If you are using Meet and Greet airport parking for the first time, you may want to know exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at the airport until you collect your vehicle after your trip.
The process is usually straightforward.
You drive to a designated meeting point near the airport terminal, follow the provider’s handover instructions and leave your vehicle with a parking representative.
After your return flight, you follow the collection instructions and receive your vehicle at an agreed location.
However, the exact Meet and Greet process can vary between airports and providers.
This guide explains what normally happens at every stage, from drop-off to collection.
How Does Meet and Greet Airport Parking Work?
Meet and Greet airport parking allows you to hand over your vehicle at a designated airport meeting point instead of driving to a separate parking facility and taking a shuttle.
The typical process is:
- Book your Meet and Greet parking.
- Receive your confirmation.
- Check the meeting-point instructions.
- Drive to the airport.
- Contact the provider if required.
- Meet the parking representative.
- Hand over your vehicle and keys.
- Walk towards the terminal.
- Take your flight.
- Follow the return instructions after landing.
- Go to the collection point.
- Collect your vehicle.
The exact steps can differ depending on the service you book.
What Happens Before You Travel?
Your Meet and Greet journey starts before you leave home.
After booking, you should receive confirmation containing important information such as:
- Booking reference
- Airport
- Terminal
- Drop-off date
- Drop-off time
- Return date
- Return time
- Meeting-point instructions
- Provider contact details
- Vehicle details
- Return instructions
Read this information before your travel day.
Do not wait until you reach the airport to check where the meeting point is.
What Details Do You Need When Booking?
Most Meet and Greet bookings require details including:
- Departure airport
- Travel dates
- Drop-off time
- Return time
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle model
Some providers may also ask for:
- Flight number
- Terminal
- Contact number
Make sure the information is accurate.
What Happens on the Day of Your Flight?
On the day of travel, follow the instructions in your booking confirmation.
The process normally begins with driving towards the airport.
Depending on the provider, you may need to contact them before reaching the meeting point.
Do You Need to Call Before Arriving?
Sometimes.
Some Meet and Greet providers ask passengers to call a set amount of time before arrival.
Others do not.
The call may help the provider prepare for your vehicle handover.
If your confirmation says you need to call, follow those instructions carefully.
Where Do You Drop Off Your Car?
The drop-off point varies by airport and provider.
Possible meeting locations include:
- Short-stay car park
- Multi-storey car park
- Designated terminal parking area
- Specific level or bay
- Another airport meeting zone
Meet and Greet does not necessarily mean stopping directly outside the terminal entrance.
Always use the meeting-point information supplied with your booking.
What Happens When You Reach the Meeting Point?
Once you arrive, you normally meet a representative from the parking service.
The handover process may involve:
- Confirming your booking
- Checking your registration
- Confirming your return flight
- Handing over your vehicle keys
- Removing your luggage
- Following any provider-specific instructions
The process may differ depending on the parking service.
Should You Arrive Exactly at Your Booked Time?
Try to arrive around the time shown on your booking.
If you expect to arrive significantly earlier or later, follow the provider’s instructions.
Some services may ask you to contact them if your arrival time changes.
Traffic can affect airport journeys, so it is sensible to leave enough time.
What If You Arrive Early?
If you reach the airport earlier than expected, check your booking instructions.
A representative may be arranged according to your booked arrival time.
If you are significantly early, you may need to contact the provider.
Do not assume you can simply arrive at any time.
What If You Arrive Late?
If you are delayed by traffic or another issue, follow the provider’s contact procedure.
A late arrival may affect the handover arrangements.
Keep the provider’s phone number easily accessible during your journey.
What Happens During Vehicle Handover?
The vehicle handover is the point where responsibility for the parking process passes to the provider according to the booked service.
You will normally:
- Arrive at the meeting point.
- Meet the representative.
- Confirm the booking.
- Remove your luggage and personal belongings.
- Hand over the vehicle keys.
- Follow any final instructions.
- Walk towards the terminal.
The exact procedure can vary.
Do You Have to Leave Your Keys?
Usually, yes.
Meet and Greet parking generally requires the vehicle to be moved after the handover.
For this reason, you normally leave your vehicle keys with the representative.
If you do not want to hand over your keys, compare other airport parking options such as certain self-parking or Park and Ride services.
Should You Remove Personal Belongings?
It is sensible to take the belongings you will need during your trip.
Before handing over the vehicle, check for items such as:
- Passport
- Wallet
- Phone
- Travel documents
- Medication
- House keys
- Luggage
- Children’s items
You may also want to remove valuables or anything you do not need to leave in the vehicle.
Should You Check Your Vehicle Before Handover?
It can be useful to know the condition of your vehicle before travelling.
Some travellers choose to:
- Note the mileage
- Take photographs
- Check the fuel level
- Remove unnecessary belongings
Whether you do this is a personal choice.
The provider may also have its own handover process.
