About Gatwick Meet and Greet

GATWICK AIRPORT MEET AND GREET

We here at IMI Parking LTD thought it was about time we fully explained the whole concept of meet and greet airport parking. People are still un sure of the process and just how easy it is to use.

As with most things in life, they progress, hopefully for the better. We believe this is one such case. Parking at airports was always trying to find 'that space' in a massive free-for-all car park. Then having to remember where it was when you returned from your holidays. Hauling all your luggage through rain or shine, with the kids in tow. Probably moaning by now as they just want to go home. It was never the best time after a, relaxing, holiday. I remember it well!!

Then, 'Off airport parking' was introduced. This, at the time' was deemed to be a more efficient way to park your car. The idea was still primarily the same though. You drove to a car park, although this time they park it for you, an added bonus there then. But you still had to wait to get on a bus and get transported to the airport. So it still involved the handling of your luggage numerous times. When you returned it was just as bad, you have to queue at a bus stop and wait for your bus. When it arrives you have to load it on the bus, get a lift back to the car park. Probably standing during the summer months as they do get crowded. Obviously you may of been one of the unfortunate ones that didn't get on, so you'll have to wait for the next bus. When you get back to the car park you then have to get your luggage again, load the car then drive home. This can actually be up to 30 minutes after you had got out the terminal. This in retrospect is not much different to the original concept of parking on the airport land itself.

Then came meet and greet/ valet parking. It is known by either name, but the outcome is the same. Hassle free parking. OK I fully understand people that think we are bound to side with meet and greet as that is what we do. Well here we will explain what it is, and you make up your own minds.

Whichever company you go with the principal is the same, although there may be slight differences with some. You will be given a mobile phone number to ring, at a given place or time, on you way to Gatwick Airport. This is usually received by the 'controller' who then organises a driver to meet you at the terminal of you choosing.  You drive to the given 'meeting point' where you will be met by a waiting  uniformed driver. Whilst you unload your luggage he/she will make a note of your mileage and condition of your vehicle. You then, once agreed the damage assessment, sign for the car to be taken. You simply then head to your check in. The driver will take and park your car in one of the companies car parks. On your return, again this may differ between companies, you would ring the original mobile number once you have collected your luggage and gone through customs. It is done in this way for obvious reasons. If they loose your luggage or some of it, you have to go and fill out forms which can take another 30 minutes. Also you could be stopped while going through customs, again this can take some time. Your car will then be delivered to you at the same location you dropped it off. You then load your car, inspect it, if everything is ok, sign the paper work and drive home.

That is just how easy it is. Saving you up to an hour off your time. Price wise, you may be surprised, it can be found cheaper than the 'park and ride' options. A lot of companies still charge the earth for this service, but you need to look around for the best price.

Here at IMI Parking LTD we pride ourselves on our reliability. We have a 100% record for being on time and have never received a bad review, take a look here.  While we don't want to turn this into a sales pitch for IMI Parking, we just urge people to be aware that there are still companies out there that run without insurance or proper car parks, your car may just be parked on the side of the road somewhere. So be aware.