friendly “Hello”. You might meet interesting people, and possibly even become friends!

If you still hesitate, you can just use your smart phone or tablet to surf the web – most international airports offer free Wi-Fi connections. Or use your time to read a book or a newspaper, maybe you don’t benefit often from this opportunity.

Take a city tour…

You may have a long transit time until your connecting flight; but don’t be desperate, you may even participate in a city tour! This wonderful idea has been turned into reality by Utah, Istanbul and Singapore airports; they offer a free visit of their city in their own buses for passengers in transit through their place. Singapore even offers a day- and a night-tour… Not only is it an ideal means of entertaining their travellers, they might easily be convinced to come back to their town next time!

Great future!

Singapore’s Changi Airport also stuns its passengers with a 4-storey slide, a cactus garden, a butterfly garden with more than 1000 species, a free cinema as well as free computers and famous TV program displays. A new feature is LG’s “Social Tree”, a large round screen with consoles all around where people can “video chat” in real time. And that’s not all! The airport plans a new glass-covered 134’000 square meter complex, with gardens, shopping and restaurants – but the main attraction will be a 40 meters high water fountain, which will feature laser light illumination and synchronized light and sound shows! This fabulous attraction should open in 2018.

With all these activities you can do at the World’s airports, you will even regret the waiting time until you board your next flight is not longer….

Working as an airline pilot – is it a dream job?

You drove to a London airport with your family, parked your car choosing one of the many airport parking options, and walk into the terminal, be it to fly to your vacation destination – or to offer your family a nice and enriching day out in the thriving airport atmosphere.

Among the many people from all different regions and cultures of the World mixing in the hall, you notice one man in a perfectly tidy uniform, discerning himself from all the people around him. Why? He is a pilot. He personifies the dream I was playing and replaying in my mind in all shapes, colours and variations when I was an adolescent. I peek at my 15-years old son – and see him staring at the pilot with a glimmer in his eyes. I see what is going on in his mind – he is dreaming of becoming a pilot… Even my 12-years old daughter seems to be fascinated by this man – she sees him as a hero, a man who achieved the impossible, admired and coveted by everybody.

But is piloting an airline jet really a dream job? Flying certainly is one of the oldest ambitions of mankind. Who has been flying, even only once in his or her life, usually longs for taking the air again. And whose aspiration is to look at the beauty of our planet from above – and feel the sensation of freedom and excitement the birds made their own – will never stop looking to the sky wishing to be there. That’s why piloting an airline jet is certainly a fascinating activity.

Mental and financial efforts required

But being a professional pilot implies much more than just the “flying” part. It requires huge efforts – both mental and financial – just in preliminary studies and training. Aspiring pilots should complete a 4-years study, preferably in aviation management, aviation technology and aircraft engineering that are combined with ‘pilot studies’ or other studies providing a good understanding of mathematics and physics.

After completion of the university or college studies, the contender will have to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). If he (or she) can afford an integrated course, it will last about 18 months – and cost between £80’000 and 90’000. The student may also obtain the licence in a modulated course, allowing him – or her – to work and contribute to the costs.

That’s when the aspiring pilot can finally start flying (unless he or she could afford flying lessons before that) – and fully concentrate on the many skills, constraints and requirements that are needed to fly a commercial airplane.  Beside the prerequisite of excellent knowledge in mathematics, physics, technical an basic engineering, a flawless physical and mental health and sight, the future pilot will also need to demonstrate an outstanding spatial awareness and coordination, English language and communication skills, the aptitude to think quickly and make decisions, team-working and leadership skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure and keep control under difficult circumstances.  There are also essential character traits a pilot must ascertain; inflexible discipline, self-confidence and commitment, and the awareness of the huge responsibilities he (or she) will be bearing. – In addition to a lot of patience.

Can our young pilot finally take the commands of a passenger airliner? No, not yet. Now he or she has to accumulate full 1500 hours of practice to be recognized as a captain – in the form of flight hours. According to his or her progress, the new pilot may find an employment as first officer, and later be promoted to senior first officer.   Beside the huge amount of hours they have to accumulate, the young pilots desiring to apply for a promotion as captain need to complete another intensive training course. When the need for commercial pilots is big, airline companies may agree with a newly licensed pilot and  give him or her the opportunity to fly as much as possible (of course, together with operating crew) , but often at a low wage. Others try to accumulate flying hours by flying small planes, agricultural or fire-extinguishing planes, cargo planes etc.).

Finally a captain…

Let’s say our young pilot – after renouncing on so many activities young people usually appreciate – finally advanced to the prestigious position of captain, and from an average salary to a more attractive remuneration.  So are the constraints finally over? No, they even become harsher. The captain must really love his job to be able to bear them. His responsibility grows; every smallest error or mishap could be used against him. If he flies long-haul flights, he will be away from his home for half to three quarters of the month. That’s especially hard to bear if the pilot has a family, and must renounce on many family events. He will change time zones and climates as well as food habits several times in a week. Furthermore, he will have to sleep at hotels which are not always comfortable. Pilots say they are “living out of a suitcase”… And next day, they will be in charge of another flight that may challenge them to cross stormy clouds or lead them from a burning sun to snow-covered landscapes.

