stanstedairport.com

Stansted Meet & Greet Parking

This review is regarding Stansted Meet & Greet Parking.I have 2 very young children and did not want transfers so had the option of official Short Stay or Meet & Greet - they were similarly priced with Meet & Greet being slightly pricier.I went with the latter feeling that would be the quickest and most convenient but I honestly feel Short Stay would have been the much better choice.Meet & Greet parking is generally defined as "an airport service where you drive your car to the terminal, meet a professional driver who takes your car for parking at a secure location, and you head directly to check-in. On your return, your car is brought back to the terminal, allowing you to avoid transfers and parking searches for a convenient, VIP experience."This is NOT what this is.Parking the car was easy enough - but then you have to go to the Reception to drop your keys off. This involved a 1-2 minute walk then queuing up, which doesn't exactly move quick. This is because there were people in the queue both picking up AND dropping cars off. Those that have just returned from holiday are not in any hurry to catch a flight so they take their time, have a chit-chat about their holidays, generally take their time. The agents also oblige, not seeming to notice stressed families with buggies and suitcases anxiously waiting to get to bag drop and check-in.I was lucky with only about 7 people ahead of me and even then I think it took at least 10 minutes to reach the desk. The cheaper short stay would have just involved parking up and going straight to check-in.For collection, the wait was even longer - I had to wait at least 15 minutes as the queue snaked outside the small office. I think I was just underneath the canopy, but those behind me were getting soaked by a downpour. I can't imagine if the weather was even more inclement - you'd definitely have to pack a raincoat or thick jacket!The kicker was, my car was parked pretty much the furthest from the office, and it was pouring down with rain. I asked if I can drive close to the drop-off point to pick up my family and luggage, the agent was hesitant to, mentioning "it is literally only a couple of minutes walk" and to "be careful of cars entering the lanes" - as if I am unable to drive a car.Leaving my family and luggage outside in the cold and rain but under cover, I ran to the car and noticed all the arrows point to the exit - there is no way to collect your suitcases or family/young children from the drop-off point! So you are expected to take multiple heavy suitcases and buggies and family in the freezing cold or rain, or hot weather, to wherever your car is parked - for the priciest parking option!When I managed to get close to the drop-off point going against the marked arrows, and did a three point turn so I was facing the correct way next to my waiting family, a parking attendant then asked me "what are you trying to do mate? - It doesn't take a genius to figure that one out does it?While loading the car, I think a car even beeped my wife as it drove past even though there was plenty of space.This is definitely NOT a Meet & Greet experience, where a driver takes your keys, or your car is driven to you to load your suitcases on return. If this is not possible, they should implement at least the following solutions:- have separate Drop-off and Pick-up queues, which can then switch depending on demand. Minimise the chit-chat if there is a long queue.- have a Loading lane/bays where families can load their suitcases and pick up kids, etc. on collection.- ideally the parking attendant takes the keys and hands over the collection card on drop-off.- Alternatively, have a bigger office where families can sit with luggage and kids while the driver queues up.I will definitely be taking the cheaper and better Short Stay option next time.

Date of experience: Oct 03, 2025