Air passengers should expect to face lengthy queues and long delays this summer the government has warned in the wake of the attack on Glasgow airport.

Majority of the UKs airports have restricted vehicular access to the terminal buildings, making drop off and pick up by private taxis, friends and family more difficult. Most airports have special designated drop-off and pick-up zones in an area of one of their car parks and, although there are minimum free parking limits, it can lengthen the time it takes to reach the terminal building.
At Gatwick airport private vehicles picking up passengers are required to park in the short stay car park (car park 3) for which there is a charge parking charges start a 1 for fifteen minutes.
BAA has advised passengers to take public transport wherever possible, however, if the thought of carrying heavy luggage and herding young children on and off the bus or train doesnt appeal, or the thought of long queues to find a parking space fills you with dread, there is a real alternative meet and greet parking.

Meet and greet parking, or valet parking as it is often called, has been unaffected by the recent security measures and makes perfect sense when trying to avoid the queues this summer.
With this type of parking, the stress of getting to the airport and parking is removed - you drive to the valet parking drop-off zone where a driver is waiting to take your car to their secure car park. Your driver will have a trolley waiting for you, so its just a case of unloading your baggage and handing over the keys. You are then free to walk straight into the terminal no lengthy delays trying to find a space or waiting for access to the drop-off zone in your private hire taxi or friends car.

On your return, your car will be waiting in the designated valet parking area of the terminal all you need to do is walk out of the terminal and your car will be waiting for you, warmed up and ready to drive away.

Paula Garrett is a frequently traveller and a regular user of Gatwick meet and greet parking. Paula advises air passengers to book Gatwick airport meet and greet parking as early as possible this summer.