However, what pilots criticize most is the fact that since the last twenty years – with the boom of low-fare airlines – wages, benefits and services to the flying staff all diminished. Moreover, if a senior first officer or captain want to apply for another airline, their career might not be recognized and they have to start the whole career program again.

So is the position of airline pilot really the dream job we imagine? If he loves flying, loves being at the command of the wonderful flying machine that is an airliner, and appreciates the opportunity of discovering the World – country by country, city by city, culture by culture – than the pleasure, excitement and thrill of being in the air – observing the wonderful land and sea formations, flying through the clouds, into sunrise and sunset – and the prestige and admiration people award him, reward him for his sacrifices.

Now, when you join your children in the airport cafeteria in observing the planes on the tarmac, you can tell them what the life of an airline pilot looks like. And you can explain them what efforts, Endeavour and struggle they have to wage if they want to become airline pilots. If they are still convinced they want to achieve their dream, definitely encourage them. There is nothing more fascinating than flying!

AIRPORT CAR PARKING – IT’S LIKE A SAFE WHILE YOU ARE TRAVELLING

We agree, the airport car parking is probably not the first thing you think about when you plan a journey. However, it has its significance. As you need to be sure your money is secured in a safe while you are away – protected from anything that could harm it, so you want your car as well to be protected and secured so that you will find it ready to drive you home when you return. That’s why including the airport car park into your planning is important. Furthermore, if you book your parking in advance you will be sure to find a parking space – and you will even obtain price reductions.

If you travel for business, you may pay more attention to the convenience, proximity to the terminal or the option of having your car parked for you by a specialized service. This will save precious time and set you free to perform more urgent tasks. A business traveller may also opt for the most expedient airport to take off to his destination in the first place.

Leisure travellers however take their time to arrange their holidays; vacation planning is part of the joy and excitement they feel even before their actual voyage and it is usually a favourite discussion subject within the family. While arranging their holiday, they are more likely to compare the various options and prices offered by London’s five largest airports. Except if they want to travel to far locations – in which case they will probably fly from Heathrow Airport, they have a large choice of holiday packages offered by the other airports that focus more on Europe- and North Africa-bound vacations. Usually, the airports hosting low-price airlines also provide price worthy parking options, and some even offer special holiday bargains.

Anyway, it is not crucial that you be flying in order to drive to the airport. You may wish to go to the airport with your family as a week-end recreational trip, for a change from your daily environment, to experience the stimulating international environment in this busy crossing point, to eat out… or to let your children take amazing pictures of the various airplanes landing and taking off. It will be a highly enjoyable outing for the whole family.

London airport Parking prices one week, one day or 5 hours

To get a general idea of the prices of London’s Airport Parking, we selected a random week in summer 2015, a random full day and a 5 hours’ stay. As prices slightly vary according to the day of the week, season and month of the year, they are to be considered as indicative only; you should search for the right option through the Internet by yourselves once you know your travel dates and time.

Heathrow Airport:

Gatwick Airport:

 Stansted Airport:

Luton Airport:

London City Airport

THE CHOICE IS UP TO YOU

As we can see, the prices for priority services – Valet as well as “Meet & Greet” parking – are in the same category no matter which airport you choose. Anyone who is in a hurry, who needs to manage his or her time, who travels with children or elderly people, or who needs the convenience of being able to drop his or her luggage close to the entrance of the airport, will certainly appreciate these privileged services. You drive to a specially designated place close to the terminal, and leave your car to a professional driver who will park it on a secured space for you. When you come back from your journey, your car will be brought to you so that you can easily load your luggage and drive home – or to your office. There are several companies offering this kind of service, so you may find varying prices.  While you search for the appropriate option through the booking form on the Internet, you will also find a rating given by former customers to the respective services. This may further help you select the best option.

In general, long-stay parking options are cheaper than short-stay parking lots, as they are located farther away from the airport and require a shuttle service to take you to the airport. If you select this option, don’t forget to secure some additional time to wait for the shuttle – and include the transfer time into you planning.

The terms “short-stay”, “mid-stay” and “long-stay” don’t effectively relate to the time-span in which you want to keep your car at the airport. They rather refer to the distance of the parking from the entrance of the airport, and consequently to the price scale. If you prefer the comfort of driving to the parking closest to your terminal – which is usually the short-stay parking – you may well leave your car there for an extended period of time. On the other hand, if you decide to visit the airport with your family as an entertaining week-end outing, you may benefit from the lower price of the long-stay parking and leave your car there during the whole day for a low fee.

