Majority of airports increase fees for drivers picking up friends
MORE than two thirds of airports have raised parking fees for drivers picking up friends and relatives, according to a new analysis.
Thirteen out of 19 airports have hiked their prices for car parks close to terminals, the RAC study revealed.
The most expensive is London Luton, where it costs £8 for up to 30 minutes’ parking, researchers found. This is compared with £7 for 40 minutes last year.
Leeds-Bradford Airport is the cheapest in the country, offering a full hour of free parking on the complex.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “With thousands of motorists driving to airports to pick up and drop off friends and family members, many will unfortunately find themselves shocked by some of the extortionate parking tariffs operated by some airports.
“Our advice is to check parking fees and time limits well before setting out for an airport this summer so as to avoid a nasty shock.
A spokesman for London Luton claimed the RAC had “chosen to misrepresent facts”. He said the airport offered a “set down area” where drivers can pick up or drop off passengers for a charge of £3 for 10 minutes.
Free parking for various lengths of time is offered at car parks further from the terminal building.
London Luton said charges were set to “manage a limited number of spaces” because its short-term car park was closed to allow light rail link to be built.
According to the RAC, London Stansted is the second most expensive airport, with motorists charged £5.50 to park for up to half an hour, followed by Birmingham airport where the fee is £5.10 for no more than one hour.
The airports raised their prices by 50p and 20p respectively this year.
Out of four airports with an initial charge of £4, Edinburgh offered the worst value as the fee gives drivers only 15 minutes of parking, the RAC said.
London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester all allow twice as long for the same price.
The largest percentage increase was Southampton, where the fee doubled from £1 to £2, although the length of stay was extended from 10 to 15 minutes.