If so, I hope this short article will help to explain what options are available and how you can go about making enquiries or bookings to ensure you have a comfortable and hassle free journey to the airport. When planning a holiday or trip that involves air travel you need to know that the whole journey is accessible before you set out. Encountering a problem at any stage of the journey such as not being able to find assistance, or a particular vehicle not being accessible could ruin the whole experience, leave you stranded or even stop you from travelling altogether.

Whether you are a disabled traveller or require wheelchair access it is worth taking the time and trouble to plan your travel arrangements before you set out, so that you can enjoy your trip and the journey itself can be a pleasure.

The UK's top five airports have been covered on this page which account for over 60% of passenger traffic. We will be updating information on other airports over the coming weeks.

Please note this information was correct at the time of writing (October 2005). For the most up to date information please visit the relevant car park or airport.

HEATHROW - DISABLED/SPECIAL NEEDS Parking

Short Stay

All car park prices are displayed at car park entrances. Clearly signed blue/orange badge Parking is available in all short stay car parks located close to terminal access routes.
Help points are located near these spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs. Wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage will be provided. Lift the green telephone and request assistance.

If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine or by using a help point telephone and asking that the operator be contacted.
You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, press the help button.

Long Stay

On-airport at Parking Express serving terminal 1,2 and 3 or their second car park serving terminal 4. Disabled Parking spaces are located by the courtesy transfer bus stops and the buses have low floors with wheelchair spaces. Transfers run every 10 minutes between 4.45am and 11.45pm. Outside these hours service operates on request. Pre-booked price from £8.58 per day. Off-airport at easyParking (serves all terminals). Their office is accessible to disabled passengers and the transfer buses are fully adapted to carry wheelchairs. Transfers operate every 15 minutes 24 hours a day. Pre-booked price from £6.25 per day.

GATWICK - DISABLED/SPECIAL NEEDS Parking

Short Stay

Prices are displayed clearly at car park entrances. Clearly signed blue/orange badge Parking is available in the multistorey car parks of both terminals, for short stay Parking. Accessible routes into the terminals are available and are signposted.

Help points are located near the reserved Parking spaces and assistance is free to those with special needs. Wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage can be provided on request, simply lift the telephone and request assistance, quoting your flight number. Please note that priority for assistance is likely to be given to those who have pre-booked with their airline or travel agent.

All the multistorey car parks have a general height limit of two metres, however there is a high sided vehicle park nearby if required.

If you wish to park in blue/orange badge space but take your badge abroad, you will need to show your badge to the car park operator. Please contact the car park operator via the help button on the car park entry machine.

You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. If you cannot reach the ticket payment slot, press the help button.

Long Stay

On-airport at Parking Express for either the South or North terminal. Disabled Parking spaces are located by the courtesy transfer bus stops and the buses have low floors with wheelchair spaces.

Transfers run every 7 to 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. Blue/orange badge holders can pre-book for long stay Parking and park in the short stay car park. Take a ticket on entry and leave your blue/orange badge on display (a photocopy will suffice should you need to take it with you). On your return visit one of the car park receptions offices and present your pre-booked Parking voucher along with your blue/orange badge and they will validate an exit ticket for you. See above for further details of the short stay car park. Pre-booked prices from £5.59 per day.

Off-airport at BCP serving both terminals. BCP is located just 10 minutes from both terminals with 24 hour transfers. Courtesy transfer to and from the airport terminal in your own vehicle arranged after you have pre-booked by calling 0870 0134600. Pre-booked price from £5.62 per day.

STANSTED - DISABLED/SPECIAL NEEDS Parking

Short Stay

Car park prices are displayed clearly at the car park entrance. Blue/orange badge Parking is available in zone D which is located close to the terminal building. A help point is situated close to the Parking bays in zone D should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.
If you wish to park in the blue/orange badge space but need to take your badge abroad, please contact the car park operator via the help button on the entry barrier.