Beside the general considerations, we see that parking prices at airports that are more focused on low-tariff flights and vacations are lower. If you are arranging your holiday, it is therefore a good idea to compare the long-stay prices of the airport parking – together with the holiday packages flying from that airport – and to select the best combined offer.

We wish you a nice and happy holiday, with the peace of mind that your car is in secure hands and good care…

STANSTED AIRPORT PARKING – THE LARGEST AIRPORT CAR PARK IN EUROPE

Did you know that London Stansted holds the European record as the airport offering the largest parking facilities? In fact, Stansted parking holds a capacity for 25’726 cars! More than enough to leave your car at the airport – benefiting from the high security monitoring of the parking lots, the excellent price offers and the large choice of options at hand!

Stansted offers a wide range of direct-flight destinations – more than 150 – to all of Europe, some North African vacation spots and inland flights to major towns of the United Kingdom. Stansted is the major hub of Ryanair, who by its own operates flights to 100 major towns and holiday destinations – mostly year-round, but some season-based. In 2014, 19,9 million passengers used the services of Stansted Airport – an increase of 11.7% from the former year. Recent expansions make sure that your airport experience be pleasant and comfortable. More than 100 check-in desks take care that you can proceed to your check-in without much waiting and access your flight as fast as possible, and at arrival you will be able to pick up your luggage swiftly from one of the several luggage carousels.

Stansted also services large amounts of cargo flights, including fast courier, and handles the second-largest amount of air cargo in London.

A cosy and relaxing separate Private Jet Terminal at Stanford handles a wide range of on-demand and scheduled private jet flights to over 100 destinations. Whether you are a busy businessman needing a fast transfer to your next conference – or just would like to give your next vacation a luxury start enjoying V.I.P. treatment – Stansted Private Jet services offer the right solution for you.  Of course, at that terminal as well you will find an on-site secure parking – which is included in the rate of various private flight offers.

For most travellers coming to Stansted Airport, the best option is to drive to the airport in their car and to park it on a secure parking at the airport. For their peace of mind, the parking lots are all monitored day and night with CCTV cameras, well illuminated and controlled by frequent security patrols. Stansted Parking offers a wide choice of options, so that everyone can find the appropriate parking for his or her needs. In addition to the already competitive official parking prices, you may save up to 70% by booking in advance through the Internet.

Stansted Airport short-stay parking

There are three Short-Stay parking lots, all located next to the terminal; they are divided into “green zone”, “orange zone” and “red zone”. Park your car, and a few steps will bring you to the airport’s entrance. This parking is ideal if you want to save time, if you travel with your family, and have much luggage. It is also the option of choice for short visits to the airport. An automatic number plate reader at the entrance assures a fast and hassle-free parking procedure.

The official prices starting on 1^st July 2015 are as follows (you can obtain price reductions by booking online in advance):

If you want to leave your car at the Short-Stay parking for one week, you will only pay £55.99 for the “green zone” and £67.99 for the “orange zone” – that is if you book your parking in advance.

Stansted Airport parking meet & greet

For busy business travellers, families, people with heavy luggage – or just the convenience of driving up to the airport terminal and handing over the key of their car to a professional driver who will park their car for them – there are several alternatives of “Meet & Greet” services. The arrival time has to be communicated in advance. After the traveller’s return, his or her car will be brought to him or her at the same place he or she left it.

As beside the official Stansted parking there are several companies offering this services, the prices highly vary.  The fee for this privileged service starts at £33.00 up to £60.75.

Stansted Valet parking

Valet parking is the ultimate V.I.P. service. You drive directly to the forecourt of the terminal, hand over your car to the professional personnel of the Valet service who will keep your car securely parked until you come back from your travel. At that time your car will be brought to you to the arrival exit. Furthermore, you and up to five persons accompanying you will receive privileged fast-track security clearance before your flight. For this package as well, you have to call before your arrival.

Valet V.I.P. service will cost you in average £97.95.

Stansted express set down and pick up parking

This parking is intended for dropping off travellers to the airport or picking up arriving passengers. You may use it if you have just a short visit to do to the airport, but the car can’t be left unattended.

The minimum charge is £2.50 for 10 minutes; every following minute will be charged further £2.50. After you left, you can’t come back to the same parking within 30 minutes, or have to pay a fine of £20.00.

Stansted Airport mid-stay parking

A Mid-Stay car parking with a capacity of up to 5300 cars is situated close to the airport terminal – you reach it in just 5 minutes by courtesy shuttle transfer.  This parking as well operates an automatic number plate detection system for fast processing.

The first hour of parking on this facility is free of charge, two hours cost £1.00. After that, the price for the first and each following 24 hours is £21.00 (or only £12.50 if pre-booked). At the Mid-Stay parking you will pay about £58.30 for one week.

Stansted Airport express mid-stay parking

With this parking option you benefit from the services of the ordinary Mid-Stay parking – with the additional advantage of receiving fast-track tickets for a speedy security clearance at the airport for you and up to 5 accompanying passengers.,for an additional fee.

