Passengers warned as drop-off fees increased at many airports

Drop-off charges for drivers at Southampton Airport are now more expensive than Heathrow or Gatwick, according to new research.

Eight of 21 UK airports analysed have raised or introduced charges for dropping off passengers at terminals since August 2022, an RAC investigation found.

Drivers should "brace themselves" for record high fees, the motoring services company said.

It costs £6 for 20 minutes for the so-called "kiss and fly" charge at Southampton Airport - an increase of a third on last year, although electric vehicles are free.

AGS Airports, which operates Southampton Airport, said the funds generated support the "airport’s operational costs, which have increased significantly".

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said motorists being hit by annual hikes in airport charges has become "an annual ritual".

"Drivers should brace themselves for jaw-dropping prices when they drop their loved ones off at the terminal.

"Thankfully the proportion of airports hiking fees this year is lower than last year, but that will be little consolation as charges across the board have never been so high.

"What's perhaps more frustrating is that many travellers will call on their friends or family to take them to the airport because of persistent industrial action on the rail network meaning that for many, being dropped off at the airport by car is the only reliable way to make their flight on time.

"Doing your research ahead of travelling has never been more important.

"Many airports offer a free or reduced-rate drop-off area away from the terminal in long-stay car parks where travellers can hop on a shuttle bus connection, saving their driver incurring more expensive charges nearer the departures building.

"Drivers tempted to drop loved ones on the roads inside the boundaries of the airport should beware as many enforce no-stopping areas with cameras which could lead to hefty penalty charges."

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