Martin Lewis has shared a tip on how to save significantly on airport parking, potentially cutting costs by more than £420 for a week. The consumer champion discussed the matter on his BBC podcast, offering practical advice for holidaymakers.
Parking Costs Can Vary Widely
Mr Lewis highlighted that airport parking charges can vary dramatically. He said: "Booking direct with an airport is both the cheapest and the most expensive way to do it." He noted that if you park on a regular shift, it can be incredibly expensive, but comparison apps can often find a "much cheaper price."
Example: Manchester Airport Savings
Using a real-time example from the week of July 2, Mr Lewis explained that parking at Manchester Airport without a booking would cost £500 for a week. However, the cheapest available through a comparison site was just £76, a saving of more than £420. He stressed: "To put that in context, that is still a booking on the day price. That's not an early booking discount."
Last-Minute Booking on the Way to the Airport
Mr Lewis advised that this check can be done even on the way to the airport, as long as you book before arriving. He said: "This could even be done on the way to driving to the airport. You could check and find yourself cheaper parking, as long as you are booking before you actually get there." He cautioned that only a passenger should perform this task, not the driver.
Additional Savings at Liverpool Airport
Another listener shared their experience at Liverpool Airport. The cheapest parking they found was £94, but by using a tool to compare multiple comparison sites, they secured a deal for just £68, saving £16. Mr Lewis emphasized the importance of casting the net wide: "The key really is to make sure you are going right across the market and searching as many different places as you possibly can."
Mr Lewis also mentioned that for frequent flyers, there can be special discounts when booking on the last day. His advice aims to help consumers avoid paying more for parking than for their flights.