Stansted Long-Stay parking

Are you looking for a price-worthy solution to park your car while you are away? Stansted Long-Stay parking offers the security and registration convenience the other parking options do, but it is situated a bit farther. Every 15 minutes, there is a free shuttle bus that will bring you to the airport terminal in an 8 to10 minutes ride. This parking lot also offers free parking space for bicycles and motorcycles.

If you book in advance, you can park at the Long-Stay parking for a flat fee of £19.00 per day (or part thereof). If you book online, a week’s stay at the long-stay park will cost around £48.30.

Stansted Jet Parks

The cheapest option to park your car at Stansted during your voyage is the Stansted Jet Park. Offering full security features and plate recognition as well, you can leave your car at this parking and take a 10 to 12 minutes bus ride to the airport.

At Stanford Jet Parks, you will pay only around £43.99 for a full week’s stay if you book in advance.

AMENITIES FOR TRAVELLERS WITH DISABILITIES

All the parking options at Stansted Airport have special parking bays for Blue Badge holders. The shuttle buses from the Mid-Stay, Long-Stay and Jet Parks are accessible with wheelchairs.

Parking at Stansted Airport is easy, price worthy and convenient. Stansted enjoys very high ratings from its users for all the offered parking facilities and services.

London city AIRPORT PARKING – The thrill

And Convenience to take off and land in the town

Can you imagine the thrill and excitement of taking off and landing in the middle of a large town, high-rise buildings and London’s landmarks ornating the horizon and London Olympics stadiums and parks embellishing the Thames River’s shores?  London offers a really exceptional service: an airport almost in the middle of the town. You can reach the airport in utmost convenience in a short ride – just as you would drive to Piccadilly Circus or to Hyde Park.

London City Airport started its operation in 1987, and has steadily increased its services and expanded its potential.  Located on a former dock in Newham, it is six miles close to the city centre. In 2014, 3.6 million passengers flew through London City Airport, and an increase up to 8 million passengers is planned through 2030.

The airport is preferred by business travellers, who make up 65% of the passengers, for its location in the town, its fast and easy access and for its excellent  and swift service. Although the airport only allows mid-range airplanes – due to the steep approach slope and relatively short runway, it offers flights to over 40 mostly Western European towns, with two weekly flights to New York. Private executive jets also increasingly offer executive private flights and fast connections to other London airports. However, London City Airport becomes more and more the choice of leisure travellers as well, many of them using the British Airways CityFlyer airlines based on this airport.

Not only does the London City Airport figure among the  World’s ten airports with the most stunning approach sceneries – a fact that by itself makes it worth booking a flight from this airport to enjoy the astounding  beauty of the aerial views. London City Airport ‘s commitment to excellence and friendly, efficient service won it many awards, among others ACI Europe’s Best Airport award for the three consecutive years from 2012 to 2014, and the 2015 award as “Responsible Business Champion”.

London city airport terminal short stay parking

As are the prized services of the London City Airport, so are its parking lots. They are all secured by CCTV camera monitoring and frequent patrols, and furthermore they are located immediately adjacent to the airport. The closest parking is the London City Airport Short Stay parking. It is just opposite to the terminal’s main entrance; a mere 2 minutes’ walk.

The prices as well are attractive. The fees for the Short Stay Parking start at £23.12 a day and £185.00 a week, if booked in advance. The regular prices for very short stays – which can not be booked in advance – are as follows:

For any period starting from one day and more, book online to obtain a discount of up to 60%. There are also extra offers for the holiday season- check frequently!

Special parking for persons with reduced mobility

London City Airport is eager to provide the best possible services to all its passengers. It offers a special easily accessible parking zone for passengers with reduced mobility, close to the entrance of the terminal, and even at a reduced price. Furthermore, the airport staff is trained to assist any person who needs help to proceed to the boarding of an aircraft. A free bicycle and motorcycle parking is also available close to the terminal.

London City Airport Long Stay parking

The large, fenced long-stay parking at London City Airport is also very conveniently situated, just adjacent to the short-stay parking. From there you can easily walk a few minutes to the terminal; no shuttle transportation is required.

Although the long stay parking is extensive, a multi-storey parking is planned on its grounds in order to provide further parking space.

The official fees for the long stay parking are as follows:

Each further 24 hours or part thereof are charged £45.00.

However, if you book online in advance, you can gain a considerable price reduction. By booking in advance the price may shrink up to £20.75 an hour, or £166.00 per week! Therefore don’t wait, as soon as you know your departure date and the length of your stay, book your parking at London City Airport!

Meet & Greet parking services

Whether you are a busy business person for whom every minute is precious, travelling with family or heavy luggage or you just like to enjoy a privileged service, you may call a “Meet & Greet” service on the terminal parking and at the entrance. One of their professional drivers will pick up your car and carefully park it on a fully secured and controlled parking close to the airport.

When you return, your car will be returned to you at the company’s meeting point ready for you to drive away.

