When Should You Book Airport Meet & Greet Parking?

Picture this: you've just booked your flights and feel the excitement growing—but have you thought about what to do about airport parking? If you're planning to use a meet and greet (valet) service, the best piece of advice is simple: book your parking as soon as you've booked your flights. Why? Because, as with flights and hotels, parking spaces fill up and prices climb the closer you get to your departure date.

The Economics of Parking: Demand vs Supply

Meet and greet parking provides unbeatable convenience—drop your car right at the terminal, hand over your keys, and walk straight to check-in. But it's also subject to the same economic realities as any other product: as the departure date approaches and spaces get snatched up, demand outpaces supply, driving prices higher. Waiting until the last minute can leave you with only the more expensive slots—or worse, none available at all.

What I Love meet & greet Says

On their website, I Love meet & greet strongly recommend pre-booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. That way, you'll both guarantee your space and secure the best possible rate. While same-day bookings are technically available, they come with "limited availability" and "higher charges"—not a great gamble if you're flying during peak travel times.

Extra Savings with Promotional Codes

The icing on the cake? I Love meet & greet sends out weekly newsletters featuring discount codes and exclusive offers to subscribers. By signing up early, you can not only lock in a parking space, but also save even more—possibly shaving a chunk off your cost well before prices inevitably drift upward.

The Broader Landscape: It's Not Just Them

Want confirmation this isn't just marketing? A recent piece in The Guardian backs it up: booking as early as possible is key, since parking fees can double for last-minute reservations, especially during summer holidays. That trend applies across providers, airports, and parking styles—not just valet.

Best Practice: Book at Flight Time

Here’s your actionable plan:

1.     Once your flights are booked, head straight to your preferred meet and greet provider (like I Love meet & greet).

2.     Register for their newsletter or mailing list to catch discount codes.

3.     Lock in your parking spot early—this guarantees availability and the most competitive rates.

4.     Monitor your inbox for promos that could lower costs further.

Real-World Consequences of Waiting

The stakes are real. One report highlights how last-minute bookings can cost over £100 more than planning just two weeks ahead—for instance, at Gatwick the cost for a seven-day booking can double if you wait until the day before.

Additionally, there’s a cautionary angle to consider: using unaccredited or rogue meet and greet services can lead to serious trouble, from vehicle damage to theft. Manchester Airport has issued warnings urging travelers only to book with accredited services, such as those recommended by Which?—like I Love meet & greet.

Final Takeaway: How to Book Smart

Avoid the stress, avoid the cost hike. Book your meet and greet parking as soon as your flight’s booked. It’s the smart move—ensuring availability, locking in a better price, and giving you time to grab any extra discounts. And always choose reputable operators like I Love meet & greet, known for transparency, convenience, and reliable service and recommended by consumer champions, Which?

Safe travels—and may your journey start with smooth parking and sunshine ahead!