RAC: Surge In Kiss-and-Fly Charges At Busiest UK Airports

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jul 19, 2025

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RAC: Kiss-and-Fly Charges Soar at UK's Busiest Airports – Leaving Drivers Out of Pocket

Are you planning a trip from one of the UK's busiest airports? Be prepared for a significant sting in the tail. The RAC has revealed a shocking surge in kiss-and-fly charges at major UK airports, leaving drivers facing unexpectedly high costs. This news comes as many families are already grappling with the rising cost of living, adding further pressure on holiday budgets.

The RAC's research highlights a dramatic increase in drop-off fees at airports across the country, with some charging almost double what they did just a few years ago. This sharp rise is impacting travellers nationwide, adding a significant hidden cost to what is already an expensive travel experience. The organization is calling for greater transparency and regulation to protect drivers from excessive charges.

Which Airports are Hitting Drivers Hardest?

The RAC report doesn't name and shame specific airports, focusing instead on the overall trend. However, anecdotal evidence and previous reports suggest that airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Birmingham are amongst those seeing the most substantial price hikes. These airports, being major international hubs, naturally see a high volume of drop-offs and pick-ups, making them prime targets for increased revenue generation through these charges.

Why the Surge in Kiss-and-Fly Charges?

Several factors contribute to this escalating trend:

• Increased operational costs: Airports cite rising operational costs, including staffing and infrastructure maintenance, as justification for the increased charges. However, the RAC argues that these increases don't always justify the scale of the price hikes.
• Revenue generation: Airports are increasingly reliant on non-aeronautical revenue streams, and kiss-and-fly charges represent a significant and easily implemented source of income.
• Lack of regulation: The absence of consistent regulation regarding these charges allows airports to independently set prices, often leading to a competitive – or rather, uncompetitive – environment where price hikes are commonplace.

What Can Drivers Do?

Faced with these soaring costs, drivers have limited options:

• Utilize public transport: Consider alternatives like trains or buses to reach the airport. This might save you significantly on parking and drop-off fees, especially if you factor in potential traffic congestion around the airport.
• Arrange airport transfers: Pre-booked airport transfers, such as taxis or private hire vehicles, can sometimes offer better value than paying exorbitant kiss-and-fly charges, particularly for groups.
• Check airport websites carefully: Before your trip, thoroughly research the specific charges at your chosen airport. This will help you budget accurately and avoid unexpected expenses.
• Support advocacy groups: Support organizations like the RAC in their efforts to push for greater transparency and regulation in airport charges.

The Future of Airport Drop-Offs

The RAC's findings raise serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of airport pricing. The organization is urging the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to intervene and establish clearer guidelines on acceptable charges. This is crucial to protect travellers from exploitative pricing practices and ensure a more equitable system for all. The future of airport drop-offs hinges on whether regulatory bodies will step in to address this growing problem and alleviate the financial burden on drivers. This is a situation that warrants continued monitoring and public pressure for change.

Call to Action: Share this article to raise awareness of the rising kiss-and-fly charges at UK airports and encourage others to demand greater transparency and fair pricing. Let's work together to put pressure on airports and regulatory bodies to address this issue.