So book your next flight from London City Airport, park your car with the parking option you selected, and enjoy this airport’s amazing features!

The runway at Stansted airport has reopened after snow forced it to close for just over an hour.

Services are returning to normal, with most flights now scheduled to leave on time. However, many flights into the airport have been delayed by an hour or more.

The runway was closed at 8.25am while it was cleared and de-iced. Some early morning departures were delayed by three hours or more.

Passengers are being advised to check in as normal, but allow extra time for their journey to the airport.

The Stansted Express is currently running a half-hourly service, with trains leaving the airport at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, and London Liverpool Street at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour.

For live flight information visit the Stansted airport website.

Luton AIRPORT PARKING – CONVENIENT AND LOW-COST

London Luton is the airport that gives you access to inexpensive flights to more than 100 countries, covering all of Europe, Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Morocco. Luton also recently started direct flights to New York in the United States of America. The Luton website gives you ideas on where and how you can plan your holidays at a low cost, and suggests packages and extras.

As from Luton airport you can also fly directly to smaller airports all-over Europe, it offers an excellent opportunity to business travellers who need to fly to towns other than the largest cities.  Furthermore, at Luton you can also find private aviation companies focusing on private business jet flights and charter.

In order to allow you to travel reassured that your car is awaiting your return in a safe and appropriate location,  Luton Airport gives you the opportunity of parking directly on the extensive parking lots on and adjacent to the airport grounds. Furthermore it offers very price-efficient solutions, so that you can save on your vacation and also on the parking fees. At Luton as well you can choose among various options and services to accommodate your parking needs on one of the 15 available parking lots.

Luton short term parking –  on airport

This parking is located on the airport grounds, just a short walk from the terminal entry. It is ideal for busy business travellers, if you want to drop off or pick up passengers, visit the airport or travel with family and much luggage. It is secured by a perimeter fence, CCTV monitoring and regular patrols, and also has special parking bays for disabled persons.

The Luton Short Term parking fees start at £4.00 for half an hour, £9.00 for one hour and £37.00 for 24 hours. But if you book in advance online, it may offer you 8 days starting from only £47.95.

Luton mid term parking –  on airport

If you need a price-worthier solution, you may opt for the Mid-Term Parking, which has the same security features as the Short-Term Parking. A short bus ride lasting 5 minutes only will transfer you to the entrance of the terminal – and it is free. Buses are available day and night, every 10 minutes. This parking also has parking spaces for motorcycles.

You can park at the Mid-Term Parking up to 30 minutes for free. One hour costs £9.00, over 1 hour to 24 hours cost only £21.00; the fee for motorcycles is £20.00 per day. If you book online in advance you can benefit from a discount of up to 50%.

Luton long term parking –  on airport

To benefit from low tariffs, or if you travel for an extended time span, you can choose the Luton Long Term Parking. It is located a mere 10 minutes bus ride from the airport terminal, and there are frequent buses available day and night .

The rate for this parking is £19.00 a day, but you can gain significant price reductions by booking online in advance.

Luton Priority Drop Off –  on airport

This parking is the closest to the terminal entrance; it is specifically aimed at people who have to bring passengers to the airport or collect arriving passengers, or have just to do a short visit at the airport. However, the vehicles on this parking must not be left unattended.

The fee for this parking is £2.50 for the first 15 minutes, £9.00 for 30 minutes, and £1.00 for every further minute.

Luton priority parking meet & greet –  on airport

This is the ideal option for business travellers, people on a busy schedule or people travelling with their family – and just anyone who appreciates an excellent service.

Drive your car to a dedicated parking bay of the Priority Parking Meet & Greet service just outside the Airport Terminal. You have to call the service up to 15 minutes before your arrival. Hand over the key of your car to one of the professional and trained drivers who will be waiting for you – he will carefully park your car on a highly secured parking. You can easily proceed to your flight check-in. At your return, call the service  after you picked up your luggage – and your car will be waiting for you at the same place you left it. Check your car, and drive home to get a rest from your journey. Luton Priority Meet & Greet services are acclaimed by customers and receive very high satisfaction ratings.

The prices for this executive service start at only £46.00.  If you can, book early to take advantage from price reductions.

There are further parking facilities provided farther away from Luton Airport, with longer bus transfers and lower prices. However, we suggest using the Luton Airport official parking selection as their services achieve high satisfaction ratings.

GATWICK AIRPORT PARKING – CONVENIENT AND LOW-COST

Gatwick airport is your gateway to business and leisure travel to over 200 destinations mainly in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. It is the most efficient single-runway airport in the World, and is proudly transporting 38 million passengers per year. Gatwick is located 28 miles (45 km) south of the centre of London.

