‘Kiss and fly’ charges soar at UK airports in stark contrast to EU
‘Depressing’: Half of UK’s busiest airports raise drop-off fees
- UK airports are significantly increasing or introducing new drop-off fees, with over half of 20 surveyed airports raising charges in the past year.
- This trend contrasts sharply with major European Union airports, where eight of the 10 busiest still offer free passenger drop-off facilities.
- Specific fee increases include £1 at nine airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, 50p at Leeds Bradford and Glasgow, and new charges of £3 at Cardiff and £5 at Luton.
- The RAC has criticised the rising charges, calling them “depressing” and highlighting the inconvenience for passengers with bulky luggage.
- AirportsUK defends the fees, saying they help manage congestion and reduce environmental impact.