Don't Miss the Flight!

A while ago one of the world's first female jumbo jet captains said, in a radio interview, that she felt far safer landing a Boeing 747 with 400 people on board than driving on the M25 to Heathrow on the way to work.

Bosses often leave the journey to the airport until too late, having been held up at the office in meetings or at home, by the family.

Some airports, do not offer the speediest of airport parking facilities and transfers. At Heathrow the geographical layout of the airport dictates that there is no long-term parking within the central area itself. Passengers have to be transferred by bus from the outlying car parks which may, for a few days parking, involve a fee in excess of the air fare.

Gatwick is more convenient with car parks situated nearer to the terminals. At London Stansted, however, passengers have a relatively long bus ride both within the car park and in transit to the terminal. This time is even longer on the return when a tour of each section of the car park is necessary as passengers and their luggage are dropped off.

The density of passengers causes the transfer buses to be crowded, slow and uncomfortable at peak times. The influx of low-cost airlines and increased traffic appears not to have been acknowledged by those responsible for ground service arrangements.

Provincial airports are more capable of looking after drivers and their cars with many offering long-term parking within walking distance of the terminal building.

Checking out baa.com will give the travel arranger information on the location of parking and discount prices on advance bookings made on-line. It is also possible to collect BAA Worldpoints with each booking.

A little help with parking and a great welcome home is offered by Purple Parking who provide a cost effective 'Meet and Greet' service for their customers at most UK airports. Purple Parking operates at 19 airports across the UK and provide special rates and value added services for individuals and corporate account holders. These may be set up directly with the operator at www.purpleparking.com or through your travel management company.

The 'Meet and Greet' service enables a PA to pre-book parking and advise Purple Parking of the anticipated time of arrival, of the traveller at the airport. A uniformed chauffeur will be waiting outside the departure terminal and will drive the car off for safekeeping whilst the traveller hurries off to check in. On the return a quick call will ensure that the car is waiting outside within a few minutes of clearing immigration and other arrival formalities. The company will also arrange for a professional valet service, in order that the vehicle is gleaming on the passengers return.

Many hotels at or near airports offer a combined parking and overnight package. This is a great bonus for those who need to stay at the airport in order to make an early morning departure. Packages normally come with single or double rooms plus 7 or 15 days parking. Whilst not aimed directly at the frequent business traveller this facility usually proves very cost effective even if the parking option is not utilised for the full seven days.

Beware though, security at some airport hotel car parks may be rather lapse and it is wise to check what provisions are in place at the property, to protect against theft or vandalism.