Whether you plan to be absent for a short period of time or a longer stay, Gatwick offers you several interesting opportunities to leave your car at the airport on safe, well-managed parking lots, so you will find it ready to drive you home after your journey. The overall customer satisfaction with Gatwick’s parking services lies at around 90%, a proof of the extensive efforts the companies running these parking lots are doing to give their customers peace of mind. Just drive up to a parking meeting your needs, or drive directly to the terminal and let a dedicated service (“Meet & Greet”, “Valet”) take charge of properly and securely parking your car while you are travelling. You will find your car ready at your arrival.

Gatwick Short stay parking, South and north Terminals

This multi-storey covered parking is situated close to the South Terminal, which you can reach through a short covered walk. From there you can also access North terminal. It is ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers, for a visit to the airport, and even to have your car parked in a safe place while you take the train to downtown London. The parking is surveyed through CCTV cameras, frequently patrolled and well illuminated.

At Gatwick Short Stay you can park your car for £3.00 per half hour, £6.00 for one hour. A full day costs £35.00, 4 days £95.00, and each subsequent day a further £35.00. Booking online in advance you can obtain a discount.

Gatwick Short stay premium parking

In the same covered multi-storey parking there is a specific area for premium parking at the same level as the departure terminal, to save you time. There are also increased security patrols. Furthermore, as Premium customer you can book the Premium Security Service, which will allow you to benefit from a faster and more convenient First-Class security check in the airport.

The prices for Premium parking are as follows: £4.00 for half an hour, £8.00 for an hour, £45.00 for one day, £135.00 for four days and £45.00 for each subsequent day.

Gatwick long stay parking, south terminal

You may wish to fly to a dream vacation spot from Gatwick Airport, or leave for a longer business trip. In both cases, Gatwick Long Stay Parking offers you a secured parking where you can place your car with peace of mind. Even if you came to London by car but want to leave it in a safe place, the Long Term parking is recommended. From the Gatwick Airport Railway station it’s only an 18 minutes ride to Central London, so you can visit the town at your ease.

From the Long Stay parking, it’s only a 5 minutes bus ride to your terminal, and you can find buses day and night. However, you may have to wait for the bus for 10 to 15 minutes.

The Long Stay parking prices are very attractive: £20.00 for the first day, and £15.00 for every subsequent day. You may stay a full week for only £75.00. If you book in advance, you may obtain a good discount on these prices; the earlier you book, the higher the discount.

Gatwick long stay parking, NORTH terminal

Gatwick Long Stay parking North is located close to the North Terminal. A short 5-minutes bus ride will bring you there.

Long Stay park fees at this parking start at £17.00 for one day, and you will pay
£75.00 for one week. Like for all other parking options, by booking online in advance you will benefit from price reductions, which may reach up to 60%.

Gatwick summer special parking, south and north terminal

To summer travellers, Gatwick Airport Summer Special offers a secure, quick and effective car park at an even lower price. Park your car in the reception zone of this parking, go to the reception and give your car keys to the service’s professional staff. They will park your car for you. A shuttle bus leaving every 1        0 minutes drives you to the Airport Terminal – in a short 10 minutes ride. At arrival, you will be handed over your car.

This option – including the service – will cost you only £70.00 for one week, and is available from Easter to October.

Gatwick meet & greet parking

Several operators run “Meet & Greet” services at Gatwick Airport. Two of them will meet you at the forecourt of both Gatwick terminals; others have specially assigned areas at the Short Stay parking. Any of these approved services will take over your car at the meeting point on your arrival, park it on a properly secured parking lot and bring it back to you at your arrival. Gatwick Meet & Greet is an ideal option for busy business travellers, for families and people who need assistance.

The prices for the “Meet & Greet” service vary, and you can obtain good price reductions by booking at least 72 hours in advance. However, as a general price idea you can expect for one day £50.00, and £125.00 for one week.

Gatwick valet parking

No doubt the easiest, most expedient and most convenient way of having your
car cared for at both Gatwick Airport terminals is using the Valet Parking service. Drive up to the Valet service at the airport terminal, park your car in one of their specially assigned parking bays and hand over the car keys to one of their well-trained, insured and professional drivers. He will take care of properly parking your car at a secured location and bring it back to you at your arrival. You even can ask for an additional car wash and cleaning service during your absence.

You will have to book Valet service before your arrival at the airport. The rate for one day is £52.00, £138.00 for a week.

As for all other parking offers, if you book online in advance you will benefit from various types of discount prices.

So fly from Gatwick, leave your car in secure hands and enjoy your journey!

HEATHROW AIRPORT PARKING – A MULTITUDE OF OPTIONS

To give you the ease of driving to the airport and leaving your car while you are travelling, visiting or waiting for arriving passengers, several organized and secured parking lots all-around the airport are awaiting you.

Some are dedicated to a specific terminal; others offer transfer options to all Heathrow Airport terminals.

There are also several options you can choose from, depending on the length of your stay, the ease of access to the airport or services you expect and the fee you are willing to pay.

