Drop-off fees at the UK's major airports have risen by a third on average since last summer, according to new analysis by the RAC. The motoring group examined the cost of pulling up at the closest point to terminals at the 20 busiest airports, and found 16 had increased their fees since last year.
Two London airports, Gatwick and Stansted, topped the price table at £10. Gatwick charges the highest "farewell fee", with £10 buying 10 minutes on the forecourt outside either of its terminals, while Stansted charges £10 for 15 minutes at its "Express Set Down" area outside departures.
London City Airport, which only started charging people this year, is the most expensive on a per-minute basis. Its £8 charge for five minutes works out at £1.60 per minute.
By contrast, none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge for drop-offs, according to RAC research. The RAC said UK airports generally offer other options for dropping people off further from the terminal, sometimes with free shuttle buses.
"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."
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said drivers needed to be especially careful of barrierless "park now, pay later" drop-off zones, because they could face a parking charge notice if they failed to pay online or by phone within a certain period of time.
Parking directly in front of the terminal at Aalborg airport in Denmark is free for the first hour.
Gatwick's price increase comes as the airport tries to encourage more passengers to arrive by train and bus. When the Transport Secretary approved the airport's plans for a second runway, one requirement was that 54% of passengers use public transport.
Heathrow may also have to take steps to discourage people from driving if it wants approval for a third runway.
A London Gatwick spokesperson said drop-off charges were intended to discourage "kiss and fly" trips and that data showed the policy was "influencing passengers to seek alternative options".
The airport said it is linked to 120 train stations across London and the South East, with eight local bus routes running 24/7. Passengers can still be dropped off for free at long-stay car parks, where a free shuttle bus takes them to the terminal, and Blue Badge holders are exempt from the charge.
A spokesperson for Airports UK said that where drop-off fees are charged they are "necessary to manage congestion, and the traffic and air pollution concerns of our local communities, as well as our climate change objectives".
"These are issues that airports are mandated to manage by the government and local authorities,"
But Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, said the fees were adding to businesses' costs.
"First it was environmental [reasons]. Then congestion management. Then funding new routes. Now apparently it is about offsetting tax rises,"
"The goalposts have moved so many times now that the credibility of any justification has long since gone."
How to avoid unexpected charges
Check fees and how to pay them before setting off. Blue Badge holders are sometimes exempt.
Look for cheaper or free alternatives, for example car parks slightly further away which have shuttle buses to the terminal.
Research possible public transport alternatives.
Keep an eye on the time; make your goodbyes quick to avoid over-staying the limit.
Check where a taxi will drop you and whether they include the fee in their fare.
