Returning to Memmingen Airport: How to Collect Your Car

The plane lands on the long runway of the former air base, taxis to the terminal, and the holiday is over. All that remains is the way home – to Kempten, Lindau, Ulm, Augsburg or Munich. Because there is no railway station at Allgäu Airport and the buses to Memmingen station do not run around the clock, their own car is the most important link home for most returning travellers. To make sure it is ready quickly, a clear procedure helps – in summer as well as in a snowy winter.

After landing

Follow the signs to baggage reclaim. On flights from outside the Schengen area you first pass through passport control, and customs afterwards. Because at Allgäu Airport several aircraft often land in quick succession in the evening, it can take a while at control and at the belt. Allow for this before you get in touch.

Contacting the provider

How to get in touch is stated in your confirmation. Give your name, licence plate or booking number and, if applicable, the flight number. Most providers want you to get in touch once you have your luggage.

Valet return

With the driving service, the employee brings your car to the meeting point at the terminal. In winter they can clear it beforehand – ask when booking whether this is part of the service. Go to the meeting point with your luggage, take a quick walk around the car and drive off.

Shuttle return

With the bus model, you go to the stop in front of the terminal and ride to the site. If many flights arrive at the same time, the bus may be full; then you take the next one. At the site you collect your car or key.

The car in the snow

If the car was parked on an open-air space in winter, there may be a blanket of snow on it. Clear the roof, bonnet and all windows before you drive off – snow from the roof can slide onto the windscreen when you brake. Let the engine run briefly until the windows are clear. Check the lights and number plates. Only then head out onto the road.

A quick check

Compare the bumpers, wheels and doors with your photos and look at the mileage. If you notice anything, photograph it and speak to the employee. More: Handing over your car at Memmingen Airport.

Landed earlier or later

If you land early, call and ask whether the car can be ready earlier. In the event of a delay, the flight number helps; a short message with the new time does no harm. More: Late arrival at Memmingen Airport and frequently asked questions about a delayed return flight.

Luggage missing

Report missing luggage at the desk in the arrivals area and inform the parking service that it will take longer.

Someone else collects the car

If the traveller cannot collect it themselves, the person collecting must be registered with the provider in writing beforehand, with name and mobile number.

Safely home

At night the roads in the Allgäu are quiet, but animals crossing, fog and, in winter, ice require attention. If you are tired, do not drive. Take turns or stay overnight nearby if the route is long.

With children

With children, a division of labour has proven itself: one adult stays with the little ones in a quiet corner of the arrivals hall while the other takes care of suitcases and the buggy. Only then does the message go to the parking service. Outside, the children go into their seats first, then the luggage into the boot.

An example from Füssen

A couple lands from Málaga at 21:15. The luggage is there at 21:40. They contact the valet service, which has already been tracking the landing. At 21:50 the car is ready, cleared of fresh snow. At 21:55 they set off south on the A7. The times are an example.

Cannot find the meeting point?

Call the provider and describe where you are standing. The employee will guide you.

Customs and allowances

If you are coming home from Turkey or Egypt, you should know the duty-free allowances for cigarettes, alcohol and goods; they are on the customs website. If you are above them, you go through the red exit.

Little helpers

A power bank, a warm jacket for Allgäu winter evenings, water and a snack – these make the drive home more pleasant.

Several arrivals at the same time

In the evening, several aircraft often land in quick succession. Get in touch right after the baggage belt and stay reachable.

After a ski holiday

If you are flying back from a ski holiday, collect your ski bag and ski boot bag at the bulky baggage counter. Allow a few minutes for this before you contact the parking service. The equipment usually fits better in the car with the rear seats folded down.

If the meeting point cannot be found

Call the provider and describe where you are standing. The employee will guide you.

In short

Collect your luggage, get in touch, check the car and clear it in winter, drive off rested – that is how the journey home from Allgäu Airport works out.

Driving home with children

Children who slept on the plane are sometimes wide awake on the drive home – or completely exhausted. An audiobook, a drink and a short break help you get through the drive to Munich or Lake Constance as well.

If the weather has turned

If you flew out in late summer and return in October, the first snow may already be lying in the Allgäu. A jacket in your hand luggage and an ice scraper in the car make the drive home more pleasant. If you still have summer tyres on, drive especially carefully.

Giving feedback

If the return went well, a review helps other travellers. If there are problems, contact support.

Refuelling at night in the Unterallgäu

In the rural Allgäu, not all petrol stations are open at night. If you land late and still have a long way to go, you should have enough fuel in the tank when you set off or know where there is a petrol station on the motorway that is open around the clock. The same applies to fast chargers for electric cars.

Marten check

If a warning light comes on after a long parking period or the engine sounds unusual, a marten bite may be the cause. Speak to the provider and, if in doubt, have the car checked at a garage before driving long distances.

Slippery access to the site

In winter the paths on the sites can be slippery. Walk carefully with your suitcases and wear sturdy shoes – even if you have just come back from the sun.

Several arrivals at once

In the evening, several aircraft often land at Allgäu Airport one after the other. Then many travellers are waiting for their car or the bus at the same time. Get in touch right after the baggage belt and keep your phone to hand.

Leaving a review

If the return went well, an honest review helps other travellers.

Welcome back

Whether back from the sun or from a city break – with a clear procedure you will quickly be on your way home to the Allgäu, Upper Swabia or Munich after landing in Memmingerberg.

Being collected by friends

If you would rather be collected, plan this before the trip. If your own car is parked with a provider, a later collection is only possible by arrangement and usually costs extra days.

Finally

Whether summer or winter – with all your luggage, a short message and a quick check of the car, the drive home starts relaxed.

Have a good drive home!

If the car will not start

If the engine will not start after the trip, ask the provider for a jump start. Many have a device on site. Alternatively, your automobile club or the manufacturer’s breakdown service can help.

After the trip

Check the car again at home in daylight. If you notice damage you overlooked, report it to the provider in writing immediately with photos and the booking number.

Checklist

• All luggage collected, checks completed
• Provider contacted
• Car checked, cleared in winter
• Set off rested

Which providers at Allgäu Airport can be booked via Friend-Park is shown at Parking at Memmingen Airport.