Across the UK's major airports, drop-off fees have increased by an average of a third, but Cardiff Airport remains one of the least expensive. Of the 20 busiest airports, Cardiff is the second cheapest, with the drop-off zone directly outside the terminal charging £4.50 for 10 minutes, though this represents a 50% increase since last year.
The RAC analysed data showing that the price of dropping people off close to airport terminals in 'kiss-and-fly' zones rose by an average of £1.70 to £7 compared to last summer. London Gatwick and London Stansted charge the highest fees at £10 for 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively, followed by Edinburgh and Bristol at £8.50 for 10 minutes.
London City most expensive per minute
London City airport introduced a charge to drop-off at the terminal forecourt in the last year, now charging £8 for just five minutes, which is the most expensive on a per-minute basis. The RAC found that a £1 per minute drop-off rate charged at three airports is more expensive per minute than the cost of a return flight in August for two people from London Gatwick to Zante.
Only four of the 20 busiest airports in the UK have not increased their charges this year: Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton. Drop-off fees are not normal practice worldwide, as none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge for drop-offs, nor do many other major international airports including Atlanta, Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul.
RAC criticises 'farewell 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. 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. Of course, airports need to manage the limited space they have carefully, but if free, convenient drop-off zones work at so many other international airports then why not here?"
He also warned drivers of potential fines for not complying: "The growing number of airports that operate barrierless ‘park now, pay later’ drop-off zones is also something drivers need to be extremely careful of. 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 – a fee that feels distinctly disproportionate to the contravention."
Dennis recommended drivers explore free short-term parking options many airports offer but to be aware of the time limits. At Cardiff Airport, there is a free option for 20 minutes to pick up and drop off, though it is a short walk from the terminal in car park 2.
