Review of Stansted Airport Parking and Escape Lounge

AD – Press trip

When I travelled to the Black Forest in Germany, I decided to check out the Meet and Greet parking and Escape Lounge at Stansted airport before my flight. Both can be easily booked via Holiday Extras to help make travelling a little less stressful. I usually get the train to the airport – and worry about it being delayed. Then I stand in queues and remember how much I dislike crowds. So, the opportunity to park right next to the terminal and then relax in a lounge was too good to miss.

Meet and Greet Parking at Stansted Airport

As I was flying from Stansted, it was quite a long journey to the airport from my home in the Midlands. Taking the car meant that I could remain completely in control of my journey and arrive in plenty of time. Meet and Greet parking allows you to park close to the terminal and Holiday Extras can arrange airport parking at all major UK airports. At Stansted, Meet and Greet Parking starts from £66 for eight days.

On arriving at Stansted, I followed directions to the Meet and Greet parking. I was directed into a particular lane, where I parked and took the 30 second walk to reception. Here, I handed in my keys and exchanged them for a ticket to collect the car. From there, I walked into the terminal. No waiting around for a bus, no struggling with bags, just straight in.

On the way back, all I had to do to collect my car was to hand in my ticket at reception. They had parked it near to the terminal ready for my arrival so I could get straight in ready to go home. The Meet and Greet parking made the whole arrival and departure process a lot more straightforward.

Holiday Extras Escape Lounge

As soon as I arrived at the terminal, I went straight through security. This was fairly quick as I was travelling hand-luggage only, so I had quite a lot of time to kill before the flight. So I headed to the Escape Lounge. Holiday Extras can provide a lounge at all major UK airports and many international airports for the return journey. I have to admit, when I booked the lounge I just thought it would be nice to have somewhere comfortable to sit. I had no idea how much was included. As well as a lovely environment, the price of the lounge – from £21 per person at Stansted – includes soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines.

As soon as I strolled into the lounge, I felt instantly relaxed. The ‘snacks’ advertised are the sort of thing I’d happily eat for lunch. There was a selection of salads,  sandwiches and pastries in a buffet next to the bar. Being vegetarian the choice can often be limited but I had no problem at all. You could also help yourself to cold drinks, with coffees and alcoholic drinks available free from the bar. If you wanted something that wasn’t included in the price you could pay extra, but for me there was more than enough included. To find out more about the Escape Lounge, head to their website.

The escape lounge was something of a revelation for me. It was clean, relaxing and comfortable with plenty to eat and drink. We were able to see the flight times on the board and when our flight was delayed, we just stayed in there. I was heartened to see children in there too, when I go on holiday with the family we will definitely be booking a lounge. 

AD – Press trip