Self-Service Option Added to Meet & Greet Parking at East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport now offers self-service machines for Meet & Greet parking, giving customers the option to leave and collect car keys through kiosks and automated lockers. The new option helps avoid queues that can form at the reception desk during busy periods. Customers who prefer assistance can still complete the process with airport staff.

Passengers using the service can now enter their booking details at kiosks located in the Meet & Greet office. After completing the short check-in process, the machine produces a tag that allows keys to be securely deposited. The airport states that the self-service procedure typically takes less than two minutes, offering a quicker option when queues form at the service desk.

After returning, customers collect their keys by scanning a barcode at automated lockers in the arrivals hall. The lockers are positioned near the terminal exit, so drivers can leave the airport without going back to the Meet & Greet desk. The parking area has also been rearranged, with colour-marked sections helping customers find their cars more quickly after their trip.

Collecting keys more quickly can shorten the time spent inside the terminal after landing, especially for those travelling with luggage or arriving late in the evening. Direct access to parked cars can also make it easier to continue journeys by road across the Midlands, including routes towards Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, where many passengers travel after leaving the airport.

The introduction of self-service machines forms part of a wider investment programme aimed at updating passenger facilities at East Midlands Airport. Changes to parking services show how airports are adjusting ground processes to handle busy travel periods more efficiently. Shorter waiting times when dropping off or collecting car keys may help simplify pre-flight preparation and reduce delays when leaving the airport after returning home.