Price Gouging? Rise in airport drop-off fees is criticised

Drop-off fees have increased at many UK airports in the last year, according to new research from the RAC.

For example, Southampton airport has raised its fee from £4 to £6 for a 20-minute stay.

Stansted Airport tops the table for the most expensive drop-off cost. The Essex airport's initial fee is £7 for 15 minutes.

There are a number of arguments for and against airports charging drop-off fees.

Arguments in favor of drop-off fees:

• Reduce congestion: Drop-off fees can help to reduce congestion at airports by encouraging people to use public transportation or park in long-term parking. This can make it easier for people to get to and from the airport, and it can also improve air quality.
• Generate revenue: Drop-off fees can generate revenue for airports, which can be used to improve facilities or offset the cost of providing other services.
• Promote sustainability: Drop-off fees can help to promote sustainability by encouraging people to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation.

Arguments against drop-off fees:

• Inconvenience: Drop-off fees can be inconvenient for people who are dropping off or picking up passengers at the airport. They may have to pay extra money, and they may have to walk further to get to the terminal.
• Discrimination: Drop-off fees can discriminate against people who do not have access to public transportation or who cannot afford to park in long-term parking.
• Unfair: Some people argue that drop-off fees are unfair because they only affect people who are driving to the airport. They argue that everyone should pay the same amount to use the airport, regardless of how they are getting there.