What Time Do I Need to Arrive for Meet and Greet at the Airport?

When you’re heading off on holiday or catching an important flight, time is everything. At I Love Meet and Greet, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “What time do I need to arrive at the airport for meet and greet parking?” The simple answer is: we recommend arriving at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your scheduled departure time.

This advice isn’t just about giving yourself a buffer — it’s about making sure you can get through the entire airport process stress-free, especially during busy periods.

Why So Early?

Airports can be unpredictable. Even if you’ve checked in online and only have hand luggage, the journey from drop-off to departure gate can take longer than expected. Here are just a few factors that can delay your progress:

1. Security Queues Can Be Long

Security is often the biggest bottleneck at the airport. You might arrive expecting a smooth flow through the scanners, only to find a long, slow-moving queue. It’s not just the volume of passengers that causes delays — security checks can also be held up by passengers needing extra screening, staff shortages, or technical issues.

2. Lift Access Can Be Slow and Crowded

If you're travelling with luggage or have mobility issues, you’ll probably rely on lifts to get between floors — particularly in multi-level terminals. During peak times, lifts can be crowded, slow to arrive, or even temporarily out of service. That can add several unexpected minutes to your journey through the airport.

3. Unexpected Delays Happen

From family travel with children to simply navigating a busy terminal, it’s easy for small delays to add up. Even finding your way from the check-in area to your gate can take longer than you think — especially at larger airports.

By arriving 2.5 to 3 hours before departure, you give yourself a buffer to deal with any hiccups along the way. You’ll have more time to get through security, grab a bite to eat, and make it to your gate in good time, without the stress of watching the clock.

Less Than an Hour? That’s Risky

We strongly advise against arriving at the airport less than an hour before your flight. While meet and greet parking is quick and convenient, it cannot make up for tight margins on time. Arriving late means you risk:

• Missing bag drop cut-off times
• Facing long security queues with no time buffer
• Arriving at the gate after final boarding has closed

In short, arriving late puts your entire trip in jeopardy — and that’s a risk no traveller wants to take.

Help Us Help You: Call Ahead

To ensure a smooth handover, please call us 10 minutes before you arrive at the airport. This allows our team to be ready and waiting for you at the forecourt. When we know you’re close, we can position ourselves precisely — meaning less waiting around for you and a faster transition from car to terminal.

This small step makes a big difference in helping us maintain the speed and efficiency that our customers love. Plus, it helps avoid congestion and confusion during busy periods.

Why Meet and Greet Saves You Time (Even More Than You Think)

Choosing meet and greet parking isn’t just about luxury — it’s about convenience and saving precious time. Our forecourt drop-off is right next to the terminal, meaning once you’ve handed over your keys, you’re just a short walk from the check-in desk.

Compare that to long-stay car parks:

• You have to find a space, unload your luggage, and head to a shuttle stop
• Wait for a transfer bus — sometimes 10–15 minutes or longer
• Travel on the bus to the terminal
• Unload again and begin your airport journey

Even short-stay parking can be a hassle, especially when travelling with family or heavy luggage. Meet and greet eliminates all of that. It’s a door-to-door solution that gets you from your car to the terminal with minimal effort and maximum speed.

Summary: Timing Is Everything

To enjoy the full benefit of our meet and greet service, aim to arrive at the airport 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight departs. This gives you enough time to comfortably check in, navigate security, and handle any unexpected delays. Remember:

• Less than an hour is too late – you risk missing your flight
• Call us 10 minutes before you arrive so we’re ready to meet you
• Our forecourt location beats car parks hands-down for speed and convenience

At I Love Meet and Greet (recommended by Which? Magazine), we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible — but a little forward planning goes a long way. Arrive early, relax, and let us handle the parking.