It’s often the last thing holidaymakers think about before they head off on their travels but those opting to drive to the airport this summer could find themselves out of pocket when arranging their airport parking, according to leading travel essentials provider EssentialTravel.co.uk.

Research by EssentialTravel.co.uk has shown that airport parking could cost holidaymakers 25 per cent more than they expect, due to “hidden charges” levied by airport parking providers.

The company has revealed that a week’s airport parking, which can be booked for as little as £20.001, could creep up by an additional £5.002 once booking charges, credit card fees and cancellation waivers are taken into account. In addition, sun-seekers could find themselves as much as £10.003 out of pocket if they decide to cancel their airport parking.

“Holidaymakers have grown wise to the “hidden costs” associated with low-cost airlines and are becoming experts on how to avoid them but most don’t apply the same tactics to booking their airport parking,” says Stuart Bensusan, EssentialTravel.co.uk. “Parking at the airport can be a really affordable option, but only if you do your home-work and make sure you are aware of any hidden “add-ons” or extra costs.”

To help customers save money EssentialTravel.co.uk has opted to reduce or eliminate its own cancellation waivers, charges and credit card fees in time for the peak summer holiday period.4 The company has scrapped its two per cent credit card fee completely, reduced the cancellation waiver from £0.99 to just £0.50 and instead of charging a £9.50 cancellation charge, customers will now only forfeit £5.00 if they wish to cancel a booking that has been made without paying the cancellation waiver. EssentialTravel.co.uk has also reduced the cancellation notice period from 48 hours before arrival to just 12.