Top ten tips for flying from UK airports this summer

Last updated at 12:00, Monday, 17 May 2010

Advertising feature. Your experience at the airport can often put a dampener on your summer holiday before it's even begun. With frustrating flight delays, long check in queues and the risk of having to fork out if your luggage is too heavy, there's guaranteed to be something to put you in a bad mood before you board the plane.

Make sure that isn't the case this year and do your best to get at least one thing right - your parking. Follow our top ten tips for airport success and your summer break is sure to go swimmingly. Tip one: Car parking at Heathrow Airport can often prove a nightmare. Not anymore - just book online in advance and ensure you secure a reserved parking space. Just enter a few basic details online including the dates you wish to park, and print your parking voucher in time for your holiday.

We all know travelling can be stressful, with a never ending list of things to think about - and that's even before you set off for the airport. Tip two: Make a list of everything you need before you leave the house, ticking it off as you go. All that's left to do then is head to your reserved car parking space, whether it's at Heathrow, Stansted or Gatwick. There are over 21 car parks to choose from at Heathrow airport so you'll never be short of a space - just make sure you book online to make doubly sure, though. No-one wants a mad rush before their flight is due to take off.

Car parking at Heathrow couldn't be simpler, either. Whether you're looking for a budget off-site airport car park that will transport you and your family straight to your terminal building, or an on airport valet service, there's something for you. Making airport parking more affordable, there's an option for you that will take the hassle out of finding a space.

Tip three: It may go without saying, but make sure you book your parking for the correct days you're travelling. In many cases, it's wise to add an extra day's parking on to your booking to take into account any flight delays. But don't worry if you haven't organised this, there's always the option of paying for the extra day on your return, without the worry of a steep parking fine.

Tip 4: Browse the Internet and decide which parking option is best suited to you before you part with your cash. Stansted Airport car parking is simple if you organise it in advance and the services available to you are all laid out online. By logging into an airport parking website, you can obtain a quote for Stansted Airport car parking within seconds after entering your details. Just select how long you need to leave your vehicle and click 'find a space' - your options will flash up on screen and you can book with ease. With over 70 car parks at 23 airports across the UK, including Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow, many parking sites offer a great range of options to suit you.

Tip 5: If you've booked online, it's a good idea to keep the company's telephone number to hand, should you have any last-minute questions or queries. This will help put your mind at ease and ensure you enjoy a good night's sleep before you head off on your holiday.

Tip 6: It's also worth checking out the frequently asked questions on many park-and-go parking sites to make certain you know everything you need to know ahead of your trip. 'Can I book at short notice?', 'How do I get directions to my chosen car park?' and 'What happens if my flight is delayed and I haven't paid for additional parking?' Don't worry, you'll find all the answers you're looking for online.

If you're travelling from Gatwick's North terminal, there's a parking option that's perfect for you. There are 15 car parks to suit all your requirements, whether you need someone to pick up your car at Gatwick North terminal or you'd prefer cheaper off-airport car parking near the South terminal. Gatwick North parking also offers meet and greet valet car parking to take all the fuss out of the airport.

Tip 7: Are you easily stressed under pressure? Then save yourself the extra hassle by opting for Gatwick's meet and greet service, which really takes the stress out of finding a car parking space at this busy airport. A friendly and professional chauffeur will meet you outside either Gatwick North or Gatwick South terminal and park the car for you within a secure compound. You won't have to locate your parking spot and you can be out of your car and into the airport in an instant.

Tip 8: Suffering from a bad back and know you've packed far too much to carry yourself? There's someone to help you in the form of Gatwick Airport's Premier Meet and Greet service. Not only will your driver park your car for you, they'll also help you carry your luggage. Grab a coffee and put your feet up in the airport lounge, you deserve it! With tailored parking services available to book online, you'll be able to start your holiday in style.

Tip 9: Plan ahead and you'll not have to spare a second thought to the tedium of travelling. Use a reliable parking service and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the relaxing, stress-free holiday you and your family have been waiting for. Ensure you're in the driving seat by keeping all your documents, booking vouchers and telephone numbers to hand should anything go wrong.

Tip 10: Enjoy your holiday! Relax and take a deep breath, safe in the knowledge that everything has been sorted out for you by airport parking professionals.

Sort out your where you're going to lave your vehicle with weeks to spare before your holiday. Then, come the big day you can simply park and go! What could be easier than that?