If you’ve ever booked Heathrow parking and felt a “sting” at the checkout or worse, at the airport barrier you aren’t alone. The airport parking industry is notorious for “teaser rates” that look incredibly cheap in search results but inflate the moment you actually try to use the service.
At Air Park Pro (APP), we believe that “Business Class” service starts with a transparent invoice. In this guide, we break down what actually goes into a Meet & Greet price and how to spot the hidden fees that most providers hope you won’t notice.
What Goes Into a Meet & Greet Parking Price?
To understand a fair price, you need to know where your money goes. A professional Meet & Greet service isn’t just a parking space; it’s a logistics operation. A standard quote covers:
- Service Fee: The cost of managing your booking and 24/7 customer support.
- Driver Time: We employ professional, background-checked drivers to meet you at the terminal and safely transport your vehicle.
- Short Stay Access: Heathrow charges for every minute a vehicle spends in the terminal car parks.
- Insurance & Compliance: Comprehensive “Road Risks” insurance to protect your vehicle while it is in our care.
Short Stay Entry Fees: Why Some Prices Are Misleading
This is the most common “hidden fee” in the industry. To meet you at the terminal, a driver must enter the Heathrow Short Stay car park.
- The Industry Issue: Many low-cost providers exclude the “Gate Fees” (the cost of entering and exiting the car park) from their initial quote.
- The Surprise: Customers often arrive at the airport only to be told they need to pay an additional £7.00 to £15.00 at the barrier just to drop off their car.
- The APP Standard: We don’t believe in “barrier surprises.” Whether you choose our Economy or Business Class service, we are upfront about how these fees are handled.
How All-Inclusive Pricing Works
When a price is “All-Inclusive,” it means the “Gate Fees” are already baked into the quote. This is why transparency matters:
- Budget Planning: You know exactly what your trip costs before you leave home.
- No Friction: You don’t have to fumble for a credit card at the barrier while trying to catch a flight.
- Trust: It shows the provider values your time more than a few extra pounds of hidden profit.
At our Heathrow hub, we offer three distinct tiers to fit your budget, each with clear fee structures.
Example Cost Breakdown: Displayed vs. Final
Here is how a “cheap” £60 booking can quickly become more expensive than an APP Premium booking.
| Fee Description | The “Teaser” Provider | Air Park Pro (All-In) |
| Displayed Price | £60.00 | £85.00 |
| Arrival Gate Fee | + £7.50 | £0.00 (We Pay It) |
| Departure Gate Fee | + £7.50 | £0.00 (We Pay It) |
| Booking Fee | + £2.50 | £0.00 (We Pay It) |
| Final Price Paid | £77.50 | £85.00 |
While the gap looks small, the “Teaser” provider often cuts corners on insurance and driver training to keep that initial price low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra at the barrier?
With Air Park Pro, we strive for total clarity. If your booking is “All-Inclusive,” you will never be asked for money at the airport barrier. Always check your specific booking confirmation for the fee status.
What if my flight is delayed and I stay longer?
If your flight is delayed, our Heathrow hub team monitors your flight number. While some providers charge “penalty rates” for delays, we offer a grace period to ensure you aren’t penalized for things out of your control.