Is Forecourt Meet and Greet Parking better than Car Park Meet and Greet?

When it comes to airport parking, travellers are faced with a wide range of options. From park-and-ride services to on-site multi-storey car parks, the choices can be overwhelming. But for convenience, speed, and peace of mind, meet and greet parking stands head and shoulders above the rest—particularly when it's located directly on the terminal forecourt.
At I Love Meet and Greet, we pride ourselves on offering the most efficient and customer-friendly parking experience available. While some meet and greet services operate from a nearby car park or off-site location, we provide true forecourt meet and greet parking, meaning you drop off and collect your car just a few steps from the terminal entrance.
So, what’s the real difference between forecourt meet and greet and other forms of meet and greet parking? And why should you choose forecourt every time? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Meet and Greet Parking Options
Meet and greet parking typically involves a professional driver meeting you at the airport, taking your car to a secure compound, and then bringing it back when you return. The key difference lies in where that handover happens:
- Forecourt Meet and Greet: Your car is collected and returned directly on the airport’s terminal forecourt, just outside departures or arrivals.
- Car Park Meet and Greet: You drive to a nearby car park—either on-site or off-site—where you hand over your keys, and then you walk to the terminal
While both are more convenient than traditional park-and-ride options, only forecourt meet and greet delivers the highest level of ease and efficiency.
The Forecourt Advantage: Why Location Matters
1. Ultimate Convenience
Forecourt meet and greet eliminates the need for additional travel or time-consuming transfers. There’s no shuttle bus to catch, no dragging luggage across a large car park, and no wondering where to go next. You simply drive to the terminal, hand over your keys, and head straight to check-in.
This is especially beneficial for:
- Families with young children
- Travellers with lots of luggage
- Business passengers on tight schedules
- Passengers with reduced mobility
2. Time-Saving Simplicity
Flying can be stressful, particularly when you’re running late or travelling during peak hours. Forecourt meet and greet helps reduce the pressure by cutting out all the extra steps. Unlike parking in a distant car park—where you may face delays, wait for a shuttle, or navigate busy lots—forecourt service takes just minutes.
You’re met at the kerb, right by the entrance. It’s the fastest way from your car to the terminal, and on your return, the shortest route back to the comfort of your vehicle.
3. Professionalism and Trust
At I Love Meet and Greet, all our forecourt services are fully authorised and insured, with access to the terminal forecourts granted by the airport authorities. That’s not always the case with third-party providers who operate from public car parks or unregulated zones.
By choosing a trusted forecourt provider:
- You avoid rogue operators
- You receive clear directions and contact details
- Your car is parked in a secure, monitored compound
- You enjoy peace of mind throughout your trip
4. Avoids Extra Transfers and Hassles
Car park meet and greet services can sound appealing—until you realise you have to first find the car park, navigate confusing signage, and locate the specific bay or section where you’re instructed to leave your car. In many cases, the handover doesn’t happen at your vehicle. Instead, you may have to walk across the car park—sometimes with luggage or in bad weather—to reach a kiosk or designated point to give your keys to the driver.
It turns what should be a seamless service into a self-navigated chore. By contrast, with true forecourt meet and greet, the driver finds you, right at the terminal, at the exact time you need them.
The Problem with Car Park Meet and Greet
While it might seem like a minor difference, using a car park meet and greet service can quickly become an inconvenience:
- Time-consuming handovers in poorly signed or hard-to-find car parks
- No shelter if it's raining or cold while you walk to a kiosk
- Long walks with luggage or children to reach the terminal
- Limited oversight if the service is not directly authorised by the airport
- Extra steps in locating your own bay and then walking to find the meet point
All these small inconveniences add up—especially when you’re dealing with an early morning flight, delays, or a busy travel season.
Choose I Love Meet and Greet for Forecourt Excellence
We’ve built our reputation on offering the best forecourt meet and greet experience at major UK airports, including Gatwick, and Stansted. When you book with us, you’re guaranteed:
- Forecourt collection and return at the terminal
- Professionally trained, uniformed drivers
- Secure off-site parking with 24/7 monitoring
- Full insurance cover while your car is in our care
- Easy booking and clear instructions
We don’t cut corners or outsource to unauthorised operators. Every detail is carefully managed to ensure a seamless start and end to your journey.
Final Thoughts
Meet and greet parking is all about convenience—but not all services are created equal. Choosing a forecourt provider like I Love Meet and Greet means saving time, reducing stress, and arriving at the terminal with ease.
Next time you fly, skip the car park queues and shuttles. Avoid the hassle of locating bays and walking to kiosks. Opt for true meet and greet parking on the forecourt—because the best way to start a trip is in complete comfort.
By stephen forster at 29 Jul 2025