Holidaymakers are being warned about soaring parking charges at airports ahead of their next trip. Saying goodbye to loved ones before a holiday has just gotten more expensive at several major airports.
Airport transfer expert Hoppa revealed the most expensive airports to be dropped off at, plus which airports have had the biggest price hikes.
According to the research, being dropped off at London Stansted Airport by car will set you back the most.
The ‘Express Set Down’ costs £7 for up to 15 minutes, and increases to £25 for those who stay longer.
Belfast City and Belfast International Airports have hiked up their prices the most this year, with both increasing drop-off fees by 200 percent.
Most expensive UK airports for drop-off in 2023
1. London Stansted – £7 for 15 minutes, £25 thereafter
2. Southampton – £6 for 20 minutes
3. Leeds Bradford – £6 for 10 minutes, £8 thereafter
Most airports (13 of the 24) charge a minimum of £5 for entry into their drop-off zone, including the most popular ones like Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Of the 24 major airports that were analysed, 12 have increased their minimum drop of fees in 2023:
1. Belfast City – Now £3 for up to 10 minutes (+200 percent)
2. Belfast International – Now £3 for up to 10 minutes (+200 percent)
3. Exeter – Now £5 for up to 30 minutes (+67 percent)
4. Bournemouth – Now £5 for up to 30 minutes (+67 percent)
5. Norwich – Now £5 for up to 30 minutes (+67 percent)
6. Southampton – Now £6 for up to 20 minutes (+50 percent)
7. Birmingham – Now £4 for up to 5 minutes (+33 percent)
8. Glasgow – Now £5 for up to 15 minutes (+25 percent)
9. Liverpool – Now £5 for up to 10 minutes (+25 percent)
10. Aberdeen – Now £5 for up to 15 minutes (+25 percent)
11. Leeds Bradford – Now £6 for up to 10 minutes (+20 percent)
12. Glasgow Prestwick – Now £3.50 for up to 60 minutes (+17 percent)
Cheapest UK airports for drop-off in 2023:
1. London City – Free
2. Cardiff – Free for the first 5 minutes, £3 thereafter
3. Belfast City – £3 for the first 10 minutes
4. Belfast International – £3 for the first 10 minutes
5. Glasgow Prestwick – £3.50 for up to 60 minutes
Matthew Hall, Managing Director at Hoppa said: “Drop-off charges can add a hefty amount to the cost of your holiday before it has even begun.
“Most UK airports now enforce a charge for dropping passengers off close to the Terminals, and penalties for not adhering to these are very costly.
“It is easy to overstay the minimum time allowances when saying your goodbyes, which can add a hefty sum on top of the parking charge.
“However, many airports also offer free parking options at their mid- or long-stay car parks, so it is always worth checking on their official website before dropping someone off.
“Alternatively, you can avoid these drop-off charges altogether by using public transport or booking an advance airport transfer.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
