How to Research Airport Parking Companies Before You Book

Booking airport parking might seem like a straightforward task—pick a car park/operator at  your airport, choose the right dates, and pay. But not all airport parking companies are equal, and doing a bit of research before you book can save you from stress, inconvenience, or worse: lost money and no place to park.

Whether you're jetting off on holiday or heading out for business, here’s how to research airport parking companies to make sure you're dealing with a legitimate, reliable provider.

1. Start With the Basics: Who Are They?

The first step is to understand who the company is. Don’t just rely on a name that sounds trustworthy. Some companies operate under different trading names or are part of larger parent groups. Others may be small independent businesses.

• Search their company name online: Look for an official website, physical address, and contact details.
• Check for a Companies House registration (if they’re UK-based): Visit https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/ and search the company name. You can see when they were founded, who the directors are, and whether they’re still trading.

A long history doesn’t guarantee quality, but it does show the company is established. If a company has been trading under different names, investigate why.

2. Look at Online Reviews (With a Critical Eye)

Customer reviews can be helpful, but treat them with caution. Some companies post fake reviews or curate only positive ones on their websites.

• Use independent review sites like Google Reviews, or TripAdvisor.
• Look for trends: A few bad reviews are normal, but if you see repeated complaints about lost keys, delays, or damaged vehicles, that’s a red flag.
• Check dates: A company might have good reviews from years ago but poor ones more recently. Recent performance is what matters most.

Tip: Search “[Company Name] reviews” and include the current year in your search.

3. See If the Company Has Gone Bust Before

Some airport parking firms have gone bust in the past, taking customer bookings with them. In some cases, the same people set up a new company under a different name. To check a company’s financial stability:

• Companies House will show if a company has been dissolved, is in liquidation, or has filed for insolvency.
• Search the director’s name: See if they’ve been involved with other failed parking businesses in the past.
• News archives: Google “[Company Name] liquidation” or “[Director’s Name] airport parking” to find past news reports.

If the company has previously gone bust and is now trading again, ask yourself whether you’re comfortable taking that risk.

4. Ask: Is This an Official Airport Car Park or a Third Party?

Many people assume they’re booking directly with the airport, when in fact they’re using a third-party provider.

• Check the airport’s official website: Most list official parking options and provide links. If the parking company isn’t on that list, it’s an independent operator.
• Third-party operators aren’t necessarily bad, but it’s even more important to check their background, insurance, and security.

Some comparison sites list both official and unofficial providers—make sure you know which you’re choosing.

5. Verify Security and Insurance

A legitimate airport parking provider should offer:

• CCTV and 24/7 surveillance
• Secure fencing or barriers
• Insurance for your vehicle while it’s in their care

These details should be visible on their website. If they’re vague or don’t specify what kind of cover they provide, contact them directly and ask.

Also ask what happens if your car is damaged or stolen while in their care. A professional operator will have a clear policy and be happy to explain it.

If anything feels off—like a vague drop-off arrangement or no fixed address—walk away.

6. Use a Comparison Site Wisely — Know Who You're Really Booking With

Comparison sites can be useful for checking prices and availability, but it’s important to understand how they work. These platforms are often just intermediaries—they don’t run the car parks themselves. That means the brand you book through and the company that actually provides the parking can be two entirely different businesses.

For example, you might pay a well-known comparison site, but the parking is delivered by an independent operator you've never heard of. If anything goes wrong—like poor service, delays, or vehicle damage—you’ll need to deal directly with the provider, not the site you booked through.

Before committing:

• Check who the actual service provider is—this should be clearly listed before you pay.
• Research the provider separately, even if the comparison site looks reputable.
• Read the small print to understand who holds responsibility for service issues or complaints.

Comparison sites make money through commissions, so they may prioritise listings based on business relationships, not necessarily customer satisfaction. Use them to find options, but always do your own research on the company that will be handling your car.

7. Check the Terms and Conditions

Before booking, read the small print. Look for:

• Cancellation policies
• Refund procedures
• Key handling rules (some companies require you to leave your keys; others let you keep them)

If the company doesn’t allow cancellations or charges steep fees, consider booking elsewhere—especially if your travel plans might change.

Final Thoughts

Airport parking is one of those things you don’t think much about until something goes wrong. A bit of research now can help you avoid unreliable providers, scams, or financial losses. Always double-check the company’s trading status, history, and reviews before you book.