Third of airports have hiked up drop-off fees
A third of airports have increased prices for using drop-off zones, prompting warnings for drivers ahead of the busy summer travel period.
Seven of the UK’s 21 busiest airports have hiked up fees while one has introduced them
Seven of the UK’s 21 busiest airports have hiked up fees while one has introduced them, new RAC research reveals.
The biggest jumps were at Southampton Airport, which has upped its drop-off fees to £6 for 20 minutes (was £4 for 20 minutes in 2022) and Belfast International, which has increased the charge up by £2 to £3 for 10 minutes.
Drivers heading to Glasgow Airport pay £5 for 15 minutes (up from £4 for 15 minutes in 2022) while at Aberdeen the initial rate also sits at £5 for 15 minutes (up from £4 for 10 minutes in 2022).
Leeds Bradford has upped its charges to £6 for 10 minutes (from £5 for 10 minutes), Liverpool John Lennon is now £5 for 10 minutes (up from £4 for 10 minutes) while Birmingham has increased its fee to £4 for 15 minutes (from £3 for 15 minutes).
Belfast’s other airport, Belfast City, has now introduced a charge of £3 for 10 minutes, having previously not charged for dropping off.
London Stansted has frozen charges in 2023, but remains the priciest drop-off area with an initial charge of £7 for 15 minutes. Other airports that have held prices are London Heathrow and London Gatwick which charge £5, Manchester is £5 for five minutes, London Luton is still asking for £5 for 10 minutes and Edinburgh costs £4 for 10 minutes.
Only three airports – Cardiff, London City and Inverness – still offer free-drop off outside the departure terminal.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Having tracked airport drop-off fees since 2016, we can see putting up charges has now become something of an annual ritual. This year is no different with seven out of 21 increasing their fees and one introducing them for the first time. Drivers should brace themselves for jaw-dropping prices when they drop their loved-ones off at the terminal.
“Thankfully the proportion of airports hiking fees this year is lower than last year, but that will be little consolation as charges across the board have never been so high.”
He added: “What’s perhaps more frustrating is that many travellers will call on their friends or family to take them to the airport because of persistent industrial action on the rail network meaning that for many, being dropped off at the airport by car is the only reliable way to make their flight on-time.”
The RAC urged drivers to do their research ahead of travelling. Many airports offer a free or reduced-rate drop-off area, located away from the terminal in long-stay car parks where travellers can hop on a shuttle bus connection.
Lyes had a further warning too: “Drivers tempted to drop loved-ones on the roads inside the boundaries of the airport should beware as many enforce no-stopping areas with cameras could lead to hefty penalty charges.”
RAC top five tips to avoid stress and high airport parking charges
| 1 | Do your research | Check out the drop-off facilities on the airport’s website to understand fees, payment options and stay times. Terminal forecourt drop-off areas are likely to be the most expensive. |
| 2 | Have your payment ready | Once you have found out how to pay, ensure you have payment ready to hand, whether that is adequate change, a debit or credit card or pre-programmed the payment number into your mobile. Some airports allow you to pay online. |
| 3 | Say your goodbyes before travel | Say your farewells before you get to the airport – if you don’t they might prove expensive, particularly if you go over the initial time limit for drop-offs. |
| 4 | Check your taxi fare includes a drop-off fee | If you’re booking a taxi to take you to the airport, check to see whether the fare includes or excludes any drop-off fees to avoid any nasty surprises upon arrival. |
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
