More than a third of major UK airports have increased passenger drop-off charges over the past year, with some drivers paying up to £7 for brief stops. Industry bodies defend the fees as necessary for managing congestion and meeting environmental goals, while motoring advocates label the rising costs as bordering on the ridiculous.
The Rising Cost of the Kiss and Fly
The trend of charging drivers to drop off passengers at terminal entrances—often referred to as kiss and fly
fees—has accelerated significantly. According to new research from the RAC, seven out of 20 major airports have hiked these charges since last summer. Four of those—Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Bristol—increased their fees by £1.
While some airports have frozen prices, others maintain high barriers to entry. Stansted currently holds the title for the most expensive drop-off, charging £7 for a 15-minute window. Manchester Airport, despite not raising its fees this year, has been criticized for offering what is considered poor value: a £5 charge for a stay limited to just five minutes.
Airport Justifications vs. Consumer Reality
The rationale provided by airport operators typically centers on sustainability and infrastructure. A spokesperson for Airports UK stated that drop-off fees are necessary to manage congestion, and the traffic and air pollution concerns of our local communities, as well as our climate change objectives.
The trade body further noted that the revenue supports record investments in facility improvements and encourages passengers to utilize more sustainable modes of transport, such as buses or trains.
However, many drivers feel they have little choice. In a survey commissioned by the RAC, 59% of respondents cited the impracticality of navigating public transport with heavy luggage as their primary reason for driving. Additionally, 37% of those surveyed reported that they had no feasible public transport alternative available for their airport journey.
Criticism from the Business Travel Association
The ambiguity surrounding the purpose of these fees has drawn sharp criticism from industry representatives. Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association, argued that the shifting justifications for the charges have eroded their credibility.
“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.”
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association
Limited Options for Cost-Conscious Travelers
For those looking to avoid the premium fees, options remain sparse. Cardiff, Inverness, and London City are the only major airports analyzed that continue to allow free drop-offs directly outside their terminals. Others, such as Luton, offer a free drop-off zone located at a distance from the terminal, requiring a shuttle bus or a 10-minute walk.
| Airport | Current Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stansted | £7 | 15 minutes |
| Gatwick | £6 | 10 minutes |
| Bristol | £6 | 10 minutes |
| Birmingham | £5 | 15 minutes |
| Edinburgh | £5 | 10 minutes |
| Manchester | £5 | 5 minutes |
What Lies Ahead for Airport Access
As airports continue to face pressure to hit public transport usage targets—such as Gatwick’s requirement to have 54% of passengers arriving via non-car modes to support its runway expansion plans—the pressure on drivers is unlikely to abate. Rod Dennis, a senior policy officer at the RAC, warned that these charges disproportionately impact travelers who lack viable alternatives.