You must pay for car park tickets at the customer service kiosks or automatic payment machines before returning to your car. Payment machines are located in baggage reclaim and in the car park close to the disabled bays. If you cannot reach the ticket/payment slot, please press the help button.

Mid-Stay

The mid stay car park (EParking) is situated just over a mile from the terminal building, all transfer coaches are free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Please allow at least 20 minutes to transfer to the terminal building.

Blue Badge Parking spaces are situated close to the coach pick up shelters, the shelters also have help buttons. On arrival at the terminal the coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you from the coach. Help phones are situated outside each of the revolving entry doors should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.

On your return, the transfer coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you onto the coach which will transfer you back to the mid stay car park. Pre-booked price from £8.75 per day.

Long Stay

On-airport long stay car park (Pink Elephant) is situated approximately four miles from the terminal building. All transfer coaches are free of charge and wheelchair accessible. Please allow at least 45 minutes to transfer to the terminal building.
Orange/Blue Badge Parking spaces are situated close to the coach pick up shelters, the shelters also have help buttons. On arrival at the terminal the coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist you from the coach. Help phones are situated outside each of the revolving entry doors should you require a wheelchair or assistance. This is a free service up to the point of check-in.
The transfer coach driver or forecourt marshal will assist onto the coach which will transfer you back to the long stay car park. Pre-booked price from £5.60 per day.

MANCHESTER - DISABLED/SPECIAL NEEDS Parking

Short Stay

Prices are displayed clearly at all car park entrances. Special Disabled Parking Bays are available in the short stay car parks, located adjacent to the lifts. Wheelchair assistance is provided by the airlines, arrangements should be requested at the time of booking your flight or holiday.

If you wish to park in a disabled bay but take your badge with you on you journey, please contact the call centre on 0161 489 3723 to make arrangements.

Long Stay

On-airport at Premier Park with Orange/Blue Badge Parking spaces situated close to the coach pick up shelters. A frequent courtesy bus with wheelchair access runs between the car park and all the terminals. Once you have pre-booked you can convert your booking to the short stay car park at no extra charge by ringing 0161 489 3723. You will be required to provide your flight details, dates of travel, car registration number and disabled badge number. Pre-booked price from £4.65 per day.

Off-airport at Airparks Services with transfers operating 24 hours per day taking approximately 20 minutes. All buses have disabled access. Pre-booked price from £2.99 per day.

LUTON - DISABLED/SPECIAL NEEDS Parking

Short Stay

There are dedicated disabled Parking bays for Blue Disabled Badge holders at the front of the Short Term Car Park. Free Parking is allowed for the first 60 minutes. Any overstay will result in the full payment being required from the time of arrival in the car park.
Customers wishing to claim the free 60 minutes should present their disabled Parking badge at the NCP desk within the terminal building for validation. The disabled Parking clock must remain on show within the vehicle. Passenger Assistance Telephones are available should further assistance be required. Pre-booked price from £15.75

Mid Stay

The Mid Stay car park is suited to stays of up to 5 days and has designated disabled bays. A fully accessible bus service is provided for transport to the terminal. Their drivers welcome the opportunity to assist disabled customers to board and disembark the buses on request. A Special Assistance Help Point is available enabling disabled customers to call for free assistance. Pre-booked price from £11.05 per day.

Long Stay

On-airport the Long Stay car park also welcomes disabled drivers. A fully accessible bus service is provided for transport to the terminal. Airport drivers welcome the opportunity to assist disabled customers to board and disembark the buses on request. There is also a Special Assistance Help Point enabling disabled passengers to call for free assistance. Pre-booked price from £7.55 per day.

Off-airport at Airparks Services with transfers operating 24 hours a day. All of the Airparks Services buses have disabled access. Pre-booked price from £2.99 per day.

• Booking flights on the internet: great choice, or frustration and confusion? - By : Adam Singleton