Parking ..don't ponder..do it!

sillygoose

Lesson of the day (for me)..

A few days ago I was planning next summer hols and toyed with flying from Manchester. I checked the parking cost and it quoted £49.99, with cashback bringing it to £42.49. Quite reasonable for 2 weeks peak time.

I left it until today and I presume because its passed some marker (end of November?) its now £79.99!! I managed to find a code to get it down by 15% but its still a lot at £68 from £42 3 days ago!

From memory I did the same last year, left it a while and it shot up when I went to book, I can't find any information on what the timescale is for the hikes so didn't suspect one was coming..

Will try not to make it 3 times in a row!

EssexExile

You can usually cancel up to the last minute, so book & change later if the rates improve.

bleepandbooster

We've always used Shentons to park our car whilst using Manchester airport. They closed down a couple of years ago, A member of staff now runs Hunters and we use them now. Have always been happy with the service, why not check their price out.

Cofion
David

sillygoose

Not ever going to use a meet and greet or any where you leave them the key, only ever one I park and walk away with the key in my pocket, despite the cost.

cubegame

I've enjoyed free parking for years using Holiday Extras price guarantee. They've changed it now though.

wazza99

I'd agree booking sooner rather than later is always cheaper in most cases.

Manchester's official meet and greet is fully legit and a great service, don't confuse it with third party offerings who have similar names.

1trainer1

It is the same with flights, only search when you are booking as searching first and then the price goes up you are always disappointed and kicking yourself until you go away.

I also never understand people who book flights and then search the price again after you have booked as you will always be annoyed if the price has gone down

shaun_from_Africa

1trainer1 wrote: »

I also never understand people who book flights and then search the price again after you have booked as you will always be annoyed if the price has gone down

When booking online, both Virgin and BA allow you to cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of booking (With Virgin, the flights must be at least 1 week away) so just before this 24 hour period is up it doesn't do any harm in checking the price of the flight just in case it's dropped.
There may also be other airlines with a similar policy but VS and BA are the only ones I've flown with recently.

sillygoose

Flying Easyjet (1st time) which apparently has a 'price promise' and will refund difference if the price drops, the catch is its in flight credit for next time not cash.

Moto2

sillygoose wrote: »

Flying Easyjet (1st time) which apparently has a 'price promise' and will refund difference if the price drops, the catch is its in flight credit for next time not cash.

You'll also lose any booked seats during the refund process.
As long as no one else grabs them at that time, you should get them back OK but not guaranteed.

headpin

wazza99 wrote: »

I'd agree booking sooner rather than later is always cheaper in most cases.

Manchester's official meet and greet is fully legit and a great service, don't confuse it with third party offerings who have similar names.

Gatwick also operate their own official meet and greet where you park the car in the short stay (although currently North Terminal is using alternative), check in at the kiosk and leave keys. On return the car is parked in the short stay and you collect keys from the kiosk again. None of the cowboys who meet you in the drop off area and are seen flooring the gas as you drag your cases across to the terminal.