Flight delays are quite common and, if your car is parked, the question is usually the same: “what now?”. The good news is that if you know when to let us know and what information to have to hand, it shouldn’t complicate your arrival. At The Best Parking Alicante we deal with this kind of situation every day and, when there are delays, the key is to properly coordinate the moment you come out with your luggage and head to the collection point.
First things first: confirm the delay and which time really counts
Don’t rely only on the first notification. When there is a delay, what matters is not what should have happened, but the actual arrival time, because that is what determines when you leave the airport and the collection time if you have an associated service.
The difference between “scheduled time” and “estimated time”
The “scheduled time” can become outdated within minutes. The one you should use as your reference is the “estimated” (or updated) time, and even then it is worth checking it from time to time if the delay keeps changing. This stops you from letting us know too early or too late.
Where to check it quickly (airline, screens, apps)
The most reliable source is usually the airline’s information (app or website) and, once you are at your destination, the airport’s own screens. If you use flight-tracking apps, use them as support, but if in doubt, give priority to the official update.
When it is worth letting us know and when it isn’t necessary
If your service includes direct coordination, the most useful thing is not to call as soon as you hear about the delay, but to do so at the right moment so that the collection runs smoothly. In many cases, the most effective call is when you know for sure that you have landed and are about to come out with your suitcases.
Does a delay affect your parking? It depends on the type of service
Not all car parks work the same way. So the real answer is: it depends on how the drop-off and collection are set up.
Parking with drop-off and collection at the terminal (meet & greet)
If you have booked a drop-off/collection service at the terminal, the delay is usually easier to manage because it is coordinated with your arrival. At The Best Parking Alicante we monitor your flight in real time, so if there are changes, we are usually already aware of them. Even so, the step that works best to avoid waiting is very simple: when you land and have your suitcases, call us and head to the collection area.
If you booked a shuttle car park with another operator
With a shuttle car park (this is not our service), the delay can affect coordination time because transfers and pick-ups are grouped together. In that case it is important to let that car park know as soon as you are sure of the actual moment you will be ready to leave, so that the shuttle doesn’t arrive while you are still waiting for your luggage. At The Best Parking we do not use a shuttle: we collect and return your car at the terminal.
Long-stay parking where you access it yourself
If you park and then return on your own, the delay usually has less impact. What changes is your return time, and what matters there is knowing whether your rate or booking allows extensions and how they are handled, in case you arrive many hours later than planned.
What to do when you land: step by step so you don’t lose time
The goal is simple: leave the airport and collect your car without adding more friction to a day that is already running late.
If you can, make sure your phone is charged, turn on mobile data or look for Wi-Fi if you usually have no coverage when you land, and keep the basic information of your booking easy to find. The less you have to “look for” at the last minute, the smoother everything will be.
When you collect your suitcases: the exact moment to call
This point avoids most misunderstandings. If your service requires coordination, the most practical thing is to call after you have collected your suitcases. That is the moment when you know you are about to leave, so you don’t end up with a double wait: first for your luggage and then for the collection.
Go to the meeting point indicated in your booking. If you change area without telling us, minutes are usually wasted unnecessarily. If you have any doubts when you arrive, sort them out by phone with exact directions and, as soon as you are at the agreed point, everything goes much faster.
If the delay is long: changes, extensions and possible surcharges
A short delay rarely creates a real problem. Complications arise when your arrival changes by many hours or, for example, you go from arriving in the afternoon to arriving in the early hours of the morning.
What is usually considered a long delay
There is no universal figure because it depends on the service and how it operates, but when the time change clearly alters your arrival slot (for example, the day changes or it moves into night-time hours), it is best to treat it as a “long delay” and coordinate it in advance.
How an extension of your stay is handled
If your return is pushed back, you may need to extend your stay by hours or days. Ideally, arrange it as soon as you know that your arrival is going to change significantly, so that it is recorded and you don’t have to improvise when you land. If your delay means an extra night, it is best to have it sorted before you leave the airport.
What details you will be asked for to find your booking
To find everything quickly, you will normally be asked for your name, number plate, phone number and flight number or arrival date/time. If you have it ready, it is dealt with immediately and you don’t waste time with your luggage in hand.
Quick questions (FAQ)
Do I have to let you know if my flight is delayed?
If you have booked a coordinated service, the most useful thing is to let us know at the right moment. In our case, we monitor your flight in real time, and the key call is when you already have your suitcases and are heading to the collection point.
What if I have no coverage when I land?
If you know in advance, have an alternative ready: turn on Wi-Fi, keep your phone charged or send a message as soon as you get signal back. The important thing is that the message arrives when you are really about to leave.
What happens if I land and it takes me a long time to get out?
That’s fine if it is managed properly. If you are delayed by luggage or any other issue, avoid calling too early. Call when you are ready to move to the meeting point so that coordination is more precise.
Can I change the time my car is returned to me?
Yes, in most cases it can be adjusted, especially if the change is due to a delay. We recommend telling us as soon as you know the new actual time, so that it is reflected in your booking.
How to avoid problems and book with peace of mind
A delay shouldn’t ruin your return. If you want to minimise hassle, check before you travel that your booking details are correct, especially your phone number, number plate and flight number. And when your flight is delayed, keep it simple: confirm the actual time, land, collect your suitcases and let us know at the right moment. That is what turns a flight delay into a formality rather than a problem.
If you have questions about your specific case or want to have your booking ready for any eventuality, contact The Best Parking Alicante and we will coordinate everything so that, whatever happens with your flight, your collection is simple.