H
olidaymakers are being charged as much as 4 occasions extra for airport parking in the event that they pay on arrival relatively than prematurely, based on new analysis.
Consumer group Which? mentioned its evaluation of costs at 16 UK airport automotive parks revealed the “serious financial sting”.
It in contrast costs for every week’s keep in mid-August paid for on the day with these paid prematurely 4 months earlier.
Book early wherever doable to lock in one of the best value
The largest value distinction was at Manchester airport, the place paying on arrival was £406, in contrast with simply £95 if booked prematurely.
Other airports charging a major premium for travellers who pay on the day embrace Heathrow (£583 in contrast with £190 prematurely), Birmingham (£392 in contrast with £150 prematurely) and Gatwick (£180 in contrast with £106 prematurely).
Rory Boland, editor of journal Which? Travel , mentioned: “When you’re planning a holiday, sorting out your airport parking can easily slip down your to-do list, but our research found leaving it to the last minute can come with a serious financial sting.
“Take the time to shop around and compare the options on offer – comparison sites can be a great starting point – and book early wherever possible to lock in the best price.
“It’s also worth comparing off-site and onsite options, as further away doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper.”
Mr Boland added that holidaymakers ought to contemplate “unconventional options” reminiscent of renting somebody’s driveway or storage, though he acknowledged this “may not be for everyone” as a consequence of issues about car safety.
RAC analysis printed final month revealed that drop-off charges for drivers have elevated at greater than a 3rd of main UK airports previously yr.
The largest upswing in current so-called kiss and fly expenses – that are sometimes levied for dropping off somebody as near a terminal as doable – had been at Southampton and Belfast International airports.
The former has raised its price from £4 to £6, whereas the latter has hiked its value from £1 to £3.
Belfast City Airport beforehand allowed drivers to drop passengers close to its terminal at no cost, however this now prices £3.
Many airports provide free choices for dropping passengers off in mid or long-stay automotive parks linked to terminals by buses.
