Valet parking

While you were comparing prices of car park you will have come across the term valet parking. All of the major airports offer a valet parking service.
But how does valet parking work and what are the pros and cons? 

What is valet parking?

The big difference between valet parking and traditional parking is that when you use valet parking, you don’t have to park your car yourself. You drive to the departure terminal and hand over your car to a driver who will park your car for you. The big advantage of valet parking is saving time; there's no need to catch the shuttle bus to the airport.

How does it work?

Step 1. Make a reservation

You make a reservation on the Parkos website where you can see the costs for valet parking. You'll get a confirmation email with clear instructions from the car park within a few minutes of booking. In this email will be a description of the location that you'll meet the driver and there will be a telephone number you will need to call before you arrive. 

Step 2. You drive to the departure terminal

In contrast to shuttle parking, you'll drive to the departure terminal. In your confirmation email you'll find a clear description of the location where you'll meet the driver so you hand over your car. 

Step 3. Hand over your car keys to the car park staff member

A driver will wait for you at the departure terminal at the time you agreed. Together with you they will check your car for any damage, so there won't be any surprises or misunderstandings afterwards. The staff member of the car park will take your car keys and drive your car to the car park while you continue your journey. The driver will drive your car to the car park and will park it for you.

Step 4. Getting your car returned after arriving back at the airport

When you get back to the airport you'll need to call the parking provider. As soon as they know your plane has landed, a driver will drive your car to the agreed location at arrivals or departures and will meet you there. You'll both check the car for any damage, and you will be able to continue your journey. 

What are the pros and cons?

Pros

• You'll save time. You'll drive to the departures terminal yourself. 
• Comfort. There is no shuttle bus which takes you to the departures terminal, you can just have a comfortable ride in your own car.

Cons

• Trust. You won’t be able to see where and how your car is being parked, you'll need to put your trust in the car park provider and the driver.
• Costs. Valet parking is generally more expensive than shuttle parking.