Airport ‘kiss and fly’ fees to be reviewed: how you can avoid paying them

If you’re dropping a loved one off at the airport, the last thing you want is an expensive fee before their holiday has even begun.

But ‘kiss and fly’ charges are becoming more and more costly. RAC analysis shows drop-off fees at the UK’s biggest airports rose by around a third this summer compared with last summer.

Gatwick is the most expensive, charging you a whopping £10 for just 10 minutes to drop someone off. Birmingham is the cheapest, yet still charges £7 for 15 minutes, the equivalent of around 47p a minute.

And if you’re getting a taxi to the airport, you could still end up paying the price. Taxi drivers generally add drop-off fees to your fare, meaning you could face an extra charge before you’ve even reached the terminal.

Now, the government has announced a review of airport drop-off charges, saying it wants to ensure “travel remains accessible and that passengers are treated fairly”.

But while you wait to see whether the review leads to any changes, there are several ways you can cut the cost, or avoid paying altogether.

How you can avoid airport drop-off charges

If your budget is already under pressure, an extra airport fee is probably the last thing you need. Fortunately, a little forward planning could help you save money before your trip even begins.

Check the airport’s website before you leave

Before setting off, check the airport’s website to find out exactly where you can drop passengers off, how long you can stay and how much you’ll have to pay.

Don’t assume every airport works in the same way. Some require you to pay online after you’ve left, often within 24 hours. Miss the payment deadline and you could face an even bigger bill.

To avoid getting caught out, set a reminder on your phone as soon as you leave the drop-off zone.

It’s also worth checking whether your airport has a free drop-off area. These are often a little further from the terminal, but regular shuttle buses may be available to take you and your passengers the rest of the way.

Keep your goodbyes short

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re saying goodbye, especially if you’re helping someone with their luggage. But spend too long in the drop-off zone and you could end up paying more than you expected.

Before you pull in, make sure your passengers have packed their bags, have their travel documents to hand and are ready to get out quickly.

That way, you can say your goodbyes without worrying about the clock ticking, or the cost mounting up.

Don’t stop on airport approach roads

Trying to avoid a drop-off fee by pulling over on an approach road or nearby street could prove to be a costly mistake.

Airport roads often have strict stopping restrictions, with cameras and patrols used to enforce them. If you stop somewhere you shouldn’t, you could end up with a fine instead.

You might save a few pounds on the drop-off charge, only to pay considerably more in penalties.

Always use a designated drop-off point or a permitted alternative.

Check whether you qualify for an exemption

If you’re dropping off someone who holds a Blue Badge, check your airport’s rules before you travel.

Some airports offer exemptions or discounts for eligible passengers, but you may need to register your journey or vehicle in advance to qualify.

Don’t assume the charge will be waived automatically. Checking the rules beforehand could save you an unnecessary expense.

Compare the cost of the short-stay car park

If you want to help your passenger with their luggage or walk with them into the terminal, the dedicated drop-off zone might not be your cheapest option.

At some airports, using the short-stay car park could offer better value, particularly if you need more time.

Check the parking rates before you leave and compare them with the drop-off fee. You might find that paying to park briefly works out cheaper than spending extra time in the drop-off zone.

Consider taking public transport

If you live near the airport, travelling together by train, bus or tram could work out cheaper than driving, especially once you factor in fuel and drop-off charges.

Another option is to drop your passenger at a nearby railway station or bus stop, where they can complete the final part of their journey by public transport.

Just make sure you check the timetable and allow enough time to reach the airport before check-in.

Share the journey with friends or family

If you know someone else heading to the airport on the same day, you could share the journey.

If friends or relatives are travelling at a similar time, you could split the fuel costs and make one trip instead of several.

You’ll still need to account for any airport drop-off charge, but sharing the journey could help reduce the overall cost, particularly if you’d otherwise be making multiple trips.

Don’t let airport fees catch you out

Airport drop-off charges can add an unwelcome expense to the start of your holiday, whether you’re driving a loved one to the terminal or paying for a taxi.

While the government reviews the fees, the best way to protect your budget is to check your airport’s rules, look for free alternatives and plan your journey before you set off.

A few minutes of preparation could save you several pounds, and help you start your trip without an unexpected charge.