What Happens After You Hand Over the Vehicle?
After the handover, you continue towards the airport terminal.
The parking provider then handles the vehicle according to the service you booked.
The exact parking arrangements depend on the provider.
If you want to understand more about where a vehicle is parked or how the provider operates, review the service description before booking.
How Far Is the Walk to the Terminal?
Walking distance depends on the meeting point.
Some handover locations may be very close to the terminal.
Others may be inside a short-stay or multi-storey car park.
When comparing Meet and Greet services, check:
- Meeting-point location
- Walking distance
- Terminal access
This can be particularly important for families and passengers with a lot of luggage.
What Happens While You Are Away?
While you are travelling, your vehicle remains with the parking service according to the terms of your booking.
As a comparison website, the key point is to review the provider-specific information before you book.
Different operators can have different procedures.
What Happens Before Your Return Flight?
Before returning to the UK, it can be useful to review your Meet and Greet collection instructions again.
Check:
- When you need to contact the provider
- Where you need to go
- Which terminal you are arriving at
- Collection-point instructions
Keeping the confirmation available on your phone can help.
What Happens When Your Flight Lands?
After landing, you normally need to follow a series of steps before collecting your vehicle.
These may include:
- Leave the aircraft.
- Pass through immigration if required.
- Collect your luggage.
- Contact the parking provider if instructed.
- Walk to the designated collection point.
- Meet the representative.
- Receive your vehicle.
Do not necessarily call the provider immediately after the aircraft lands unless the booking instructions tell you to.
When Should You Call the Meet and Greet Provider?
The correct timing varies.
Some providers may ask you to call:
- After landing
- After clearing passport control
- After collecting luggage
- When you are ready to walk to the collection point
Follow the exact instructions supplied with your booking.
Calling too early or too late may affect the collection process.
Where Do You Collect Your Vehicle?
The collection point may be the same as the drop-off point, but not always.
Depending on the provider, you may collect your car from:
- Short-stay parking
- Multi-storey parking
- Designated terminal area
- Specific car park level
- Another agreed meeting point
Check the return instructions before travelling.
What Happens at Vehicle Collection?
When you reach the collection point, the typical process involves:
- Meeting the provider’s representative.
- Confirming your booking.
- Receiving your vehicle keys.
- Checking the vehicle.
- Loading your luggage.
- Leaving the airport.
The exact procedure can vary.
Should You Check Your Vehicle When It Is Returned?
It can be sensible to take a quick look around the vehicle before leaving.
You may want to check:
- Vehicle condition
- Mileage
- Fuel level
- Personal items
If you have any questions about the return, raise them according to the provider’s procedure.
What If Your Flight Is Delayed?
If your flight is delayed, your collection time may change.
Follow the provider’s instructions.
Some services request a flight number when you book, but this does not mean you should assume no action is needed.
Check whether the provider asks you to contact them after landing.
What If Your Flight Lands Early?
An early arrival can also change your expected collection time.
Follow the same return procedure.
Do not assume your vehicle will automatically be waiting if you land earlier than planned.
Contact the provider according to the booking instructions.
What If Your Flight Is Cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled or your travel plans change, check your parking booking terms.
You may need to contact the provider regarding:
- New return date
- Different return time
- Extended parking
- Additional charges
The exact terms vary between providers.
What If You Return a Day Late?
Returning later than booked can lead to additional charges depending on the provider.
If you know your return date has changed, contact the service as early as practical.
Check the booking terms for extended stays.
What Happens If You Change Terminal?
Flights can sometimes arrive at a different terminal.
If that happens, follow the provider’s instructions.
You may need to:
- Contact them
- Confirm the new terminal
- Follow a different collection route
Do not simply go to the original meeting point without checking.
How Long Does Meet and Greet Drop-Off Take?
There is no fixed time.
The process depends on:
- Airport
- Traffic
- Provider
- Meeting point
- Whether advance contact is required
- How busy the airport is
Meet and Greet normally removes the separate Park and Ride transfer, but you should still allow enough time for vehicle handover and walking to the terminal.
How Long Does Meet and Greet Collection Take?
Collection times also vary.
You need to account for:
- Collecting luggage
- Contacting the provider
- Walking to the collection point
- Vehicle return arrangements
Do not assume the vehicle will be returned immediately after your aircraft lands.
Follow the provider’s stated process.
Meet and Greet vs Park and Ride: Drop-Off Process
The two services differ significantly.
Meet and Greet
You normally:
Drive to airport → Hand over vehicle → Walk to terminal
Park and Ride
You normally:
Drive to car park → Park → Take transfer → Reach terminal
Meet and Greet generally removes the separate shuttle stage.
Meet and Greet vs Park and Ride: Return Process
On return:
Meet and Greet
You normally follow the provider’s instructions and collect the vehicle near the airport terminal.
Park and Ride
You normally take a transfer back to the parking facility before collecting the vehicle.
