Airport parking fees can often feel like an unavoidable travel tax, with some UK airports charging over £100 for just a week's stay. But savvy travellers have discovered a clever workaround that could save you up to 90% on these frustrating costs.
The Parking Price Problem
Recent research has exposed shocking disparities in airport parking charges across the UK. While London Luton tops the list with eye-watering £126 weekly fees, even regional airports like Manchester and Edinburgh demand £85-£95 for the same period.
The Simple Solution
The hack involves booking parking at nearby hotels rather than official airport car parks. Many airport-adjacent hotels offer stay-and-fly packages where you can leave your car for weeks at a fraction of the cost.
- Manchester Airport parking: £95 (official) vs £12 (hotel)
- Gatwick parking: £110 (official) vs £15 (hotel)
- Birmingham parking: £85 (official) vs £10 (hotel)
How It Works
Most participating hotels don't require you to actually stay overnight. You simply book their parking package, which typically includes:
- Secure parking for your vehicle
- Complimentary shuttle to the terminal
- 24/7 security monitoring
Some hotels even throw in extras like luggage storage or pre-flight breakfast options.
Important Considerations
While this hack offers massive savings, travellers should:
- Check cancellation policies carefully
- Verify shuttle frequency and operating hours
- Read recent reviews about security standards
- Book well in advance during peak seasons
With UK airports seeing record passenger numbers this year, this parking loophole could be the difference between an affordable trip and budget-busting travel costs.
