A financial expert has revealed the simple way you can avoid airport drop-off fees at the airport the next time you say goodbye to your loved ones, and it'll only take you a few extra minutes.
It's no secret that the cost-of-living crisis has hit the UK hard, with rising energy prices and inflation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic prompting families across the nation to tighten their belts. From shopping at the cheapest supermarkets to avoiding food waste, Britons everywhere are determined to save as much as they can ahead of the predicted recession.
It's not just household and energy bills that are spiking though. Travel costs have also seen a steep incline, with international airfare expenses reaching a record high in 2023. (This is why more folks are looking for cheaper train tickets and investing in travel insurance!)
One surprising cost that can affect travelers is airport drop-off charges, which require drivers to pay anywhere from £5 to £7 just to leave someone at their designated drop-off zones.
"The cost of dropping people off at an airport has soared since the pandemic," said Oli Townsend, assistant deals & features editor at MoneySavingExpert.com.
"Many passengers will rightly be shocked when hit with a charge as much as £7 just to set someone down outside the terminal."
Fortunately, there is a way to avoid 'dropping' this hefty chunk of change on your next trip to the airport.
"In most cases, there's no need to pay anything when saying goodbye to family and friends, as almost all airports have a free area for drop-offs – as long as you're willing to take a short walk or shuttle ride to the terminal," Townsend explains.
For example, Heathrow Airport offers passengers the option of free parking for 30 minutes in its long-stay car parks. From here, folks can board a free shuttle bus that will take them to their designated terminal. Anyone who holds a blue badge or is driving an emergency service/military vehicle is also exempt from the charge.
-
How to save money: 28 family-friendly money-saving tips for mums and dadsUnderstanding how to save money is key to limiting the impact of rising costs as much as possible
-
14 hidden benefits of your Amazon Prime membershipWe reveal the less-obvious perks of a Prime membership that will help you get the most value out of your subscription fee
-
14 surprising ways to spend your Tesco Clubcard vouchers - from restaurants and cinema passes to mini breaks and Disney+Tesco Clubcard vouchers can help you cut the cost of everything from groceries and travel to days out and cinema tickets
-
How to get Disney+ for free and save up to £79.90 a yearEven though the streaming giant ended its free trial offering, there are still multiple ways you can get Disney+ for free for up to 12 months
-
Parents of teens who have just taken their GCSEs urged to check child benefit status ahead of August deadlineWith a child benefit deadline looming, some parents could see their payments reduced or stopped altogether - here's why
-
Parents should hold off buying this back to school staple 'as close to their first day as possible', says retailerWith parents turning their attention to kitting their kids out for the new school year, research suggestions which items should be left until the last minute
-
7 ways to save on back to school essentials, as its revealed parents will spend £2.3 billion in 2024We share ways you can get your child all the bits and bobs they need for the new school year, without breaking the bank
-
What day is child benefit paid around the bank holiday? Everything parents need to knowKnowing which day child benefit is paid when it comes to the bank holiday can help families plan their budgets accordingly
