If you’re heading on holiday by plane, you’ll need to find a way to get to the airport for your flight. One popular option is to park at the airport in airport parking. It's convenient, located close to the airport, and you don’t need to worry about the potential issues and delays that come with taking public transportation. However, there are also some concerns many people have before they choose to use airport parking; here is a list of common concerns and solutions to put your mind at ease.
What if I can't remember where I parked my car?
If you’re going on holiday for a week or two, it's very unlikely you’ll remember the location where you parked your car. After all, you'll be having too much fun enjoying your holiday. It's really simple to prevent this from becoming an issue. Simply make a note on your phone of the location you parked your car. Alternatively, if you prefer a more technologically advanced solution, you can save your parking spot location using the what3words app. This way, you will be able to locate it again after you return from your trip easily.
What if the battery goes dead?
Most vehicles will be completely fine at the airport for a week, or two left parked. The battery is very unlikely to go dead unless you already have battery issues. If you have battery issues, you should replace the battery in your car before you travel to the airport. Your car battery needs to be replaced on average every three years. It's a good idea to check it's working well and check the connectors before leaving your car at the airport. You can also carry jumper cables so other motorists or the airport team can help you in the event that your vehicle runs out of battery. If you’re competent and aware of motor vehicles, you can also detach the battery to prevent it from draining whilst you go on holiday. A backup breakdown service is also a good idea for assistance if you can’t get moving again.
What if the flight is delayed?
Many airport car parks that you book in advance ask you to specify the time that you return. You might be concerned if your flight is delayed and you won’t get back to your vehicle at the time you specified. However, don’t worry too much about this; parking at Manchester airport and most other airports will have some flexibility; this is usually to the end of the day that you booked, so timing isn’t too important. If you do go over into the next day, you may need to pay for an additional day's worth of parking. Always check the terms and conditions of the car park before booking just to be sure.
What if my car is frozen shut?
In extreme weather conditions, it’s possible for your car door to be frozen shut when you return. This will only happen if the weather has been very cold and your car has been in extreme temperatures. Firstly try all of the doors; one of them might open to allow you into the vehicle. If this doesn't work, try pushing the door, not pulling, to free it from the ice. If none of these options work, head back to the airport and try to find some warm water or de-icer to use on the door handles. If you think this could be an issue, grab a cup of coffee or de-icer before you leave the airport, but make sure you let it cool down a bit before pouring it over your car.
What if my tires are flat?
If you have a slow puncture, you might find your return to your car and the tyres are flat. To prevent this, always check your tire pressure before you leave for the airport. It’s also a good idea to keep a pump, spare tire and the tools you need to replace your tire in the boot. This way, you can put on the spare to get home, and you won’t need to call out a breakdown service. If a spare tyre doesn’t fit in your boot, some tyre foam can do the trick temporarily.