Eight of the top 20 airports have increased tariffs this year, according to the research by motoring firm RAC, which advised drivers to “keep goodbyes to a minimum” as five airports raised fees for dropping off departing passengers.<\/p>\n
RAC spokesman Simon Williams warned the increased charges will be viewed by drivers as “another way of making money out of them”.The comments come after fees rose by as much as 100% in the past year while some airports introduced completely new charges.<\/p>\n
The study found London Luton charged the most for collecting passengers at \u00a37 for 40 minutes, London Stansted followed with \u00a35 for half an hour, and Birmingham came third with \u00a34.90 for one hour. Stansted is the most costly for dropping off passengers at \u00a33.50 for 10 minutes, 50p more than Luton’s charge for the same time.<\/p>\n
Liverpool John Lennon comes third \u00a33 for 20 minutes, although a secondary drop-off point, which requires a five to 10 minutes’ walk is free. Mr. Williams said: “The eye-watering drop-off and pick-up costs at some airports is likely to be viewed by drivers as another way of making money out of them, particularly in instances where public transport to and from the airport simply isn’t a viable option.<\/p>\n
“This year many airports have increased the already sky-high prices they charge for short-stay parking near their departure and arrival terminals making a good deed a costly experience. “Drop-off charges are the biggest bone of contention as for many they appear severe when they are simply pulling up for less than five minutes and often don’t even get out of the car themselves.<\/p>\n
Seven airports offer free drop-off parking by terminals\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n They are London<\/span><\/strong><\/em> Heathrow, London Gatwick, <\/em><\/span><\/strong>London City, Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast <\/em>City<\/em>, and Jersey.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n But trade group, the Airport Operators Association, said income from parking supported investment in facilities and “allows airports to keep charges to airlines low, benefiting travelers through lower airfares”.<\/p>\n A spokesman said airports provide clear information about the cost of parking options, ensuring passengers have a “high level of awareness” of different ways to get to the airport.<\/p>\n He also said drop-off charges helped manage congestion and limit the environmental impact of journeys.<\/p>\n