As dreary, wet weather blankets the United Kingdom, countless Britons are turning their thoughts to sun-drenched getaways. Holiday firms are anticipating a notable five per cent surge in demand for trips over the year ending September, compared to the previous twelve months. However, amidst this travel enthusiasm, a stark warning has been issued about unforeseen 'kiss and fly' charges at airport drop-off zones.
Steep Penalties for Minor Delays
Fresh analysis has uncovered that airport drop-off areas now impose fines reaching as high as £100. This means a brief delay while unloading luggage or a missed payment could result in a penalty notice arriving at your home weeks after your trip. The credit card provider thimbl.com examined the drop-off regulations, overstay fees, and penalty notices at major UK airports, discovering that drivers risk fines from £50 to £100, even if they exceed time limits by mere minutes.
With January being one of the peak periods for booking Easter, summer, and winter-sun holidays, experts caution that many travellers are budgeting for flights and accommodation without realising how expensive a simple drop-off error can become. At numerous airports, charges apply immediately upon a vehicle entering the drop-off zone, enforced by strict time limits and automated systems.
Airport-Specific Charges and Increases
Some airports levy £1 per minute for overstaying, while others issue a fixed penalty regardless of the driver's duration. London Gatwick Airport's South Terminal, for instance, has seen its drop-off fee—intended to alleviate congestion—double in price over the past five years. As of January 6, 2026, the charge for dropping someone off at Gatwick rose to £10, cementing its status as the UK's most expensive airport for this service.
Failure to pay this £10 fee within the allotted 10 minutes triggers a £100 Parking Charge Notice, which can be reduced to approximately £60 if settled within 14 days. Similarly, drivers at Bristol Airport and Newcastle Airport confront a £100 parking charge notice, while Leeds Bradford Airport imposes a comparable charge of £80–£100. In contrast, Manchester Airport charges £25 for a 30-minute stay in its drop-off zone.
Expert Advice for Travellers
According to Joe Lytwyn, a personal finance expert at thimbl.com, the current system offers drivers minimal margin for error. "People plan flights, hotels and luggage, but almost nobody plans the drop-off," Joe remarked. "By the time you realise there's a strict time limit or payment rule, you're already there. Spending five minutes before you travel checking drop-off rules, payment systems and free alternatives can be the difference between a free goodbye and a £100 fine."
The research also highlighted that free or more affordable drop-off options are available at several airports, but they are often inadequately signposted and frequently overlooked. Travellers booking holidays in January are especially vulnerable to being caught out, as drop-off rules are seldom verified in advance.
UK Airport Drop-Off Fine Rankings
- Gatwick Airport – £100 parking charge notice (reduced to around £60 if paid early)
- Bristol Airport – £100 parking charge notice
- Newcastle Airport – £100 parking charge notice
- Leeds Bradford Airport – £80–£100 parking charge notice
- Stansted Airport – £60–£100 parking charge notice
- London City Airport – £80–£100 parking charge notice expected
- Heathrow Airport – £80 parking charge notice (£40 if paid within 14 days)
- Southampton Airport – £50–£80 parking charge notice
- Edinburgh Airport – £70 for 24 hours, then £40 per day
- Manchester Airport – £25 for 30 minutes in the drop-off zone
Source: Airport pricing pages. Information correct as of 22 January 2026.
