SerpApi.Org
British airports have been slammed for imposing exorbitant 'kiss-and-fly' fees of up to £10 to drop off passengers.
More than three quarters of airports raised or introduced drop-off fees for drivers in the past year, research found.
Sixteen out of 20 airports analysed by the RAC have increased the charges – which are typically levied for dropping off a passenger as close to a terminal as possible – since last summer.
And the average cost has increased by a third. Gatwick and Stansted charge the dearest fees, at £10 for ten minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. Next are Edinburgh and Bristol (both £8.50 for ten minutes).
London City has gone from being the only major UK airport analysed which allowed free drop-offs outside its terminal to the most expensive charge per minute, at £8 for five minutes.
The only four airports not to have increased their charges this year are Liverpool John Lennon, East Midlands, Belfast City and Southampton.
Passengers being dropped off at airports by taxis and private hire vehicles generally have the fees added to their fares.
UK airports typically offer free options for dropping passengers off in mid- or long-stay car parks connected to terminals by buses.
The RAC said none of the ten busiest airports in the EU charges for drop-offs, and neither do other major international hubs such as Dubai, Shanghai and Istanbul.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: 'It's disappointing to see so many airports charging so much for what many regard as a simple act of kindness in dropping off family and friends.
'Having a captive audience should be no excuse for these farewell fees – especially when they're completely at odds with how major airports around the world operate.
'Of course, airports need to manage the limited space they have carefully, but if free, convenient drop-off zones work at many other international airports, then why not here?'
Mr Dennis also urged drivers to be 'extremely careful' about park now, pay later drop-off zones, which do not have barriers.
He said: 'Those that drop off but miss the signage or forget to pay soon afterwards can face a parking charge notice as high as £100 – a fee that feels distinctly disproportionate to the contravention.'
Conservative peer Lord Moylan has tabled an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill asking for a review of drop-off charges.
Industry body AirportsUK said the fees 'are necessary to manage congestion, and the traffic and air pollution concerns of local communities, as well as our climate change objectives'.
Read more
