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Rogue 'Meet and Greet' Services at British Airports Instil Fear in Holidaymakers

British airports have been under scrutiny lately for the rise in rogue 'Meet and Greet' parking services that are operating illegally.
Finance, Leisure, Lifestyle - 15 April 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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The number of 'Meet and Greet' parking services at UK airports is on the increase, and lately there have been various horror stories of rogue companies operating illegally. Some companies have been known to park vehicles on the street, in supermarket car parks or abandon them on industrial estates, and what’s worse is some cars have been rented out as hire vehicles. Moreover, the different terminology for these services - valet parking, meet and greet parking and chauffeur parking - can cause serious confusion for consumers.

It is not only the risk of rogue ‘meet and greet’ services that is putting fear in the minds of British travellers. British airports have been under recent scrutiny due to the ‘ridiculously high’ car parking charges. Looking at the prices of 15 of the UK’s busiest flight hubs, the average cheapest on-site parking charges for 7 days was £37.71, with the highest reaching £63.80.

Britons plan to spend £153 billion on holidays this year; with 81% planning to take three holidays in 2011, and it seems that the 48 million Brits travelling to the airport by car may be facing more stress than necessary.

. Introduction:

There have been recent horror stories about rogue ‘Meet and Greet’ services operating illegally at British airports. Some companies have been known to park vehicles in supermarket car parks, abandon cars on industrial estates and even rent cars out as hire vehicles. With thousands of Brits planning their holidays for this year, fear of leaving their car in the hands of airport valet parking may hinder their holiday fun and cause unnecessary stress.

Car parks at British airports have had some bad press lately, what with the ridiculously high car parking charges and illegal parking services, so what can holidaymakers do to put their minds at ease this year?

Joining us directly to debate meet and greet parking frustrations, is a valet parking representative - Kevan Godfrey from Meteor.

. Suggested Questions:

What does research reveal about airport journeys and costs in our area?

How are travellers being affected by these illegal ‘Meet and Greet’ companies?

Are ‘Meet and Greet’ services necessary?

What other issues are holidaymakers facing when they get to the airport?

What advice have you got for Brits who want to keep their car safe without paying an arm and a leg when away this year?

Where can we go to find out more information?