RAC Reports Major UK Airports Increasing Kiss-and-Fly Drop-Off Fees

UK airports increased kiss-and-fly fees in 2025, charging up to £7 for short stops, unlike free drop-offs in major EU hubs. Families, taxi drivers, and disabled travelers are most affected. Strict rules and enforcement make planning essential to avoid fines and manage costs during busy seasons.

Key Takeaways

• UK airports raised kiss-and-fly drop-off fees up to £7 in 2025, affecting 11 of 20 busiest airports.
• Most major EU airports keep terminal drop-offs free, unlike UK’s paid and strictly enforced fees.
• Families, taxi drivers, and passengers with mobility issues face higher costs due to rising charges.

Travelers using the busiest UK airports in 2025 are facing higher kiss-and-fly drop-off fees than ever before, with many airports raising their charges just ahead of the busy summer holiday season. These increases have sparked strong reactions from passengers, drivers, and advocacy groups, especially as most major EU airports still allow free terminal drop-offs. The new fees, which now reach up to £7 at some airports, are changing the way people plan their journeys and impacting families, taxi drivers, and those with mobility needs.

What Are Kiss-and-Fly Fees and Why Are They Rising?

RAC Reports Major UK Airports Increasing Kiss-and-Fly Drop-Off Fees
RAC Reports Major UK Airports Increasing Kiss-and-Fly Drop-Off Fees

Kiss-and-fly refers to the quick drop-off of passengers at airport terminals, usually by friends, family, or taxi drivers. The term captures the brief goodbye before travelers head into the terminal. In 2025, the majority of the 20 busiest UK airports have raised their kiss-and-fly drop-off fees, with some now charging as much as £7 for just a few minutes of stopping. This is a sharp contrast to most major airports in the European Union, where terminal drop-off remains free at eight out of the ten busiest hubs, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Madrid.

The Royal Automobile Club (RAC) conducted research in 2025, analyzing the fees at the 20 busiest UK airports by passenger numbers. According to their findings, eleven out of twenty major airports increased their kiss-and-fly charges in the past year alone. The changes have been especially noticeable in the months leading up to the summer holiday rush, a time when many families and travelers rely on quick drop-offs to catch their flights.

Current Kiss-and-Fly Drop-Off Fees at Major UK Airports

As of July 17, 2025, the following fees apply at the busiest UK airports:

  • London Gatwick, Stansted, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton: £7 for short-term kiss-and-fly parking, the highest rate among UK airports.
  • London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool: £6, each having increased their fee by £1 this year.
  • George Best Belfast City Airport: £4, a 33% increase from previous rates.
  • Newcastle Airport: £5, up 25% from last year.
  • Leeds Bradford and Glasgow: Both added 50p to their charges, now at £7 and £4.50 respectively.
  • Cardiff Airport: Introduced a new drop-off fee for the first time, now £3.
  • London Luton and Manchester: £5 for just five minutes, making them the most expensive on a per-minute basis.
  • London City Airport: The only top-20 UK airport still offering a free drop-off close to the terminal, but with strict rules against waiting or leaving vehicles unattended.

For a full summary, see the table below:

Airport2025 Drop-Off FeeNotable Change/Comment
London Gatwick£7Increased to top rate
Stansted£7Increased to top rate
Bristol£7Increased to top rate
Leeds Bradford£7+50p increase
Southampton£7Increased to top rate
Heathrow£6+£1 increase
Edinburgh£6+£1 increase
Birmingham£6+£1 increase
Liverpool£6+£1 increase
Newcastle£525% increase
London Luton£5 (5 min)Most expensive per minute
Manchester£5 (5 min)Most expensive per minute
Glasgow£4.50+50p increase
Belfast City£433% increase
Cardiff£3New fee introduced
London City£0Still free, strict rules

Why Are Airports Increasing Drop-Off Fees?