However, one of these parking lots stands out for the high and futuristic technology it is applying. The T5 Pod Parking has surprised London and the World for its technological innovation. Not only are the arriving and leaving cars registered and processed by computerized number plate recognition; a fully autonomous system of self-driving pods running on a particular driveway transfers the users of this parking fast, silently and unhindered from their parking to the Airport’s Terminal 5 and back. With this path-breaking technology of ecological, fully automated and readily available transport cabins London Heathrow sets an example for future short distance urban transportation, and it is admired as well by the delighted and fully satisfied users as by city planners and transportation engineers worldwide.

So how can you benefit from the ULTra Personal Rapid Transit System, as it is called? Drive to Pod Parking T5, choose a parking space and walk to the “pod” station A or B. Tap your destination on a touch screen. If no pod is waiting, you can just call one up – it will be there for you within half a minute at most. Enter the pod – you can share it with up to 4 persons – and you can easily roll in your luggage, a stroller or even a wheel chair. Once seated comfortably, push a button to close the door and drive off – and there you go for a trip (and an adventure) in this cute shuttle worked out by brilliant brains at the University of Bristol and developed by the company ULTra, who also runs it. Each pod has a built-in computer that receives its instructions from the central coordinating computer, which works in a way similar to an air control centre, when you select your destination. It will drive up to 25 mph (40 km/h) on a specially designed track, using its four lasers to avoid bumping into the sides of the guide way or any obstacle, and manage priorities when it encounters other pods on the way. You can just enjoy the sight out of the windows, and know you will reach your target safely within 6 minutes maximum, without traffic congestion or stops on the way. Most users are excited about their ride and qualify it “absolutely fantastic”, “brilliant”, “very impressive” and more – the Heathrow Pod transfer reached the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any means of transportation. The Heathrow Airport Administration underlines that this ecological shuttle system, working on batteries that are automatically recharged at the pod stations, replaced the former 70’000 bus journeys daily – simultaneously freeing the road of their presence.

An expansion of the system from the now 21 pods transporting up to 1500 persons per day on the 4 km track from the Pod Parking T5 to Terminal 5 and back is planned to include Terminals 4 and 3. Even if you are not a business traveller, you can use Pod Parking T5 to reach Terminal 5, and experience a thrilling pod ride. Follow the ULTra Personal Rapid Transit System on its path to the future!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE IDEAL PARKING FOR YOUR NEEDS

Heathrow Short Stay Parking

At every terminal of Heathrow Airport you will find a short-stay parking where you can leave your car in a safe location conveniently close to the terminals. It is ideal for dropping travellers, visiting the airport or waiting for people coming back from their trip. However, you can also opt to leave your car there for a longer period of time. You may also consider this option if you travel with children, or have much luggage.

Prices vary according to the duration, starting with £3.50 for half an hour, to £6.50 for an hour and £49.00 for one day. However, 24 hours cost just a little more – £56.00. You can book online and benefit from discount.

Heathrow Long Stay Parking

The long-stay parking lots around Heathrow Airport are the right choice if you plan to travel for an extended period of time, with the peace of mind of having your car secured by illumination, frequent patrols, high fences and CCTV monitoring. Each of them offers shuttle buses every 10 minutes to all terminals.

Their fees are also cheaper: the first day costs between £26.00 and £29.90, and each following day £20.50/23.60. Of course, by booking in advance you will obtain good discounts – up to 60%!

Even if you don’t plan to stay and just have to drop off or to pick up passengers from the airport you can choose the long-stay parking: they will grant you two hours parking for free. However, you will have to calculate the time you need for the shuttle buses.

Heathrow Business Parking Terminals 1, 2 and 3

Business parking intends to offer the busy business traveller ease and security of use bundled with frequent shuttles to reduce his or her transfer time.

This parking offers transfer coaches every 5 minutes, with an average driving time of 8 minutes to Heathrow Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The drive-up fee for one day is £26.00 or £28.00, depending on the day of the week.

Heathrow Business Parking Terminal 4

Beside the usual security, the Business Parking Terminal 4 offers transfer on demand – and it takes only 3 minutes to reach the terminal.

The prices are as well  £26.00 / £28.00 per day.

Heathrow Business Parking Terminal 5

This fenced security business parking gives you access to shuttles every 5 minutes. Transfer time to Terminal 5 is only 5 minutes. The same prices as other Business Parking apply – £26.00 / £28.00 per day, less if you book in advance…  Furthermore, the transfer service is included in the prices.

Heathrow Terminal 5 Pod Parking

This innovative parking offers fully automated car registration, 24 hours security and the distinctive Heathrow driverless pod transfer service. You can take a pod at pod station A or B – whichever is closer to your car park – and let it shuttle you gently and conveniently to Terminal 5 within 4 to 6 minutes.

The price for this ground-breaking service is £32.00 / £34.00 per day respectively, according to the day of the week, and includes the pod ride.

