Kiss-and-Fly Costs Climb At Major UK Airports: RAC Data Reveals

Michael

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Post on Jul 19, 2025

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Kiss-and-Fly Costs Climb at Major UK Airports: RAC Data Reveals

Drivers face soaring charges for airport drop-offs, with some airports seeing increases of over 50% in recent years. The RAC's latest research exposes a sharp rise in the cost of using "kiss-and-fly" services at major UK airports, leaving travellers facing significantly higher expenses before they even board their flight. This surge in prices is raising concerns about the affordability of air travel and the impact on families and budget travellers.

The RAC's comprehensive study analysed pricing at 20 of the UK's busiest airports, revealing a worrying trend of escalating charges for short-term parking designed for quick passenger drop-offs. Many airports have justified these increases by citing rising operational costs and investment in infrastructure. However, critics argue that the hikes are disproportionate and unfairly burden passengers already grappling with the rising cost of air travel.

Significant Price Hikes Across the Board

The data highlights a dramatic disparity in pricing across different airports. While some airports maintain relatively moderate charges, others have seen eye-watering increases. For example, Heathrow, one of the UK's busiest airports, has seen a reported increase of over 50% in its kiss-and-fly charges in the past five years. Gatwick and Manchester airports also reported substantial price rises, significantly impacting the overall cost of a family holiday or business trip.

• Heathrow: Increase of over 50% in the last 5 years.
• Gatwick: Significant price rises reported, although precise figures remain unavailable pending further investigation.
• Manchester: Substantial increases impacting travellers.

These substantial increases are not only affecting leisure travellers but also impacting business travellers, adding extra costs for companies already facing economic pressures. The RAC is calling for greater transparency in pricing and a more equitable approach to setting charges.

Alternatives to Expensive Kiss-and-Fly

The RAC also highlighted the availability of alternative, more cost-effective options for airport drop-offs and pick-ups. These include:

• Utilizing public transport: Many airports are well-connected by train, bus, and coach services, offering a significantly cheaper alternative to kiss-and-fly.
• Meeting passengers at nearby train stations: This can be a convenient and economical option, particularly for those travelling from further afield.
• Utilizing long-stay parking and pre-booked shuttle services: While this requires more planning, it can often prove cheaper than paying exorbitant kiss-and-fly fees.

The RAC encourages travellers to thoroughly research all available options before their journey to avoid unnecessary expenses. Using price comparison websites and checking official airport websites for up-to-date information is crucial.

The Future of Airport Drop-off Charges

The RAC's findings raise serious questions about the future of airport drop-off charges in the UK. The significant price hikes are likely to continue unless there's regulatory intervention or greater competition among airports. The organization is urging the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to investigate the fairness and transparency of these charges. This escalating cost is a growing concern for consumers, who are left with limited options and little recourse against these seemingly unjustified price increases.

Are you concerned about the rising cost of airport drop-offs? Share your experiences in the comments below! [Link to comment section]

(Note: This article is for illustrative purposes. The specific figures and examples used are hypothetical and should be verified with official sources before publication. Always cite the RAC report directly for accurate data.)