Airport authorities often explain these fee hikes as necessary steps to manage congestion, reduce emissions, and meet government or local authority rules. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of Airports UK, defended the charges by saying that all airports offer a free drop-off facility, though these are usually far from the terminal. She added that premium drop-off options are available for those who want to pay for convenience. Dee also stressed that the fees help control traffic, noise, carbon emissions, and air pollution, which are important for both airport operations and the environment.

However, many travelers and advocacy groups see things differently. Rod Dennis, Senior Policy Officer at the RAC, criticized the increases, saying, “The sky really does seem to be the limit when it comes to the amount drivers get charged for making the briefest of stops to let friends or loved ones out to catch a flight… The seemingly annual ritual of many airports hiking the cost of drop-offs is unfortunately continuing unabated.” He pointed out that these rising fees are especially hard to justify when compared to the free drop-off policies at most major EU airports.

How Do These Fees Affect Travelers and Drivers?

The impact of higher kiss-and-fly fees is felt most by:

  • Families and friends dropping off travelers: Many people rely on quick drop-offs, especially when traveling with children, elderly relatives, or heavy luggage. The new fees make these short visits much more expensive.
  • Passengers with mobility issues: Free parking options are often far from the terminal, making paid drop-off the only practical choice for those who cannot walk long distances or carry heavy bags.
  • Taxi and ride-hailing drivers: These drivers must pay the same drop-off fees, which can increase the cost of airport transfers for travelers. Some drivers may pass these costs on to passengers, making airport trips more expensive.
  • People unfamiliar with the rules: Overstaying the free period in short-stay car parks can lead to extra charges, catching out many drivers who are not aware of the strict time limits.

For many, the only way to avoid the fees is to use the free drop-off areas, which are often located far from the terminal and require a shuttle bus or a long walk. This is not always practical, especially for those with limited mobility or tight schedules.

How Are the Fees Collected and Enforced?

Most UK airports use automated barriers or mobile apps to collect kiss-and-fly drop-off fees. Drivers pay upon entry or exit from the drop-off zones. Enforcement is strict: waiting in vehicles or leaving them unattended in drop-off zones can result in fines, especially at airports like London City. These rules are in place to keep traffic moving and prevent congestion, but they can also add stress for drivers who are unfamiliar with the system.

How Do UK Airports Compare to EU Airports?

The difference between UK and EU airports is striking. According to the RAC’s research, eight of the ten busiest EU airports charge nothing for terminal drop-off. This includes major hubs like Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Madrid. In the UK, only London City Airport still offers a free drop-off close to the terminal, and even there, strict rules apply.

Motoring organizations and consumer advocates have called the UK’s rising drop-off fees “depressing” and “unjustified,” especially when compared to the free options available at most EU airports. They argue that these charges place an unfair burden on travelers and their families, especially during a time when the cost of living is already high.

What Are the Arguments for and Against Kiss-and-Fly Fees?

Arguments for the fees:
Managing congestion: Airports say the fees help reduce the number of vehicles stopping at terminals, which can ease traffic jams.
Environmental benefits: Fewer cars at the terminal mean less noise, lower carbon emissions, and better air quality.
Government and local authority rules: Some airports are required by law to take steps to reduce congestion and pollution.

Arguments against the fees:
Unfair to travelers: Many people see the fees as an extra tax on families and friends who are simply dropping off loved ones.
Hard on people with mobility issues: The free options are often too far from the terminal for those who cannot walk long distances.
Higher costs for taxi and ride-hailing users: These fees can make airport trips more expensive for everyone, especially those who rely on taxis or ride-hailing services.

What Solutions Are Available for Affected Travelers?

