Airport Parking: Keep Your Keys

What “keep your keys” means

You self-park in a marked bay at a dedicated airport car park. There’s no valet handover, no compound shuffling, and no key storage. Your vehicle stays where you left it until you return.

Why travellers choose it

• Control & peace of mind: Only you drive your car. Odometer and interior stay as you left them.

• Value: Typically cheaper than Meet & Greet/valet services.

• Simplicity: Follow signs, park, hop on the shuttle, fly. No dispatch timing to juggle.

How a typical journey works

1. Arrive at the car park with a small buffer for parking and transfers.

2. Barrier opens via ANPR or QR; you park and lock.

3. Transfer to the terminal on the car park’s shuttle (or walk, if on-airport).

4. Return pickup at the signed bus stop; ride back, drive out.

Tip: Snap a photo of your bay/row and the odometer. It’s a 5-second habit that makes the return effortless.

Fees & small print (so there are no surprises)

• Forecourt levy: Usually not applicable for “keep your keys” because your car doesn’t use the terminal forecourt.

• Barrier/parking charges: Included in your booking; over-stays can incur an extra day/hour on exit.

• Flexible vs non-flex: Flexible bookings cost a bit more but allow changes/cancellations under stated terms; non-flex are cheaper but stricter.

EVs, big cars, and accessibility

• EV drivers: Many sites offer AC destination chargers as an add-on; pre-book and bring a Type 2 cable.

• Large vehicles/roof boxes: Check height limits and bay sizes in advance.

• Mobility needs: Ask about low-step shuttles, priority boarding, and Blue Badge bays near stops.

Security checklist

Look for car parks with CCTV, lighting, fencing, patrols, and staffed hours aligned to your flight. Reputable sites publish these features clearly.

When “keep your keys” isn’t ideal

• You want curbside convenience (consider Meet & Greet).

• You have ultra-tight timings and can’t allow for a shuttle.

• You need guaranteed on-site EV rapid charging (rare at parking compounds).

Quick booking checklist

• Match dates/times to your itinerary with a sensible buffer.

• Read the return pickup instructions (which bay/stop, call needed or loop service).

• Save the booking email and car park phone number offline.

• Confirm amendment/overstay rules in case your plans shift.

FAQs

Will staff move my car while I’m away?

No, the defining feature is that you keep your keys and the car stays put.

What if my flight is delayed?

Most sites accommodate; substantial overruns may be charged as an extra period. Let the car park know as soon as you can.

Can I arrive early?

A little early is usually fine. Turning up hours ahead may be treated as an amendment or an extra day, check your confirmation.

 

Bottom line

“Keep your keys” airport parking is the no-nonsense, good-value choice for travellers who like control. Book a secure, well-reviewed site, bring a small time buffer for transfers, and enjoy the trip knowing your car is exactly where, and how, you left it.