When we go on holiday, we always fly out from Gatwick or Stanstead as we live in the south of England. This year we decided to book a parking space, prior to our departure, by using the Internet. We found a site for Gatwick Airport and trawled through until we found car parks. Didn't take long. By inputting our departure and return dates, we were able to select 1 of 3 car parks we could use. These all gave a discount if booked online. Don't expect any huge savings. By booking online we saved a massive 80 pence!

We chose a car park off site. In other words not within the confines of the airport itself. We obtained a map from the web site and off we went on holiday. We got lost trying to find it. When we did find the right area, we entered the wrong car park. Poorly sign posted. Even more time lost! After asking for directions to the car park we had chosen we arrived to find a green portacabin. On entering, I produced my booking form printed off from my email.

"What's this?" they said. So I explained what it was and how I got it, and that I had already paid for it online. DER! So, after another delay, and some extra form filling, I eventually got through to them and one phone call later from them to Gatwick airport solved almost everything. They gave me a card with details of how to contact them on return so they would have our car ready.

"Go round the corner and wait for the bus" came their next response. It will be leaving in about 20 minutes. More delays!

The bus arrived and on we got. Direct to Gatwick airport.

Been away on holiday 15 days and arrive back. Phoned the number on the card to let them know we were back, unknown number! ARRGGGHHHHH.

Decided to walk down to the pick-up point for the courtesy coaches to see if we could flag down their coach. We found a phone in a blue box and above were a list of the outside car parking contractors. Identified ours and free phoned the number.

"Hello, booking reference please." Forwarded the required information. "Coach will be with you soon" We waited and waited and saw several Gatwick Express coaches come and go. Waited and waited. More Gatwick Express coaches. After about 20 minutes, the coach arrived. Back to the car park via the North terminal.

Enter the green portacabin again and wait to be served. More time wasted. By this point we had already seen our car parked outside. 5 minutes later, "your car is parked outside with the keys under the sun visor. Nice! Drove away, put our card in the barrier reader and went home.

Moral of this story. It is not worth saving a meagre £20.00 for crap parking. Next time we will go Gatwick Express.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are two links for car parking if you need them