The BBC Watchdog programme on Tuesday 27th February 2007 issued a word of warning to travellers making use of Airport Parking 'Meet and Greet' services. An unscrupulous operator, who has now thankfully ceased trading, took payment to park a traveller's vehicle in a secure compound for 5 days, only to drive it at 106 miles an hour and leave it for 3 days at the kerbside or at a supermarket 'goods in' entrance.

The programme reported other worrying stories too. One traveller was almost prosecuted for failing to stop after an accident which occurred while she was on holiday, and there were other stories about damage caused to vehicles which should have been locked safely away in a secure compound.

But it is not all doom and gloom.

A representative of Gatwick Airport recommended travellers go to the airport website to check legitimate airport parking companies and book their Airport Car Parking Package that way.

I totally agree - up to a point...

Certainly check the airport websites for the legitimate airport parking companies, and obtain an online quote, but then compare those prices with the prices from other agents selling parking at the same car parks and I can almost guarantee you'll find a cheaper price than if you book via the airport website.

And don't forget, if you really want the best price from a reliable Airport Parking company, choose your Airport Parking company carefully and then make sure you book through an agent with a 7 Day Lowest Price Guarantee for its Airport Parking.