Back from holiday: collecting your car at Düsseldorf Airport

The holiday is over, the plane lands in Düsseldorf – now you just want to get home. To make your return as relaxed as your departure, it is worth knowing the procedure: when do you call the provider? Where does the shuttle pick you up? Where is your car with valet parking? And what should you check at handover? In this guide we go through the way home step by step – from leaving the aircraft to driving home – and explain what to do in the event of delays or damage.

Step 1: landing and leaving the aircraft

After landing, the aircraft taxis to its stand. Depending on whether it is at a jet bridge or on the apron, you walk straight into the terminal or take a bus. Switch your phone back on and check whether the provider has sent you a message. If you gave your return flight number when booking, many providers already know you have landed.

Step 2: passport control and customs

If you are coming from a country outside the Schengen area, you first go through passport control. After baggage reclaim comes customs: if you have nothing to declare, take the green exit; if you have goods above the duty-free allowances, take the red one. More about the rules in the guide Customs and entry at Düsseldorf Airport.

Step 3: collect your luggage

The screens in baggage reclaim show which belt your flight’s luggage is on. Depending on the flight, it takes a few minutes up to half an hour for the suitcases to arrive. If your luggage is missing or damaged, be sure to report it immediately at the baggage tracing desk before you leave the area. Details in the guide Lost or damaged luggage. In that case, also let your parking provider know that it will take longer.

Step 4: contact the provider

As soon as you have your luggage – or as described in the booking confirmation – call the provider or send a message. You can find the phone number in your booking confirmation. Give your name, booking number and, if needed, your number plate. The provider will tell you how long it will take and where you will meet.

Save the number on your phone before departure. After a long flight you don’t want to search through emails. What to do if you can’t reach the provider is in the FAQ on reaching the provider.

Step 5a: shuttle parking – pick-up at the terminal

With shuttle parking, a bus or minibus from the provider picks you up at the agreed point, usually at the arrivals level. It takes you to the parking site where your car is parked or made ready. Especially at peak times after the holidays, it can take a while for the shuttle to arrive – allow a few minutes of waiting. More about the procedure in the FAQ on how shuttle parking works.

Step 5b: valet parking – car at the meeting point

With valet parking at Düsseldorf Airport, the driver brings your car to the agreed meeting point near the terminal. You walk there, check the car, receive the key and drive straight off. This is particularly convenient after long flights and with children. More about the procedure in the FAQ on how valet parking works.

Step 6: check your car

Before you set off, take two minutes for a walk around the car:

• Bodywork: scratches, dents or damage that weren’t there before?
• Wheels and tyres: kerb damage, tyre pressure plausible?
• Mileage: does it match the handover report?
• Fuel or charge level: the same as at handover?
• Interior: everything in its place, personal belongings there?

Compare with the handover report and the photos taken at drop-off. Ideally you also have your own photos from the handover.

If you discover damage

If you discover damage, the rule is: raise it immediately on site, before you drive off. Have the damage noted in the report, take photos from several angles and then report it in writing to the provider. Because the condition was documented at handover, it is easy to compare. Your contact is the provider; we are happy to support you with your booking number. More in the FAQ on damage.

Paying on return

If you paid online, there is usually nothing more to do on return – except for additional days or add-on services booked spontaneously. More about payment in the FAQ on payment.

Delayed return flight

If your return flight is delayed, inform the provider as soon as you find out. If you gave your return flight number, many providers track the arrival themselves. If you only return the next day or later, the daily rate is usually charged for the additional days. Keep the invoice – depending on the cause, you may be able to claim the costs from the airline. More in the guide Flight delayed or cancelled.

Night-time arrivals

If you land late in the evening or at night, check when booking whether the provider offers shuttle or valet service at that time. The service hours are on the provider page. If your flight is pushed into the night, call early so the provider can plan.

Forgotten items

If you left something in the shuttle bus or with the provider, contact the provider directly. The airline is responsible for items left on the aircraft, and the airport’s lost property office for items found in the terminal. More in the FAQ on forgotten items.

The first kilometres after your holiday

After a long flight and perhaps a time difference, you are more tired than you think. Take a moment before setting off: adjust mirrors and seat, start the sat-nav, check the lights. If the car has been parked for a long time, the brakes may have some surface rust at first – the first few stops can feel unusual, but this goes away after a short time. Check the tyre pressure at the next petrol station if a warning light comes on. And if you are too tired after a night flight, take a break rather than forcing the drive home.

Back to the car with children

Tired children, lots of suitcases and the wish to get home quickly: for families, the return is often more exhausting than the departure. Valet parking pays off particularly here, because no change to a shuttle is needed. With shuttle parking, it helps if one parent waits at the stop with the children and luggage while the other handles communication with the provider. More tips in the guide Travelling with children at Düsseldorf Airport.

After your return: leave a review

How was your parking experience? A review helps other travellers choose. Customers with an account also receive coins from Friend-Park as a thank-you for a review. More in the FAQ on reviews.

Checklist for your return

• Provider’s phone number saved on your phone
• Return flight number given when booking
• Contacted the provider after baggage reclaim
• Car compared with the handover report
• Damage raised immediately on site
• Invoice or booking confirmation saved

Conclusion: one call and you’re back in your own car

Returning at Düsseldorf Airport is straightforward with booked parking: collect your luggage, call the provider, go to the shuttle or valet meeting point, check the car and drive off. If you provide complete details when booking, you benefit especially in the event of delays. For your next trip, compare the offers here: Find parking at Düsseldorf Airport. All parking types at a glance on the page Parking at Düsseldorf Airport.