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Cheap Egypt Holidays > Travel News > How to maximise airport parking sales
How to maximise airport parking sales | | 10th September 2008 |
Airport parking might not be glamorous but it's an important sector – and a lucrative one, says Rob Gill
Airport parking is never going to be the sexiest product but it's easy to sell and the commission can soon add up if you encourage most of your customers to book it with you.
The main selling point of pre-booking for clients is that it is significantly cheaper than paying at the gate – Superbreak estimates that it's up to 60% cheaper.
Commission rates vary between companies, and Holiday Extras, which also owns BCP, estimates that agents earn an average of £7 per parking booking.
Essential Travel, which offers parking at 27 UK airports, says there are three types of services at major airports but some smaller airports offer only one or two of these options.
Off-airport parking
These are secure private parking sites, which are usually located within a few miles of the airport.
Many of these facilities offer valet parking services where customers simply drop off their keys at reception and then take a bus transfer to the airport. Staff will then park their car in a secure compound until they return from their holiday.
The disadvantages are that these airparks are not always easy to find and taking a bus transfer is not ideal for those with lots of luggage and, of course, the bus can get stuck in traffic which can be stressful if customers are running late.
This is often the cheapest option for holidaymakers with one-week prices in the £35-£65 range, depending on the airport.
On-airport parking
This means parking at one of the airport's own car parks. The advantage here is that customers can go straight to the airport rather than driving around the suburbs looking for an off-site depot.
For customers taking a lot of luggage, this can be a good option, but it's worth checking to see how close the car park is to the terminal building and whether they have to take a bus transfer.
On the downside, they will have to park the car themselves which can take time if the car park is busy and there is also the chance of the vehicle being damaged as they are open to the public.
Prices for one week's parking tend to be slightly more expensive than off-airport sites.
Meet & Greet
Probably the most straightforward option as customers drive to the airport terminal where a representative of the company will meet them.
When they return they will be met again at the terminal and their car will be waiting for them, allowing them to get in and drive away.
So far, this service is available only at the UK's busier airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.
While it's the most expensive parking option, it is ideal for those on a tight schedule, families with young children and those taking lots of luggage or equipment such as skis or surfboards.
Specialist operator Meteor Meet & Greet offers this service at six airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Stansted. |
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