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UK Airports are on the radar for raising drop-off charges at the airports. Goodbye kisses and hugs seem to be becoming an expensive proposition at the UK airports where there has been a hike in drop- off fees for drivers transporting passengers to the airport. Meanwhile passengers must find a way to transport heavy luggage all by themselves. Add to that the fact that Prices can increase dramatically after the initial time limit, and you have yourself a further hiked-up drop-off charge.
Airport drop-off charges on the rise
London City Airport has become the last airport to introduce a drop-off fee of £8. Drivers will be charged £8 for up to five minutes, followed by £1 per additional minute, with a maximum stay of 10 minutes. Bristol Airport has also increased its cost by £1.50, bringing the total to £8.50. Meanwhile Gatwick Airport has become the UK's most expensive airport for drop-off fees as it hikes charges to £10.
Growing surcharges at the Global Business travel hub
James Dow, UK and Ireland general manager at the global chauffeur service Blacklane states: “The introduction of airport drop-off charges at London City Airport means a hat-trick of ever increasing surcharges across Heathrow, Gatwick and now City airports. In addition to London City Airport adding drop-off fees for the first time, prices to arrive by car at Gatwick Airport have increased to double figures, setting a concerning precedent for those working to keep our global city accessible to international business and leisure travellers."
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He adds: "London’s artery airports rely on the private hire and chauffeur industry for connectivity, and have increased or added fees without consultation. It is staggering that additional charges do not bring experience improvements for guests arriving by car, and there is no concession for those arriving by Electric Vehicle (EV).
We continue to urge airports to engage with the business travel industry to better understand our essential contribution to their infrastructure, passenger service expectations and emissions reduction goals. These continually increasing fees, with London City Airport as the latest to do so, are at odds with London’s position as a global business travel hub; additional charges for essential travel cause unnecessary”
Travel Light and say Goodbye 'Early'
As airport drop-off zones become increasingly expensive, travellers may need to adapt. Whether that means investing in luggage with wheels or saying long goodbyes at home, keeping time in drop-off areas to an absolute minimum is fast becoming essential.
