Fuming passengers dub UK airport 'worst place for ripping people off'

Airport drop-off parking charges are becoming a necessary evil for travellers, with costs varying wildly depending on the location.

The latest research delved into the initial drop-off charges at 25 UK airports boasting the largest number of terminal passengers, according to the(CAA) second quarterly report for 2024.

BoyleSports team took up the task to pinpoint the most and least costly locations by examining the most conveniently located drop-off zones. Under their scrutiny were Aberdeen, Glasgow Prestwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle Of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Cardiff, Belfast International, Belfast City, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Southampton, East Midlands, Liverpool John Lennon, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, London Gatwick, London City, and London Stansted airports.

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Leading the charge as the priciest in the UK is Leeds Bradford, side by side with London Stansted, with an initial slap of £7 for a mere 10 to 15 minutes' stay, after which the cost multiplies. Leeds Bradford has upped its rate since last year by £1, now charging a steep 70p per minute.

A disgruntled traveller vented on : "Another rip-off airport, £7 to drop off and pick up. I've travelled all over the and can't say I've ever been to a worse place for ripping people off as they give you no choice but to pay to collect your family and friends."

Another user commented: "Lovely small airport with a hassle-free, enhanced security system. The only downside is the expensive parking rates!"

Bristol and Birmingham are also hitting passengers' wallets hard, charging a hefty £6 for a quick turnaround, with limited time allowances of 10 and 15 minutes, respectively, placing them among the top five priciest airports for initial drop-off prices as London Gatwick takes the third spot. A Google reviewer didn't hold back, slamming Bristol Airport's operator for their 'greed', which has resulted in "one of the worst passenger experiences in Europe", reports .

Highlighting the drop-off charge in their review, they mentioned: "Many passengers are going to dangerous lengths to avoid the £6 drop-off fee. They're walking into busy country roads with big suitcases where there are surveillance camera vans."

Another frustrated traveller said: "Flying from Bristol and arranging drop-off and collection is more of an ordeal than anything else on your whole holiday."

For those heading to and London Luton, the latter now offering a new express service, a five-minute drop-off will set you back £5, cementing a steep £1 per minute rate — the highest of any other airport in the study. These exorbitant fees are indicative of a wider trend at major UK airports, where high demand and traffic congestion have turned premium drop-off zones into an expensive luxury.

On the flip side, a handful of airports go against the grain with minimal or even free drop-off charges. London City, Cardiff, Inverness, Guernsey, and Isle of Man airports are rare gems for free drop-offs, with time allowances varying from five to 30 minutes.

The top 10 priciest UK airport drop-offs are:

1. London Stansted — £7
1= Leeds Bradford - £7
3. London Gatwick — £6
3= Birmingham — £6
3= Bristol — £6
3= Southampton — £6
7. Glasgow — £5.50
7= Aberdeen — £5.50
9. London Heathrow — £5
9= Manchester — £5.

Stansted and Leeds Bradford airports have been contacted for comment.