How to avoid expensive drop-off charges at UK airports
According to the RAC, 11 out of 20 UK airports have put up their so-called 'kiss and fly' charges – for people dropping off a passenger as close to a terminal as possible – since last summer.
Some of Britain's busiest airports raised their charges by £1 – meaning it will now cost up to £7 just to drop someone off at the terminal doors.
Other airports that did not previously have a charge have introduced one over the past year.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said this makes increases in fees at UK airports 'all the more depressing'.
However, Karen Dee, chief executive of trade body AirportsUK, said fees were necessary to 'help airports manage and reduce congestion, noise, carbon emissions and air pollution for local communities, something that they are mandated to do by the government and local authorities'.
Which are the most expensive airports?
Nine airports raised their fees by £1 – Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool John Lennon, Newcastle and Southampton – putting some of them in the most expensive category.
Leeds Bradford and Glasgow both added 50p to their charges.
Cardiff, which previously had no charge, introduced a £3 fee. Meanwhile Luton, which had no kiss-and-fly area last summer because of a car park fire, now charges £5.
London City was the only UK airport analysed that allows free drop-offs outside its terminal.
Drop-off charges for each airport, from most to least expensive:
Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Southampton and Stansted: £7
Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow and Liverpool John Lennon: £6
Aberdeen: £5.50
Bournemouth, East Midlands, Luton, Manchester and Newcastle: £5
Belfast City: £4
Belfast International and Cardiff: £3
London City: £0
How to avoid expensive drop-off charges
With prices upped for drop-offs, there are some handy tips to avoid paying high prices – or to avoid paying altogether.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis told Yahoo News UK that it is key to do your research – being prepared and knowing what fees to expect, how to pay and permitted waiting times can save you money or stop you being fined.
Know how to pay
You should make sure you know how to pay for your charges so that you avoid being fined. Dennis explained: 'An increasing number of airports no longer allow you to pay on site, instead demanding you pay online or by phone within 24 hours afterwards. Set a reminder to do this to avoid a fine.'
Keep your goodbyes short
Seeing someone off can be an emotional moment or simply a time with a fair bit of hugging and chatting. However, doing this at drop-offs – or if parked elsewhere – might cost you. Dennis said something as simple as a long goodbye 'can prove expensive if you go over the time limit'.
Check your taxi fare includes a drop-off fee
If you're booking a taxi to take you to the airport, check to see where it drops you off and whether the fare quoted includes the airport's fee, Dennis advised.
Use free drop-off areas
While it may not be as convenient as dropping off at the terminal, many UK airports have designated long or mid-stay car parks that offer limited free drop-off times. Gatwick, for example, has a free two-hour drop-off zone in its long stay but it will mean using a shuttle to get to the terminal.
Park in short-stay car parks
Some airports' short‑stay car parks are cheaper than using terminal drop‑off areas if you stay under 10–15 minutes. It may even be possible to avoid charges altogether by entering and exiting within the grace period but you should check before entry.
Drop off outside airport perimeter
According to MoneySavingExpert, some airports have places to stop or park nearby – such as local roads or retail parks – and walk to the airport terminal. However, you should check that the road is not inside the airport perimeter, as airports rigorously enforce no-stopping zones.
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