‘We dropped off our BMW at Manchester Airport, and were disguted at what we came back to’

A couple returning from a holiday expressed their disgust after finding their car in a ‘filthy’ state at Manchester Airport. Keith Moyles and Chandelle Watkinson had entrusted their BMW 435d Gran Coupe to Secure Airport Transfers Manchester, a service they discovered through a comparison site while embarking on their trip to Italy for their 10th wedding anniversary. Keith, 58, initially found the service satisfactory, even though it was not listed on the official Manchester Airport website. However, upon their return, the couple claimed their car seemed as if it had been driven through a construction site.

Chandelle, 44, revealed that besides the car being dirty, they also noticed a missing pair of sunglasses and an additional 50 miles on the odometer. The couple reported these issues to the police. The director of Secure Airport Transfers Manchester defended the company, stating there was no evidence the car had been taken beyond the parking spot and suggested the dirt may have been due to Manchester’s wet weather conditions.

Chandelle recounted the post-holiday ordeal, highlighting the delayed return of their car and its messy condition. Keith expressed his frustration, noting missing items and the unacceptable state in which their vehicle was returned. The couple’s attempts to address their grievances with the company were met with what they described as dismissive responses, leading to further dissatisfaction.

Despite the company’s explanation attributing the dirt to weather conditions and denying extended use of the vehicle, the couple remained unsatisfied with the resolution offered. They felt their holiday experience had been tarnished by the car’s condition upon their return. The incident has been reported to Greater Manchester Police, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

The couple’s disappointment serves as a cautionary tale for travellers utilising parking services at airports, emphasising the importance of thorough research and clear communication to avoid such unpleasant post-trip surprises.