Convenient and comfortable: “Meet & Greet”

An extremely comfortable way to travel leaving your car in safety and security is the “Meet & Greet” option. It lets you drive to a dedicated area at the departure level of your terminal and hand over the keys of your car to one of our friendly and professional drivers who will park your car on a safe parking lot during your absence. When you come back from your journey, your car will wait for you at your arrival so you can easily drive away.

This option is especially recommendable for business travellers with a tight schedule, if you travel with children, elderly people or have lots of luggage. The “Meet & Greet” service has to be booked before your arrival at the airport.

Get a quote for this personalized service – you can get a discount by booking online, or call our Booking Hotline at 020 8226 4707 from Monday to Saturday between 8.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m., and will obtain a very interesting price – especially for a longer stay. Our cheapest price for this convenient and luxury service starts as low as £34.00 – a real bargain!

The ultimate comfort: Velvet parking

If you are in a hurry to catch your plane – or just like a comfortable way to have it parked for you, you may opt for the Valet Parking.  This service as well allows you to drive to the forecourt of each terminal, and hand over your car to the Valet Service professionals. They will park your car carefully on a secure parking, and if you like, they may even do a complete car care. At your arrival, your car will be waiting for you so you can drive to your office or home.  Prices start at £90.00 for one day – and add about £30.00 for each further day.

Don’t forget that booking online will give you access to price reductions

Leaving your car with iPark at London’s Heathrow or Stansted airports before you travel is the best means to feel comfortable and assured your car is safe and well looked after. If you have any doubt, just have a look at the reviews and ratings – they will show you how satisfied most customers are with our services. Your car is in the hands of professionals, secure and under camera surveillance day and night, and it awaits you when you come back. Moreover, you can choose from several options – and the prices are very attractive. You can also find our discounts on the custom prices, which let you save even more.

If you choose the “Meet & Greet” option, you will hand over the keys of your car to a professional driver at your departure terminal, and you will find it back ready to pick you up when you arrive from your trip. You will not have to take a shuttle bus and carry luggage, and will gain ease and time. However, when you are back from travel you will obviously drive your car – and have to park it in crowded and complex environments. That’s why we want to share with you some tips and tricks; with some exercise and practice, you will become a parking expert.

Anticipate and check before parking and leaving

Driving a car involves responsibility, as accidents may happen within seconds. Most importantly you have to make sure before and while parking that the chosen parking space is free of children, other persons and any objects. If you park in a lot with many pedestrians or close to children’s’ playgrounds or schools, you have to be particularly cautious, as while parking you may have to cope with dead angles and low visibility and suddenly appearing children or cars. When you return to your parked vehicle, walk around the car and make sure that no children or objects are obstructing its way. This also lets you check that no damage occurred to your car while you were away. At the same time, anticipate how you will leave the parking in your mind, and make sure the road is free. When parking or leaving a parking space, look into the corresponding direction directly, use both side mirrors intensively and – if necessary – loosen the seat belt to see as far as possible into the dead angles.

Angled parking

Angled parking spaces are the easiest to negotiate.

• Choose a space which will leave a comfortable 1-1½ meter distance on both sides of your car
• Signal, approach the free place slowly until you see the centre of the parking space,
• Turn the wheel sharply, about half a turn, and slowly enter the space head on.
• When it’s done, turn your wheels back straight so that you can easily back out when you leave.

Perpendicular parking – forward

Perpendicular parking spaces can be entered forward and backward.

• Choose a parking space leaving enough space on both sides; signal, and position the car so that the front bumper is just beyond the taillights of the car before the space.
• Turn the steering wheel sharply, and slowly enter the space, until your car is properly positioned.
• Straighten the wheels, so that you can leave the space straight back.
• Be cautious when leaving the space, and reverse very slowly, as visibility to the sides is very limited. Reverse only as much as needed to be able to oversee both sides; when the way is free, reverse more and sharply turn the steering.

Perpendicular parking – backward

Entering a perpendicular parking space backwards is recommended, as it lets you leave the space with much better visibility to the side. However, until you get a good practice it may be a little more stressful.

• Choose a parking space leaving enough space on both sides; signal, and advance until your car’s back bumper is just beyond the
• taillights of the car after the space.
• Turn the steering wheel sharply, reversing very slowly, until the rear side of your car just crosses the line below the car beside you. Enter the space slowly, and when your car is aligned straighten your wheels completing the backward motion. Leaving this space will now be effortless.

PARKING ON A SLOPE

When parking on a slope you have to make sure that the brake and gear will hold the weight of your car.

• Drive your car into position, stop and hold the foot brake.
• Place the gear into neutral position, whether it is a hand gear or automatic model.
• Push the button on your hand brake and tighten it completely; check it once more to make sure it holds, than slowly release the foot brake. Select 1st gear, or “Parking “ mode on an automatic car.
• For further security, turn the wheels towards the inner side.

Reverse parallel parking

That’s the most tricky way of parking, but often – specially in towns with narrow streets – there is no other parking space available.

(Inforgraphics by T.W. White & Sons)