Sapphire Parking

Sapphire Parking: meet & greet parking at Gatwick Airport

Sapphire Parking Limited operates a meet & greet parking service at Gatwick Airport, identified on its website by the code LGW. The approach avoids shuttles and long walks: a team member receives the vehicle at the terminal itself and returns it to the same point when the customer arrives. The company states it operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and serves both the North and South terminals at no extra charge.

How the service works at each terminal

The drop-off procedure begins with a call to the operations number when the customer is about 30 minutes from the airport. Once at the terminal, the driver must follow the signs for Short Stay & Pick Up, take a ticket at the barrier and park on the corresponding level: at the South terminal, Orange Car Park 3, level 4; at the North terminal, Car Park 6, level 5. There they hand over the validated ticket and the car keys to an employee wearing a high-visibility vest.

For collection, the company asks customers to call as soon as they have collected their luggage and cleared customs. The vehicle is returned within an estimated 25 to 35 minutes, although the company itself warns of possible delays during busy periods or due to unforeseen circumstances. The return is made on the same parking level used for drop-off.

Two booking options

The company offers two packages with the same terminal reception service. In the standard package, the airport levy is paid separately at the car park machine, at a rate of £8.00 each way; the company insists that this payment be made only at the machine and never in cash to an employee. In the all-inclusive package, this levy is covered in the booking price and no additional charges apply at the car park. Both include terminal reception, coverage of the North and South terminals, continuous operation, the fenced and monitored compound, and vehicle return on the parking level.

Conditions and additional charges

The company applies a charge of £20 for each additional day of stay beyond the booking, as well as £20 if the vehicle is delivered after midnight once the booked date has passed. Amendments made within 24 hours prior to departure or during the stay cost £20 per change and must be processed by email with written confirmation. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before the service on flexible products, with a £20 administration fee; there is no refund within 48 hours prior to travel or on supersaver or non-flexible rates. If the customer curtails the service once commenced, they remain liable for the full payment. Car park barrier tickets are the customer's responsibility at both terminals.

Vehicle and customer requirements

Vans or vehicles exceeding the 2.1-metre height limit of the airport car parks are not accepted. The customer must hand over only the car keys, taking care not to leave house keys on the keyring, and carry a spare key with them. Before handing over the vehicle, cash, electronic devices, chargers and personal belongings must be removed, as the company is not responsible for anything left inside. The vehicle must have a valid MOT and road tax throughout the entire stay. The company states it is accessible for customers with disabilities or mobility needs, who must indicate their requirements when booking.

Schedule changes and operational contact

Changes to early or late drop-off require 2 to 3 hours' notice, while changes to collection require at least 24 hours' notice. The company maintains an operations and bookings line available 24 hours, a customer service phone line Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00, and an out-of-hours emergency line. Complaints and formal enquiries are handled in writing, with acknowledgement within 5 to 7 working days; any issue during drop-off or collection must be reported immediately to the staff present, who will log it with the duty manager.

Liability and legal terms

Sapphire Parking Limited acts as a booking agent when it uses an external provider, so claims regarding the service must be directed to that provider under its own terms. When the company provides the service directly, its insurance covers its legal liabilities. Vehicles and movable items left unattended are at the owner's risk while in the company's possession; in the event of damage, loss or theft, the customer must process the claim through their own motor insurance, without the company handling it. The company reserves the right to modify its terms without prior notice and to hold the vehicle in the event of non-payment, and may auction it after six months to recover costs.

Location and contact

Rowfant Business Centre, Crawley, RH10 4NQ