Airport drop-off charges are soaring – here's how you can avoid paying them

If you're driving a friend or family member to the airport this summer, you could be in for an expensive goodbye.

Drop-off charges at the UK's biggest airports have risen by around a third compared with last summer, according to new analysis by the RAC.

The motoring group looked at the cost of dropping passengers off at the UK's 20 busiest airports and found that 16 have increased their prices over the past year.

It found:

• Gatwick now tops the list as the UK's most expensive airport for drop-offs, charging £10 for just 10 minutes, a £3 increase on last year.
• Stansted also charges £10, although you get 15 minutes in its Express Set Down area.
• London City Airport only introduced drop-off fees this year, but it's now the most expensive on a per-minute basis. Its £8 charge for five minutes works out at a staggering £1.60 a minute.
• Across the UK's busiest airports, the average cost of using designated ‘kiss-and-fly’ drop-off zones has increased by £1.70 to around £7.
• At the other end of the scale, Birmingham offers the best value, charging £7 for 15 minutes, the equivalent of 47p a minute.
• The RAC also points out that none of the EU's 10 busiest airports currently charge drivers to drop passengers off.

How you can avoid paying airport drop-off charges

If your budget is already under pressure, the last thing you want is an extra airport fee before your loved ones have even checked in. But with a little planning, you can often reduce the cost, or avoid it altogether.

Do your homework before you leave

Before setting off, check the airport's website so you know exactly where you can drop passengers off, how long you're allowed to stay and what the charges are.

Some airports require you to pay online after you've left, often within 24 hours. Setting a reminder on your phone could save you from an expensive penalty.

It's also worth checking whether the airport offers a free drop-off area. These are often located a little further from the terminal, but many have regular shuttle buses that can save you several pounds.

Keep your goodbyes short

It's easy to lose track of time when you're saying goodbye, but even staying a minute or two longer than the allotted time can trigger a much higher charge.

Make sure luggage is packed, travel documents are easy to reach and everyone is ready to get out quickly before you pull into the drop-off zone.

Never stop on approach roads

It might seem like an easy way to dodge the fee, but pulling over on airport approach roads or nearby streets could leave you with a parking fine instead.

Many airports use cameras and patrols to enforce stopping restrictions, so trying to save a few pounds could end up costing much more.

Check whether you're exempt

If you're travelling with someone who is a Blue Badge holder, check the airport's rules before you travel. Some airports offer exemptions or discounts, although you may need to register your journey in advance.

Consider the short-stay car park

At some airports, the short-stay car park can work out better value than the dedicated drop-off zone, particularly if you want time to help with luggage or accompany someone into the terminal. It's worth comparing prices before you travel.

Think about public transport

If you live near the airport, taking the train, bus or tram together could work out cheaper than paying fuel costs and drop-off charges. Alternatively, you could be dropped off at a nearby train station or bus stop and complete the final part of the journey by public transport.

Share the journey

If friends or relatives are travelling on the same day, consider travelling together. One trip could save both fuel and airport charges.

Plan ahead to avoid unnecessary costs

Airport drop-off fees are becoming more common, but they don't have to catch you out. A few minutes planning before you set off could save you money and help you avoid an unexpected charge before the holiday has even begun.