Different Types of Airport Parking and their origins

Answering the questions you may ask about which type of parking is best and explaining the difference.

Airport parking can be a confusing topic for travelers, especially when faced with a variety of terms used to describe essentially the same service. One of the most popular and convenient types of airport parking is what many in the UK know as “meet and greet parking.” Understanding the history and evolution of these terms can help clarify their meanings and highlight how they differ from other parking options.

The Early Days of Chauffeur Parking: A Misnomer

In the early days of airport parking services, several companies provided a convenient option where travelers could drop off their vehicles at the airport and have a professional driver park them securely off-site. Purple Parking was one of these companies and played a significant role in popularising the service at Heathrow whilst other companies were providing a similar but differently named service at Gatwick Airport. PAS, a company founded by I Love meet and greet’s MD, Sarah Anglim, was one such business.

 However, Purple Parking’s decision to label the service as “chauffeur parking” was somewhat misleading. The term “chauffeur” traditionally refers to a driver who transports passengers in their own vehicles. By using this term, Purple Parking created confusion among customers who expected a different service altogether. The misnomer muddled the market and made it harder for travelers to understand exactly what was being offered.

Meteor Simplifies the Market with Meet and Greet Parking

Meteor, one of the major players in the parking industry, wanted to  grow their airport parking sector.  Having bought several airport parking companies (including PAS) they employed Sarah Anglim as the head of its airport division. By understanding the need for clearer communication and simpler terminology,  Sarah introduced the Meteor meet and greet brand which better described the service and grew to be the biggest brand and biggest operator in the sector.

The phrase “meet and greet” conveyed the idea of a professional driver meeting the customer at the airport forecourt and handling the parking process. This rebranding made the service more accessible and understandable for travelers. Meteor’s approach was so successful that meet and greet parking became the standard term across the industry.

Valet Parking: A Familiar Concept for Americans

While the term “chauffeur parking” may have been unique to the UK, the concept itself is not new. In the United States, “valet parking” is a common service offered at hotels, restaurants, and other venues. American travelers are familiar with the process of handing their car keys to a valet attendant, who then parks the vehicle on their behalf and retrieves it when needed.

The transition from “chauffeur parking” to “meet and greet parking” in the UK aligns closely with the American understanding of valet parking.

How Meet and Greet (Valet) Parking Works

For those unfamiliar with the service, meet and greet parking is one of the most convenient options available at airports. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Arrival at the Airport: The customer drives directly to the airport forecourt, usually near the terminal entrance. This eliminates the need to navigate large car parking and shuttle services.
2. Handover Process: A professional and uniformed driver meets the customer at the designated drop-off point. The driver confirms the booking details and inspects the vehicle before taking possession of the keys.
3. Secure Parking: The driver then drives the vehicle to a secure off-site parking facility, where it is stored safely for the duration of the customer’s trip.
4. Return Process: Upon the customer’s return, the car is brought back to the same airport forecourt. The driver meets the customer, hands over the keys, and ensures a smooth departure.

This seamless process saves time and provides peace of mind for travelers, making it an increasingly popular choice for both leisure and business trips.

The UK’s Unique Experience with Valet Parking

Interestingly, for many UK residents, meet and greet parking at airports is their first and perhaps only experience with valet-style parking. Unlike in the United States, where valet services are common at various establishments, the UK primarily offers this type of service at airports.

The popularity of meet and greet parking highlights the growing demand for convenience and efficiency in travel. However, there has been a humorous twist to the name. Some people unfamiliar with airport parking services now mistakenly believe that “meet and greet” involves meeting a celebrity at a concert or event. This mix-up underscores how important clear communication and branding are in shaping public perceptions.

Conclusion

The evolution from the confusing term “chauffeur parking” to the straightforward “meet and greet parking,” led by industry pioneers like Sarah, has transformed the airport parking experience for UK travelers. With its roots in valet parking, this service offers a level of convenience that many have come to appreciate. By understanding the history and terminology behind these services, travelers can make more informed choices and enjoy a smoother start to their journeys.