Which process suits you better depends on your travel preferences.
Is Meet and Greet Easier With Luggage?
It can be.
Meet and Greet usually reduces the number of times luggage needs to be moved between vehicles.
You normally unload your luggage at or near the airport and then walk towards the terminal.
For passengers carrying several bags, this may be more convenient than a separate transfer.
Is Meet and Greet Easier With Children?
It can be useful for families because the additional shuttle stage is normally removed.
This can reduce the need to manage:
- Children
- Pushchairs
- Suitcases
- Hand luggage
during a Park and Ride transfer.
The exact convenience depends on the meeting-point location.
Meet and Greet Drop-Off at Heathrow
Heathrow has multiple terminals, so always confirm the correct terminal and meeting instructions.
Check:
- Terminal number
- Meeting point
- Car park level if applicable
- Provider contact procedure
Do not assume the process is identical across every Heathrow terminal.
Meet and Greet Drop-Off at Gatwick
Gatwick has North and South Terminals.
Check which terminal your service supports.
The meeting point and arrival route may differ between terminals.
Meet and Greet Drop-Off at Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport also has multiple terminals.
Before travelling, confirm:
- Terminal
- Meeting location
- Arrival procedure
- Collection point
Meet and Greet Drop-Off at Stansted
Stansted Meet and Greet providers may use different meeting areas.
Read the instructions carefully and keep them accessible during the journey.
What Should You Check Before Booking?
When comparing Meet and Greet airport parking, review:
Meeting Point
Where does the handover happen?
Terminal
Does the service support your terminal?
Drop-Off Process
Do you need to call before arriving?
Collection Process
When do you contact the provider after landing?
Operating Hours
Does the service work with your flight times?
Total Price
What is the full booking cost?
Booking Terms
Can the booking be amended or cancelled?
Vehicle Requirements
Are there any size or vehicle restrictions?
Meet and Greet Drop-Off Checklist
Before travelling, check:
- Booking confirmation
- Airport terminal
- Meeting point
- Provider phone number
- Drop-off time
- Vehicle registration
- Arrival instructions
- Luggage
- Travel documents
Meet and Greet Collection Checklist
Before your return journey, check:
- Return flight number
- Arrival terminal
- Provider phone number
- When to call
- Collection location
- Booking reference
Common Meet and Greet Drop-Off Mistakes
Going to the Wrong Terminal
Check your flight details before leaving home.
Assuming the Meeting Point Is the Terminal Entrance
It may be inside a car park or another designated area.
Forgetting to Call
Some providers require advance contact.
Arriving With No Time to Spare
Allow time for traffic and handover.
Leaving Important Items in the Car
Check your belongings before handing over the keys.
Common Meet and Greet Collection Mistakes
Calling Too Early
Follow the provider’s return instructions.
Going to the Wrong Collection Point
Check the exact location.
Forgetting About a Terminal Change
Confirm your actual arrival terminal.
Not Reading Delay Instructions
Know what to do if the flight is late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when you drop off your car for Meet and Greet parking?
You normally drive to a designated meeting point, meet a parking representative, confirm your booking, remove your luggage and hand over your vehicle and keys before continuing towards the terminal.
Where do you drop off your car for Meet and Greet?
The exact location varies by airport and provider. It may be a short-stay car park, multi-storey car park or another designated meeting area.
Do you have to call before Meet and Greet drop-off?
Some providers require advance contact, while others do not. Follow the instructions in your booking confirmation.
Do you leave your keys with Meet and Greet?
Usually, yes. The provider normally needs the keys to move the vehicle after handover.
What happens when you return from your flight?
You normally collect your luggage, contact the provider if required, go to the agreed collection point and receive your vehicle.
When should you call for Meet and Greet collection?
The timing depends on the provider. Some ask you to call after luggage collection, while others have different instructions.
Is the collection point the same as the drop-off point?
It can be, but not always. Check the return instructions for your booking.
What happens if your flight is delayed?
Follow the provider’s delay and return instructions. You may need to contact them if your expected arrival time changes.
What happens if your flight lands early?
Follow the normal return procedure and contact the provider according to the booking instructions.
Does Meet and Greet require a shuttle transfer?
Usually not. The vehicle handover generally takes place at or near the airport, removing the need for a separate Park and Ride shuttle.
From Drop-Off to Collection: What Should You Expect?
The Meet and Greet airport parking process is designed to reduce the need for a separate journey between a parking facility and the terminal.
You normally drive to an agreed airport meeting point, hand over your vehicle and then walk towards the terminal.
After your trip, you follow the provider’s return instructions and collect the vehicle from an agreed location.
The most important thing is to read the exact drop-off and collection instructions for the service you book.
At Compare Meet and Greet, you can compare Meet and Greet parking by price, meeting point, operating hours and service details before choosing an option.
Compare Meet and Greet airport parking before you book and understand the full drop-off and collection process before you travel.