rop-off charges for drivers have elevated at greater than a 3rd of main UK airports previously 12 months, based on new analysis.

Eight of the 21 airports analysed have raised or launched prices for dropping off passengers since August 2022, an RAC investigation discovered.

Drivers ought to “brace themselves” for report excessive charges, the motoring companies firm stated.

Drivers ought to brace themselves for jaw-dropping costs

The greatest upswing in current so-called kiss and fly prices – that are usually levied for dropping off somebody as near a terminal as attainable – are at Southampton and Belfast International airports.

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The former has raised its payment from £4 to £6 for 20 minutes, whereas the latter has hiked its worth from £1 to £3 for 10 minutes.

Belfast City Airport beforehand allowed drivers to drop-off passengers without spending a dime, however this now prices £3 for 10 minutes.

Aberdeen, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and Liverpool John Lennon airports have every added £1 to their charges.

Despite not elevating its worth this 12 months, Stansted airport continues to prime the desk for the most costly drop-off value.

The Essex airport’s preliminary payment is £7 for quarter-hour.

Heathrow, the UK’s busiest airport, has frozen its payment of £5 with no time restrict.

Passengers being dropped off at airports by taxis and personal rent autos usually have the charges added to their fares.

Cardiff, Inverness and London City have been the one airports analysed which permit free drop-offs outdoors terminals.

Many airports supply free choices for dropping passengers off in mid or long-stay automobile parks related to terminals by buses.

RAC head of roads coverage Nicholas Lyes stated motorists being hit by annual hikes in airport prices has grow to be “an annual ritual”.

He went on: “Drivers should brace themselves for jaw-dropping prices when they drop their loved ones off at the terminal.

“Thankfully the proportion of airports hiking fees this year is lower than last year, but that will be little consolation as charges across the board have never been so high.

“What’s perhaps more frustrating is that many travellers will call on their friends or family to take them to the airport because of persistent industrial action on the rail network meaning that for many, being dropped off at the airport by car is the only reliable way to make their flight on time.

“Doing your research ahead of travelling has never been more important.

“Many airports offer a free or reduced-rate drop-off area away from the terminal in long-stay car parks where travellers can hop on a shuttle bus connection, saving their driver incurring more expensive charges nearer the departures building.

“Drivers tempted to drop loved ones on the roads inside the boundaries of the airport should beware as many enforce no-stopping areas with cameras which could lead to hefty penalty charges.”