Drop-off fees at the UK's busiest airports have increased by an average of a third since last summer, according to analysis by the RAC. Some charges for terminal-side drop-offs are now reportedly more expensive per minute than a black cab.
Independent readers have reacted strongly to these increases. Many highlighted that 'kiss-and-fly' zones, designed for quick passenger transfers, are free or significantly cheaper in cities such as Brussels, Paris, and locations in Spain.
Some readers have called for government intervention to cap these charges, arguing that they disproportionately affect those who need to be dropped off closest to the terminal, such as individuals with mobility issues, heavy luggage, or young children. They also described 'free' alternatives as isolated, unsafe, or too far from the terminal.