Passengers of Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet and TUI have been alerted to an increase in parking charges at some major airports.
The warning comes after four major UK airports have seen a significant increase in their drop-off prices – as much as £1 more per minute.
According to recent research by the RAC, the cost for a 10-minute drop-off has risen by approximately £1. London Gatwick now demands £6 for 10 minutes, Edinburgh £5 for the same duration, Birmingham £5 for 15 minutes and Bristol £6 for 10 minutes.
RAC’s senior policy officer, Rod Dennis, expressed his disappointment: “It’s depressing, if perhaps unsurprising given what’s happened in the past, to see seven airports have hiked their drop-off charges once again this year.
“Increased charges at airports that have relatively poor public transport access for instance, no direct rail or tram link also seems pretty unreasonable.”
Mr Dennis further explained that some airports impose higher charges to discourage people from driving to the airport, thereby promoting the use of public transport such as coaches and trains.
He warned those visiting London Heathrow or Gatwick that it is now “not possible to pay the drop-off charge in-person at either airport”.
However, there is some good news for drivers on drop-off duties as nine airports have decided to freeze their prices this year.
Stansted remains the most expensive UK airport for drop-offs, charging an eye-watering £7 for up to 15 minutes, which equates to 47p a minute, reports Birmingham Live.
Leeds Bradford Airport is hot on the heels of the most expensive, charging a hefty £6.50 for a mere 10 minutes stay.
London Gatwick and Bristol are tied in third place, with both airports requiring a payment of £6 for up to 10 minutes of parking time.
However, it’s Manchester Airport that comes out as the least cost-effective, demanding £5 for a brief five-minute stop, according to the RAC’s findings.
Mr Dennis advised: “It’s also worth remembering that many airports offer free or cheaper short-term parking further away from the terminal. This might be significantly less convenient, but it does save money.”