Drop-off parking charges have become an unavoidable part of the travel experience with fees varying drastically from one airport to another.

However, research has looked into 25 different UK airports with the most terminal passengers based on the latest Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) quarterly report (Q2) 2024.

The team at BoyleSports analysed the initial costs of the most conveniently placed drop-off zones at these airports to determine the most and least expensive parking charges.

These are the UK airports researchers analysed: Aberdeen, Glasgow Prestwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Isle Of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Cardiff, Belfast International, Belfast City, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Southampton, East Midlands, Liverpool John Lennon, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, London Gatwick, London City, London Heathrow, and London Stansted.

Leeds Bradford has recently joined London Stansted to lead the pack as the most expensive in the UK. The initial fee is £7, which allows for 10 and 15 minutes, respectively, before prices rise. 

The West Yorkshire-based airport has increased by £1 since 2023, now costing 70p per minute.

A recent Google reviewer stated: “Another rip-off airport, £7 to drop off and pick up. I’ve travelled all over the world and can’t say I’ve ever been to a worse place for ripping people off as they give you no choice but to pay to collect your family and friends.”

Another user commented: “Lovely small airport with a hassle-free, enhanced security system. The only downside is the expensive parking rates!”

Bristol and Birmingham charge a hefty £6 for a quick turnaround, with limited time allowances of 10 and 15 minutes, respectively, making up the top five most expensive airports for their initial drop-off prices as London Gatwick is placed third.

A Google user exclaimed the Bristol Airport operator’s ‘greed’ has led to “one of the worst passenger experiences in Europe”.

Referencing the drop-off parking charge in their detailed review, they said: “Many passengers are going to dangerous lengths to avoid the £6 drop-off fee. They’re walking into busy country roads with big suitcases where there are surveillance camera vans.”

Another stressed: “Flying from Bristol and arranging drop-off and collection is more of an ordeal than anything else on your whole holiday.”

For those travelling to Manchester and London Luton, with the latter possessing a new express service, a five-minute drop-off slot will cost £5, locking in a steep £1 per minute rate – the highest of any other airport featured in the study.

These high prices reflect a trend at major UK airports, where high demand and traffic congestion make premium drop-off zones a pricey convenience.

On the other end of the spectrum, a few airports buck the trend with minimal or even free drop-off charges. London City, Cardiff, Inverness, Guernsey, and Isle of Man airports stand out as rare havens for free drop-offs, with time allowances ranging from five to 30 minutes.

The top 10 most expensive UK airport dropoffs: 

1. London Stansted – £7

1= Leeds Bradford – £7

3. London Gatwick – £6

3= Birmingham – £6

3= Bristol – £6

3= Southampton – £6

7. Glasgow – £5.50

7= Aberdeen – £5.50

9. London Heathrow – £5

9= Manchester – £5