UK Airports Hit Passengers with Record Drop-Off Fees, Says RAC

A new report from the RAC reveals a concerning trend across the United Kingdom's busiest airports: an accelerating increase in "kiss-and-fly" fees, the charges levied for dropping off passengers as close to the terminal as possible. More than half of the 20 major UK airports analysed have either introduced new drop-off fees or significantly increased existing ones in the past year, placing a growing financial burden on travellers and those accompanying them. This surge in charges stands in stark contrast to the norm across many major European Union airports, where free drop-off facilities remain widely available. The RAC, a leading motoring organisation, has expressed its dismay, suggesting that "the sky really does seem to be the limit" when it comes to these escalating costs.
The "kiss-and-fly" charge, as it's colloquially known, applies to the brief moments drivers spend dropping off friends or family and their luggage directly at the terminal entrance. While airports argue these fees help manage congestion, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to their business model, the RAC's findings suggest a relentless upward trajectory. Of the 20 busiest UK airports, 11 have either raised their charges or introduced new ones since last summer. This includes nine airports – Belfast City, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool John Lennon, Newcastle, and Southampton – which have seen their fees increase by £1. Leeds Bradford and Glasgow both added 50p to their charges, while Cardiff Airport, previously offering free drop-offs, has now implemented a £3 fee. London Luton, which had no designated drop-off area last summer due to a car park fire, now charges £5.
The increases have resulted in some airports now charging a top rate of £7 for drop-offs. Bristol, Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Stansted are among those demanding this higher fee. On a cost-per-minute basis, London Luton and Manchester emerge as the most expensive, with drivers potentially paying £5 for just five minutes – a staggering £1 per minute. The RAC highlights a particularly stark comparison: the per-minute cost of dropping off at Manchester can even be more expensive than a return flight from Manchester to Turkey in August.
RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis voiced his disappointment with the ongoing trend. He stated that the "seemingly annual ritual of many airports hiking the cost of drop-offs is unfortunately continuing unabated." Dennis pointed out that the primary reason drivers opt for these close-to-terminal drop-offs is to assist passengers with bulky or heavy luggage, or those with mobility issues, making public transport less practical. While many UK airports do offer free drop-off facilities, these are often located a significant distance from the terminal buildings, requiring a further walk or a bus transfer. This often forces drivers to use the charged "kiss-and-fly" zones if they wish to provide practical assistance to their passengers.
The disparity between UK and EU airport drop-off policies is particularly striking. The RAC's analysis of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union found that eight of them, including major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Madrid, continue to offer free drop-off services close to their terminals. This stark contrast makes the increases at UK airports "all the more depressing," according to Dennis.
Airports UK, the industry body representing British airports, defends the charges by asserting that all airports do indeed offer a free drop-off facility. They argue that where fees are charged, these help airports manage and reduce congestion, noise, carbon emissions, and air pollution for local communities – environmental responsibilities mandated by the government and local authorities. Furthermore, they state that these charges are an integral part of the airport business model, contributing to the provision of a wide variety of flights.
However, the perspective of many drivers and passengers remains one of frustration. Many feel that they are being unfairly penalised for a necessary service, especially when alternatives are either inconvenient, expensive, or impractical. The increasing trend of barrierless drop-off systems, requiring online or phone payment after the fact, also poses a risk of drivers inadvertently incurring penalty charge notices if they fail to realise a payment is required or simply forget to pay.
As the summer travel season approaches, the rising "kiss-and-fly" fees are set to add another layer of cost and inconvenience for millions of travellers. While airports maintain that these charges are essential for operational and environmental reasons, the RAC's report amplifies the voices of those who feel increasingly squeezed by what they perceive as opportunistic pricing. With London City Airport now standing as the sole top 20 UK airport still offering a free drop-off close to its terminal, the debate over the fairness and necessity of these charges is likely to intensify, particularly as passengers compare their experiences with those at airports across mainland Europe.
Source@BBC