Research by the RAC reveals that more than half of the UK’s airports have raised fees for picking up and dropping off passengers this year.
A total of 13 airports across the country have increased their parking fees, with short-stay and drop-off points the worst affected.
At Luton airport, it now costs up to £8 for a stay of up to 30 minutes, up £1 on last year’s prices – when £7 got drivers a 40-minute stay, according to the RAC.
Stansted has been labelled the second-most expensive airport for parking in the research, with drivers facing a fee of £5.50 for a half-hour stay.
Only Belfast, Liverpool John Lennon and Leeds Bradford continue to offer free drop-off and pick-up points.
Most airports have introduced lower rises for drop-off points, but Manchester airport has started charging £3 for a five-minute stay, equalling 60p per minute.
The RAC is advising drivers to research airport parking charges before travelling to avoid a ‘shock’.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Our advice is to check parking fees and time limits well before setting out for an airport this summer so as to avoid a nasty shock.
“Drivers should also be aware of just how high some charges can be if they inadvertently stay longer picking up or dropping off than they originally meant to.
“If picking up, it is wise to make sure you know when a friend or family member is landing and leave additional time for them to pick up their luggage.”
rac.co.uk