- Airport Drop-off Fees Rise: RAC reports a nearly one-third increase in drop-off fees at UK airports
- Southampton and Belfast International: Airports with the highest increases in kiss and fly fees
- Brief Stay Parking: Short-stay parking areas implement entry and exit fees, raising concerns about high costs for short periods
According to the RAC, airport drop-off fees for vehicles have increased by nearly a third at UK airports over the past year.
These are the initial fees charged for dropping off a passenger as near as possible to a terminal.
The airports with the greatest increases in so-called kiss and fly fees are Southampton and Belfast International, according to the RAC.
Airports contend that the higher fees deter drivers from lingering and help to reduce flight prices.
The Airport Operators Association, which represents airports in the United Kingdom, told that the increased revenue helped “keep airline charges low” and “maximize the flight options available to all passengers.”
Brief stay
Typically, short-stay parking areas surrounding terminals have entry and exit barriers. Drivers must purchase a ticket to enter and pay for the duration of their stay to leave.
Southampton International Airport has increased its 20-minute parking fee from £4 to £6, while Belfast International Airport has increased its 10-minute parking fee from £1 to £3.
A spokesperson for AGS Airports, the company that owns and administers Southampton, stated that the funds received through higher fees were crucial for “supporting the airport’s significantly increased operational costs.”
Belfast stated that the increased fees would finance an “expanded capital investment program.” The airport is scheduled to break ground on a new £20 million security facility.
Freezing costs
Stansted is the airport with the greatest minimum payment, at £7 for 15 minutes, while other airports charge only £5 for five or ten minutes.
Since last summer, six of the busiest UK airports have suspended drop-off fees. Alongside Stansted:
Heathrow Airport imposes a flat fee of £5 with no time limit.
Gatwick Airport in London levies an initial £5 for 10 minutes.
It costs £5 for the initial 5 minutes and £6 for the subsequent 10 minutes to drive to Manchester Airport.
London Luton levies £5 for the first 10 minutes of a flight.
Edinburgh costs £4 for the first 10 minutes of travel.
Three airports provide complimentary drop-off service in front of the departure terminal. This includes Cardiff, London, and Inverness.
Passengers being dropped off by taxis or private hire vehicles will likely have additional fees added to their fares. Numerous airports offer free passenger drop-off options in mid- or long-stay parking lots connected to terminals by bus.
The RAC argues that the increased drop-off fees are excessively high for such brief periods, especially for drivers who are dropping off individuals with limited mobility or young families.
Nicholas Lyes, director of roads policy at the RAC, has been monitoring drop-off charges since 2016 and described their implementation as “almost an annual occurrence.”
“Thankfully, the percentage of airports increasing fees this year is lower than it was last year, but that will be of little consolation as fees have never been so high,” he said.
