New research has laid bare the staggering cost of saying goodbye at UK airports, with so-called 'kiss and fly' charges reaching as high as £7 for a mere five-minute stop. The analysis provides a crucial guide for drivers, highlighting both the most expensive and the few remaining free options across the country.
The Priciest Goodbyes: Short Stays, High Costs
According to data compiled by Select Car Leasing, London Southend Airport in Essex currently holds the dubious title of the UK's most expensive international airport for drop-offs. Drivers here face a flat fee of £7 for any stay up to five minutes. For those needing a slightly longer farewell, a stay of between five and 30 minutes incurs a hefty £15 charge.
This puts Southend ahead of several other major hubs. Airports including Leeds Bradford International, Gatwick, and Bristol all charge £7, though they allow a slightly more generous window of up to 10 minutes. Similarly, Southampton and Stansted airports charge £7, with permitted stay times of 20 and 15 minutes respectively.
Heathrow's Double Whammy: Higher Fees and Strict Time Limits
The landscape for airport access is becoming increasingly restrictive. In a significant move, Heathrow Airport has announced a major shake-up of its rules set to take effect from January. Not only will its drop-off fee rise from £6 to £7, but for the first time, Britain's busiest airport will enforce a strict time limit.
Drivers lingering for more than 10 minutes on the forecourts to unload bags or wave off loved ones will be hit with a severe £80 penalty charge. This decision has sparked considerable backlash. The chief executive of the Business Travel Association criticised it as "yet another example of rising airport charges hitting the very people who keep our economy moving," while many drivers have labelled the policy as "insane" and "a complete and utter joke".
Where Drop-Offs Remain Free (For Now)
Amid the rising costs, a handful of airports continue to offer free drop-off services, providing some relief for travellers. The current list of airports with free options includes:
- London City Airport: Free drop-offs (though a charge is planned by the end of December).
- Exeter International Airport: Free for up to 30 minutes.
- Inverness Airport: Free for 15 minutes.
- Birmingham International Airport: Free for the first 10 minutes, then £5.
- Newquay Cornwall Airport: Free for 10 minutes, then £2.50.
It's worth noting that Exeter and Inverness, both offering generous free windows, provide flights to popular holiday destinations like Amsterdam, Lanzarote, and Mallorca. However, the situation is fluid; London City Airport has already signalled its intention to introduce a charge soon, marking the end of an era for free access at the capital's most central airport.
The research underscores a clear trend of airports monetising kerbside access. For UK holidaymakers and those seeing them off, checking the specific drop-off charges and time limits at your departure airport has become an essential, and potentially money-saving, part of travel planning.
