UK Airports Hike Drop-Off Fees Amid European Disparities
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Over half of the UK's busiest airports have increased "kiss-and-fly" fees, with some charging up to £7 for brief stops.
- In contrast, most major European airports offer free drop-off options, highlighting a significant disparity in airport parking costs.
- The RAC highlights that these rising fees are a source of frustration, especially for those assisting passengers with heavy luggage.
- Airports UK argues that the fees help manage congestion and fund sustainable transport initiatives, with exemptions for Blue Badge holders.
- Luton and Manchester airports have the highest per-minute charges, with fees exceeding the cost of some short-haul flights.
The cost of dropping off passengers at UK airports has surged, with more than half of the country's busiest airports raising their "kiss-and-fly" fees, according to recent research by the RAC. This increase comes as a stark contrast to the practices of major European airports, where such fees are largely absent.
Rising Costs and Comparisons
The RAC's analysis reveals that 11 out of 20 major UK airports have increased their drop-off charges since last year. Notably, Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton have joined Stansted in charging a top rate of £7 for brief stops. Meanwhile, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Liverpool have raised their fees by £1, now charging £6 for a 10- to 20-minute stay. In comparison, nine of the ten busiest airports in the European Union, including Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt, do not impose drop-off fees.
Impact on Travelers
Rod Dennis, a senior policy officer at the RAC, expressed concern over the escalating costs, stating that drivers are a "captive audience" and that the fees are a significant source of frustration. He noted that these charges are particularly burdensome for those assisting passengers with heavy luggage, as alternatives like buses or taxis can be impractical or costly.
Justifications and Exemptions
Airports UK, representing the industry, defends the fees as necessary for managing congestion, noise, and emissions, aligning with government mandates. Karen Dee, the chief executive of Airports UK, emphasized that all airports offer free drop-off options further from terminals, such as park-and-ride facilities. Additionally, exemptions are in place for Blue Badge holders at several airports, including Gatwick and Southampton.
The Business Model
The fees are part of the airport business model, funding various initiatives, including sustainable transport projects. A spokesperson for Gatwick explained that the charges help limit car numbers and reduce congestion at terminal entrances. Similarly, Southampton airport stated that funds from parking fees are reinvested to secure new routes for the region.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The rising drop-off fees at UK airports could lead to increased public dissatisfaction, especially as travelers compare these costs to the free options available at many European airports. This disparity might prompt calls for regulatory intervention or inspire airports to explore alternative revenue models that do not disproportionately impact travelers. Additionally, the focus on sustainable transport initiatives could encourage airports to invest more in eco-friendly infrastructure, potentially offsetting some of the negative perceptions associated with these fees. As the debate continues, the balance between operational needs and passenger convenience will remain a critical consideration for airport authorities.
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UK Airports Hike Drop-Off Fees Amid European Disparities
In This Article
Leila Hassan| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Over half of the UK's busiest airports have increased "kiss-and-fly" fees, with some charging up to £7 for brief stops.
- In contrast, most major European airports offer free drop-off options, highlighting a significant disparity in airport parking costs.
- The RAC highlights that these rising fees are a source of frustration, especially for those assisting passengers with heavy luggage.
- Airports UK argues that the fees help manage congestion and fund sustainable transport initiatives, with exemptions for Blue Badge holders.
- Luton and Manchester airports have the highest per-minute charges, with fees exceeding the cost of some short-haul flights.
The cost of dropping off passengers at UK airports has surged, with more than half of the country's busiest airports raising their "kiss-and-fly" fees, according to recent research by the RAC. This increase comes as a stark contrast to the practices of major European airports, where such fees are largely absent.
Rising Costs and Comparisons
The RAC's analysis reveals that 11 out of 20 major UK airports have increased their drop-off charges since last year. Notably, Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton have joined Stansted in charging a top rate of £7 for brief stops. Meanwhile, London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Liverpool have raised their fees by £1, now charging £6 for a 10- to 20-minute stay. In comparison, nine of the ten busiest airports in the European Union, including Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt, do not impose drop-off fees.
Impact on Travelers
Rod Dennis, a senior policy officer at the RAC, expressed concern over the escalating costs, stating that drivers are a "captive audience" and that the fees are a significant source of frustration. He noted that these charges are particularly burdensome for those assisting passengers with heavy luggage, as alternatives like buses or taxis can be impractical or costly.
Justifications and Exemptions
Airports UK, representing the industry, defends the fees as necessary for managing congestion, noise, and emissions, aligning with government mandates. Karen Dee, the chief executive of Airports UK, emphasized that all airports offer free drop-off options further from terminals, such as park-and-ride facilities. Additionally, exemptions are in place for Blue Badge holders at several airports, including Gatwick and Southampton.
The Business Model
The fees are part of the airport business model, funding various initiatives, including sustainable transport projects. A spokesperson for Gatwick explained that the charges help limit car numbers and reduce congestion at terminal entrances. Similarly, Southampton airport stated that funds from parking fees are reinvested to secure new routes for the region.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The rising drop-off fees at UK airports could lead to increased public dissatisfaction, especially as travelers compare these costs to the free options available at many European airports. This disparity might prompt calls for regulatory intervention or inspire airports to explore alternative revenue models that do not disproportionately impact travelers. Additionally, the focus on sustainable transport initiatives could encourage airports to invest more in eco-friendly infrastructure, potentially offsetting some of the negative perceptions associated with these fees. As the debate continues, the balance between operational needs and passenger convenience will remain a critical consideration for airport authorities.
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