With peak summer travel fast approaching, millions of Brits will be heading to airports across the UK. While arranging airport parking is often one of the final items on the holiday checklist, it can also expose travellers to increasingly convincing scams.
Reports suggest UK airports are generating around £2 million a day from parking, prompting many holidaymakers to search for cheaper alternatives. Unfortunately, fraudsters are exploiting this demand by advertising fake parking deals and fraudulent services that can leave drivers out of pocket or, in some cases, even without their vehicle.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has highlighted the most common airport parking scams and shared practical tips to help travellers park with confidence.
QR codes are becoming an increasingly popular way to book services, but scammers are now using them to trick travellers into handing over personal and payment information.
Fake QR codes are often placed on signs, posters or leaflets around airports, advertising discounted parking deals. Once scanned, they direct users to fraudulent websites where payment details can be stolen.
In some cases, travellers believe they've secured parking, only to arrive at the airport and discover no booking exists.
- Only book through official airport websites or trusted parking providers.
- Avoid scanning QR codes displayed in public unless you're certain they're genuine.
- Check that websites use https:// and display a padlock icon.
- Use trusted tools, such as Get Safe Online's website checker, to verify unfamiliar websites.
Meet-and-greet parking can be a convenient option, but it's important to ensure you're booking through a legitimate and reputable provider.
Fraudulent operators may collect vehicles while pretending to represent and pose as an official parking service.
When drivers return from holiday, they may discover their car has been damaged, driven without permission or, in some cases, never returned.
Before handing over your keys, always ask to see company identification and use an official airport collection point where available. Taking photos of your vehicle beforehand, including the mileage and fuel level, can also help you spot any discrepancies and provide useful evidence should you need to raise a complaint when you return.
These simple checks can provide valuable evidence if something goes wrong.
Third-party airport parking can often offer significant savings compared with parking directly at the airport, but deals that seem too good to be true should always be treated with caution.
Some fraudulent operators advertise low-cost "park and ride" services online despite having little or no secure parking available. Others simply take payment before disappearing altogether.
Before booking, spend a few minutes researching the company and checking independent reviews.
Where possible, choose car parks that display the ParkMark award, a recognised standard for safety and security.
Finding good-value airport parking doesn't have to mean compromising on security.
- Book early to secure the best prices.
- Look out for seasonal offers and price-match guarantees.
- Pay by credit card for additional consumer protection.
- Consider hotel and parking packages, which can often work out cheaper than booking separately.
David Johnson, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, shares his advice on how holidaymakers can stay vigilant and avoid airport parking scams this summer:
“Airport parking scams are becoming more sophisticated, often targeting travellers at some of the most stressful and time-sensitive moments of their journey.
While saving money is important, holidaymakers should be cautious of deals that seem unusually cheap or providers that can't demonstrate clear credentials.
Taking a few extra minutes to research a parking operator, booking through trusted platforms, and checking for recognised accreditations can help travellers avoid unnecessary stress and start their holiday with confidence”
Booking airport parking should be one of the easiest parts of preparing for your holiday.
By taking a few extra minutes to research providers, checking for recognised accreditations and avoiding deals that seem too good to be true, you can reduce the risk of scams and start your trip with confidence.
For more advice on travelling by car, browse the latest guides on the Nationwide Vehicle Contracts blog.
Originally posted: 16th July 2026