How to coordinate your car collection if the airport changes your exit point
A gate or terminal change can throw you off, but it is quickly solved if you keep one idea clear: what matters for collecting your car is where you exit and which meeting point you go to, not the exact gate you disembark from.
At The Best Parking Alicante we see it often. The problem is almost never the change itself, but that the traveller exits through another area without telling us, or calls too early.
Gate change vs terminal change
A gate change is usually a change within the airport. A terminal change may mean you end up exiting through a different area, and that is when it is worth coordinating.
If the boarding or arrival gate changes
If only the gate changes, it normally does not affect the collection. You will still go through the same process: walking, passport control if applicable, luggage, exit. The important thing is that you let us know when you are already at the right point and at the right time.
If the terminal or exit area changes
In this case, the point where you exit or the route to the collection area may change. That’s fine, but it is worth confirming where you will come out and letting us know, to avoid unnecessary detours.
What to do as soon as you find out about the change
There is no need to call at the first airport announcement if you are still far from leaving. The idea is to act sensibly so as not to create double waiting times.
Confirm the change with a reliable source
Check it in your airline’s app and on the airport screens. Sometimes the gate changes more than once. If it is a terminal change, it will normally become clear close to arrival.
If you call while you are still on the plane or before collecting your luggage, you will most likely have to call again when you are actually ready. Better one clear coordination than several half-finished calls.
Have the basics of your booking to hand
Name, number plate, phone number and flight number (or expected arrival time). With that, everything is found quickly and the collection is adjusted without any fuss.
The exact moment to let us know (for a smooth collection)
If your terminal changes and you have car collection, this is what saves you the most time: letting us know when you can already head to the meeting point.
It is the same rule as with delays. When you have your suitcases, call us and make your way to the agreed collection area. That way we coordinate with a real time and you avoid waiting.
If you have no checked luggage, “after collecting your bags” becomes “when you are already on your way out”. If you only have hand luggage, let us know when you are sure you will be at the meeting point in a few minutes.
If you exit through a different area than usual, say so clearly
A clear message such as “I’m coming out through area X” or “I’m already at the meeting point” avoids you wandering around looking and the driver looking for you.
How to avoid the typical mistake: moving without saying so
This happens more often than you might think: the traveller moves to save time but gets further away from the agreed point and coordination becomes more complicated.
What to do if you have moved and are no longer where you should be
Don’t worry. The best thing is to stop for a moment, work out where you are and tell us exactly. If you can, share your location. It is quicker than trying to find your way back by eye. At peak times, the collection area may be busy. Stay at the agreed point and follow instructions by phone if you need to move a few metres to make the handover easier.
Common cases involving a terminal or gate change
1. The gate changes and it takes you longer to reach your luggage
Completely normal. Walking further or taking a different route delays your exit. That is why we insist on letting us know when you already have your suitcases and are ready to leave.
2. Terminal change and late arrival
If the change moves you into a night-time or very late slot, coordinate it in the same way: it’s not a problem, but communication should be clear so that the collection is quick.
3. The airport redirects you because of works or checks
Sometimes the airport itself makes you exit via a different route. As soon as you see the route changing, let us know. It is practical information and saves you time.
Advantages of car rental in Alicante
FAQ
- If my gate changes, do I have to let you know?
If only the gate changes, normally not. The important thing is to let us know when you are ready to go to the collection point.
- And if the terminal changes?
In that case it is worth letting us know once it is confirmed, especially if you see that you will be exiting through a different area. Even so, the key call is still when you are ready to leave with your suitcases.
- What do I do if I can’t find the meeting point?
Don’t improvise by wandering around. Call us, tell us where you are and we will guide you. It is quicker and avoids going round in circles.
Two checks before you fly
– Make sure your phone is working and charged
It seems obvious, but it is the thing that most affects a quick collection when there are changes.
– Check that the flight number in your booking is correct
If the flight is correct, it is easier to follow gate or terminal changes and coordinate without losing time.
If your terminal or gate changes and you have car collection at Alicante Airport, the idea is simple: don’t get ahead of yourself, confirm the change and let us know when you have your suitcases and are ready to leave. That way the collection is fast and stress-free.