Very expensive airport parking - will it get cheaper?

socks_uk

I've noticed the price increase too!

I've just checked my past emails and we had 15 days parking with 1 night stay at Heathrow last Easter for £59 (I took the chance with the 'undercover' hotel). We are doing the same 2 weeks (in respect that it is the 2 weeks school holidays this year as it was last year - I work in a school so our dates are not flexible) and the quotes start from £88 for the Comfort Inn! The 'undercover' hotel is £99 and I will still need to pay for 2 extra days parking (due to us being able to have an extra day away with us flying on (Good)Friday rather than Saturday like last year.

Our flight is at 8.30am and need to check in 3 hours before (I have been told from Air Canada) although I thought it was only 2 hours last time. So we don't have much choice but to travel to Heathrow the day before to be there for 5.30am.

I know we'll end up paying it but it just seems a big price increase.

Pollycat

Thanks again everybody.

Incapuppy, when I first looked and got the £170 price there were only 3 car parks available, now there are 5.
I think they don't put the offers on until a certain time.
It's a bit of a juggling act as the prices seem to go up closer to your departure date.
As I said earlier, I paid £75 for 23 days in November booking in July but they were charging £99 for 15 days parking at the same place when I wanted to book within 2 weeks of departure.

Chester_Draws - thanks for that. You've set me thinking now. :T
Instead of paying the £99 I mentioned earlier, we decided to book into a B&B near Horley for the same price. It included transfers both ways, English breakfast and 15 days parking.
We had a relaxing journey down the day before our holiday, checked in and walked into Horley centre for a few beers and a meal. We then had a good night's sleep and a 5 minute transfer to the airport. It really set our holiday off to a great start.

My OH (who will be doing the driving) thinks that staying overnight on our return journey is quite a good idea as we'll have had a 10 hour flight on top of a 5.5 hour time difference as well as the 3 hour journey home, so I'm going to do some pricing up later today.

I'll let you know what I decide to do.

Incapuppy

We quite often do an overnight on the way back too depending on the flight times, or would book a day room if needed. Driving any distance after a long haul flight plus time difference is not something we are comfortable with.

Pollycat

Update on my Gatwick parking dilemma:

After suggestions from Chester_Draws & Incapuppy, we've decided to stay overnight in a B&B on our return to UK.

With a 10 hour flight on top of a 5.5 hour time difference as well as the 3 hour journey home (not to mention the time spent queuing at Passport Control, waiting at luggage reclaim and (hope not but who knows) any flight delays), it just makes sense.

We're using the same place as we did in August.
The rooms were clean and tidy (although not large), close enough to the airport - transfers included, within walking distance of Horley centre, the English breakfast was freshly cooked and good, our car was waiting for us on our return and undamaged.

We couldn't book it online as their system (and other room bookers) seem to be geared up for overnight stays BEFORE your holiday as well as 8 or 15 days parking (we need 23 days).

I checked on their website that the nights we wanted were available, then emailed them with specific times & dates and they were prompt in replying with prices.
They asked for credit card details (they don't charge until you arrive) and we rang with those details as we weren't on a secure connection.
We've had confirmation today.

So - we've booked with Acorn Lodge, 79 Massets Road, Horley.
For 23 days parking, transfers to and from the airport, double room, English breakfast (from 7am) we've paid £120.
23 days parking on-airport with coach transfer would cost £75, so the extra £45 is worth it for us.