Having been involved in airport parking for over 20 years, the number one complaint is damage to the vehicle with the percentage much higher for cars parked at the airport.

Off airport car parking companies by and large are responsible for moving cars from a reception area and parking the car. Because they assume this responsibility they also become liable for any damage prior to the owner returning. Cars are inspected and parked and possibly moved again close to reception to be picked up.

The owner must report any problems prior to leaving the car park so they can compare to any scratches they noted at the initial inspection. Once the vehicle leaves the car park they will not accept any responsibility whatsoever.

When parking at the airport you do so completely at your own risk and given the number of cars coming and going it is not surprising damage does occur. Unfortunately, you are then left at the mercy of other users parking abilities and whether they take care in opening the doors.

Most scratches and dents are caused by doors being flung open or being caught by cases as people walk through to bus stops and if the lanes were that little bit wider many of these incidents could be averted.

Airport parking lanes are no wider than your supermarket or town car park and if you have to move cases or other items out of or back into the vehicle, the doors need to hinge wider and this is where problems arise.