While the trend of rising kiss-and-fly fees at UK airports shows no sign of slowing, there are some steps travelers can take to reduce costs:

  • Plan ahead: Check the official website of your departure airport for the latest drop-off fees, rules, and free parking options. Each airport has its own policies and time limits.
  • Use public transport: Many airports are well connected by trains, buses, or trams, which can be cheaper and more convenient than driving.
  • Carpool: Sharing a ride with others can help split the cost of drop-off fees.
  • Allow extra time: If you choose to use the free drop-off area, allow enough time to get from the parking lot to the terminal, especially if a shuttle bus is required.
  • Be aware of time limits: Overstaying in short-stay car parks can lead to extra charges, so keep an eye on the clock.

For travelers with mobility issues, it’s important to check if the airport offers special assistance or closer drop-off options. Some airports may have arrangements for Blue Badge holders or those with special needs, but these often require advance notice or registration.

What Does the Future Hold for Kiss-and-Fly Fees at UK Airports?

There is little sign that these fees will decrease anytime soon. In fact, the trend has been for annual or even more frequent increases. Ongoing debates continue between consumer groups, motoring organizations, and airport authorities about the fairness and necessity of these charges. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the pattern of rising drop-off fees is likely to continue, with airports citing operational costs and environmental concerns as main reasons.

Travelers should expect that kiss-and-fly drop-off fees will remain a part of the UK airport experience for the foreseeable future. The best way to avoid surprises is to stay informed and plan ahead.

Official Resources and Where to Get More Information

For the most up-to-date information on specific airport drop-off fees and policies, travelers should consult the official websites of the respective airports or contact their customer service departments directly. The RAC also provides regular updates and research on airport parking and drop-off charges. For broader travel and transport rules, the UK government’s official air travel advice page offers authoritative information.

Summary Table of 2025 Kiss-and-Fly Drop-Off Fees at Major UK Airports

Airport2025 Drop-Off FeeNotable Change/Comment
London Gatwick£7Increased to top rate
Stansted£7Increased to top rate
Bristol£7Increased to top rate
Leeds Bradford£7+50p increase
Southampton£7Increased to top rate
Heathrow£6+£1 increase
Edinburgh£6+£1 increase
Birmingham£6+£1 increase
Liverpool£6+£1 increase
Newcastle£525% increase
London Luton£5 (5 min)Most expensive per minute
Manchester£5 (5 min)Most expensive per minute
Glasgow£4.50+50p increase
Belfast City£433% increase
Cardiff£3New fee introduced
London City£0Still free, strict rules

Key Takeaways for Travelers

  • Kiss-and-fly drop-off fees at UK airports are higher than ever, with some charging up to £7 for a short stop.
  • Most major EU airports still offer free terminal drop-off, making the UK’s fees stand out.
  • Passengers with mobility issues, families, and taxi users are most affected by the new charges.
  • Strict rules and enforcement mean drivers must pay attention to time limits and parking rules to avoid extra charges.
  • Planning ahead and checking official airport websites can help travelers avoid surprises and manage costs.

As UK airports continue to raise kiss-and-fly drop-off fees, travelers must adapt by staying informed and considering alternative ways to reach the terminal. While airport authorities argue that these fees help manage congestion and protect the environment, many passengers feel the pinch, especially when compared to the free options available at most EU airports. For now, careful planning and awareness of the rules remain the best tools for travelers facing these rising costs.

Learn Today

Kiss-and-fly → A brief passenger drop-off at airport terminals by family, friends, or taxi drivers without parking.
Drop-off fee → A charge imposed for stopping vehicles briefly at airport terminals to let passengers exit.
Mobility issues → Physical limitations that hinder walking long distances, common among elderly or disabled passengers.
RAC → Royal Automobile Club, a UK motoring organization conducting research on transport and fees.
Enforcement → The process airports use to ensure compliance with rules, including fines for violations.

This Article in a Nutshell

UK airports are increasing kiss-and-fly drop-off fees to manage congestion and pollution, charging up to £7. This contrasts with free EU drop-offs, impacting families and drivers. Travelers should check airport policies carefully to avoid fines and costly surprises before busy summer travel seasons in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Jim Grey
Senior Editor
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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