Airport Parking Glossary: Every Term Explained

What do airport parking terms mean?

Airport parking has its own vocabulary, from Park & Ride and Meet & Greet to Park Mark, ANPR and ULEZ. This glossary defines every key term so you can book with confidence and understand exactly what you are paying for.

Airport parking comes with plenty of jargon, and knowing the terms helps you choose the right option and avoid surprises. Below we define every key term you will encounter when booking, from the types of parking and the security accreditations to the charges and the technology. Use it as a quick reference whenever a term is unclear. Once you know the language, compare your options with us and apply BCP30 for up to 30% off.

What are the key airport parking terms?

The essential terms include Park & Ride, Meet & Greet, Park Mark, ANPR, ULEZ, forecourt, drop-off charge and PCN. The full glossary table below defines each one clearly, in plain English.

Here is the complete glossary of airport parking terms, in alphabetical order of importance, each defined in plain English.

Term	Meaning
Park Mark	A police-assessed security accreditation for car parks, covering CCTV, fencing, lighting and patrols. Every car park we list holds it.
Park & Ride	Off-airport parking where you park at a compound and take a free shuttle to the terminal. Usually the cheapest option.
Meet & Greet	A service where a driver meets you at the terminal, parks your car, and returns it on arrival. The most convenient option.
Valet parking	Another term for Meet & Greet, where staff park your car for you.
On-airport parking	Parking within the airport boundary, run by the airport, in short, mid and long-stay tiers.
Off-airport parking	Parking just outside the airport, usually Park & Ride, typically cheaper than on-airport.
Short-stay	On-airport parking beside the terminal for quick visits and pick-ups, priced by the hour.
Long-stay	The cheaper on-airport tier for holidays, further from the terminal with a shuttle.
Transfer / shuttle bus	The free bus connecting an off-airport car park to the terminal.
Forecourt	The drop-off area directly outside a terminal, where drop-off charges apply.
Drop-off charge	A fee for entering a terminal forecourt to set down passengers, now common at UK airports.
ANPR	Automatic Number Plate Recognition, the camera system used to record vehicles entering car parks and drop-off zones.
Compound	A secure, fenced parking area where cars are stored, often used for Park & Ride and Meet & Greet.
BPA	The British Parking Association, the industry body setting standards for car park operators.
ULEZ	Ultra Low Emission Zone, a London area where non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50 per day; Heathrow is inside it.
PCN	Parking Charge Notice, issued for non-payment of a drop-off charge or overstaying.
Free cancellation	A booking feature allowing you to cancel for a refund, with us up to 72 hours before arrival on flexible products.
Gate price	The high drive-up rate paid by turning up without booking, far above pre-booked prices.

For deeper explanations, see our guides on Park Mark, ANPR and ULEZ. Compare parking with BCP30 for up to 30% off.

What are the main types of airport parking?

The three main types are Park & Ride (cheapest, with a shuttle), Meet & Greet (most convenient, dropped at the terminal), and on-airport parking (official, within the boundary). Each suits different priorities and budgets.

The core choice is between Park & Ride, where you park off-airport and take a free shuttle, the best value; Meet & Greet, where a driver takes your car at the terminal, the most convenient; and on-airport parking, the airport's own car parks. Park & Ride suits budget-focused travellers, Meet & Greet those with heavy luggage or wanting speed, and on-airport those valuing proximity. See our how to choose guide to pick. Compare all types with us and apply BCP30.

What do the security terms mean?

Park Mark is the police-assessed security accreditation; BPA is the British Parking Association industry body; ANPR is the number-plate camera system; and CCTV, fencing and patrols are standard security measures. Together they signal a trustworthy car park.

Security terms matter most when leaving a car for days or weeks. Park Mark is the key accreditation, a police-assessed standard covering CCTV, fencing, lighting and patrols. The BPA, the British Parking Association, sets industry standards for members. ANPR cameras record entry and exit. Every car park we list is Park Mark approved, so you can book any with confidence. See our Park Mark guide for detail. Compare vetted parking with BCP30 for up to 30% off.

What are the key takeaways on airport parking terms?

Airport parking has its own vocabulary, from Park & Ride and Meet & Greet to Park Mark, ANPR and ULEZ; knowing it helps you book confidently. The glossary defines every key term, so you understand exactly what you are paying for at any UK airport.

To summarise the main points:

Park & Ride is cheapest; Meet & Greet most convenient; on-airport official.
Park Mark is the police-assessed security accreditation to look for.
ANPR cameras enforce car park entry and drop-off charges.
ULEZ affects Heathrow; a PCN is a Parking Charge Notice.

Whichever option you choose, pre-booking through a comparison platform ensures you see every choice side by side and secure the genuine cheapest deal for your dates, with no booking fee, free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival, and promo code BCP30 for up to 30% off at checkout.