Holidaymakers parking at airports warned over ‘serious financial sting’
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olidaymakers are being charged as much as 4 instances extra for airport parking in the event that they pay on arrival slightly than upfront, in keeping with new analysis.
Consumer group Which? mentioned its evaluation of costs at 16 UK airport automobile parks revealed the “serious financial sting”.
It in contrast costs for per week’s keep in mid-August paid for on the day with these paid upfront 4 months earlier.
Book early wherever attainable to lock in the perfect value
The largest value distinction was at Manchester airport, the place paying on arrival was £406, in contrast with simply £95 if booked upfront.
Other airports charging a big premium for travellers who pay on the day embody Heathrow (£583 in contrast with £190 upfront), Birmingham (£392 in contrast with £150 upfront) and Gatwick (£180 in contrast with £106 upfront).
Rory Boland, editor of journal Which? Travel, mentioned: “When you’re planning a holiday, sorting out your airport parking can easily slip down your to-do list, but our research found leaving it to the last minute can come with a serious financial sting.
“Take the time to shop around and compare the options on offer – comparison sites can be a great starting point – and book early wherever possible to lock in the best price.
“It’s also worth comparing off-site and onsite options, as further away doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper.”
Mr Boland added that holidaymakers ought to contemplate “unconventional options” equivalent to renting somebody’s driveway or storage, though he acknowledged this “may not be for everyone” resulting from issues about automobile safety.
RAC analysis revealed final month revealed that drop-off charges for drivers have elevated at greater than a 3rd of main UK airports previously yr.
The largest upswing in current so-called kiss and fly costs – that are usually levied for dropping off somebody as near a terminal as attainable – had been at Southampton and Belfast International airports.
The former has raised its price from £4 to £6, whereas the latter has hiked its value from £1 to £3.
Belfast City Airport beforehand allowed drivers to drop passengers close to its terminal without cost, however this now prices £3.
Many airports provide free choices for dropping passengers off in mid or long-stay automobile parks related to terminals by buses.