Airport Drop Off Costs Exposed

Photo credit: BBC News

Research has revealed the high cost of drop-off and pick-up charges at 30 of the UK’s busiest airports.

Drivers picking up friends and family can face fees of almost £1 per minute, according to research by insurer Stavely Head.

At London Stansted, a 30-minute stay in the drop-off and pick-up area costs £25, and parking for just five minutes costs £3.50.

London Southend airport is most expensive for a 10-minute stay, charging £4.50, although drop-offs that take fewer than five minutes are free.

The research found that most drivers face fees regardless of how long they stay, with just three airports offering free parking for up to 30 minutes.

Many airports do offer cheaper – or even free – drop-off and pick-up locations, but these are often located away from the terminal and require a long walk or transfer.

These are the drop-off costs at the UK’s busiest airports:

* Gatwick, Heathrow and Jersey airports do not permit waiting. Manchester airport does not permit waiting for longer than 10 minutes.

Nick Caunter, IAPA Chairman says: “High pick-up charges can have the knock-on effect of causing congestion on local roads as taxis and friends park locally while they wait for their pick-up to arrive.

“This research shows that it really does pay to look at different parking options when going to the airport. Our advice is to do your research early and compare services and prices – you may be surprised how often off-site parking is the best option.”