Drivers have been warned that the cost of dropping off passengers at some of the UK’s busiest airports has increased by one-third over the past year, forcing motorists to pay extortionate prices.
According to new research, 16 of the UK’s 20 busiest airports have increased the charges drivers must pay to drop passengers close to their terminals.
The report detailed how the average cost has risen by £1.70 since last summer, reaching £7 for a drop-off in a “kiss-and-fly” zone.
London Gatwick and London Stansted were found to be the most expensive airports for drivers dropping passengers off, with both charging £10, although Gatwick allows a 10-minute window and Stansted allows 15 minutes.
Edinburgh and Bristol airports charge drivers £8.50 for 10 minutes, while Leeds Bradford, London City and Bournemouth airports each charge £8, although the amount of time drivers are allowed to stay varies.
London City Airport now has the highest charge per minute, costing drivers £8 for up to five minutes, which works out at £1.60 per minute.
London Gatwick charges £1 per minute, while Edinburgh and Bristol charge 85p per minute and Leeds Bradford charges 80p per minute.
The RAC said the cost of dropping someone off at Gatwick can even be more expensive per minute than the cost of a return flight for two people from London Gatwick to Zante in Greece.
At Heathrow, drivers must pay online or by phone before midnight the day after using the drop-off zone
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PA/GETTY/HEATHROW AIRPORTLondon City Airport was previously the last of the busy airports to offer free drop-offs close to its terminal, meaning all of the top 20 airports now charge drivers to use their closest drop-off zones.
In 2019, six of the airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, still offered free and convenient drop-off areas, although four airports have not increased their charges this year.
The RAC said the charges were unusual compared with major airports in other parts of the world, as none of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union charge drivers to drop passengers off.
Other major international airports, including Atlanta, Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul, also offer free drop-off options.
Gatwick Airport has now become the most expensive in the UK for car drop-offs
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PAThe RAC has warned drivers to be particularly careful at airports where there are no barriers or physical payment facilities.
At Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted and Luton, drivers must pay online or by phone before midnight the day after using the drop-off zone.
The RAC said drivers could face a £100 parking charge notice if they miss the signs or forget to pay the drop-off fees.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “It’s disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends.
Drivers have been facing huge price hikes for dropping off friends and family at airports | PA
“Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these ‘farewell fees’ – especially when they’re completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate.”
Mr Dennis said airports needed to manage limited space carefully but questioned why free and convenient drop-off zones could not be provided when they are available at airports around the world.
He also warned drivers about “park now, pay later” drop-off zones, adding: “Those that drop off but miss the signage or forget to go online or phone the airport to pay soon afterwards can face a parking charge notice as high as £100.”