Heathrow Airport will raise its drop-off charge for the “kiss and fly” service by 16% starting January 1st. The current £6 fee will increase to £7, with a maximum 10-minute stay limit to avoid an £80 penalty for exceeding the time. According to a Heathrow spokesperson, this adjustment aligns the terminal drop-off charge with other major UK airports, aiming to reduce congestion, promote public transport use, and maintain the forecourts’ intended purpose. Free drop-off and pick-up options are still available at all terminals in Park & Ride car parks.
Guy Hobbs, a travel expert from Which?, criticized the price hike and time restriction, stating that it will burden travelers with additional stress and costs. However, he suggested utilizing alternative long-stay car parks that offer free drop-offs across major UK airports.
Heathrow reported that 95% of passengers complete their drop-offs within the allocated 10 minutes, emphasizing the introduction of the time limit to enhance traffic flow and decrease congestion. The airport clarified that the drop-off fee contributes to investments in bus, rail, and sustainable transport initiatives, encouraging passengers to opt for environmentally friendly travel options.
Heathrow’s website highlights the convenience of its drop-off areas situated directly outside each terminal for quick passenger drop-offs. Payment for a single drop-off or pre-paid multiple drop-offs can be made online or by phone, with the fee due by midnight the following day. There is no provision for on-the-spot payments at airport ticket machines or terminal drop-off zones.
Recent financial results revealed a 2% revenue increase to £2.7 billion in the first nine months of 2025 for Heathrow, driven by robust long-haul travel and growing premium service usage. Despite a 0.2% profit decline, the airport’s profits remained at £1.5 billion.
In contrast to many UK airports, Heathrow’s drop-off area does not accommodate passenger pick-ups, directing such activities to its car parks with a minimal fee for a 30-minute stay.
The latest fee adjustment follows a report by the RAC in July, indicating that over half of the busiest UK airports raised their drop-off charges this year. While some airports increased fees by up to a third for brief stops, most European airports offer free drop-offs, as highlighted by the RAC.
A study by the RAC identified price hikes at 11 of the top 20 airports based on 2024 passenger numbers, with Belfast City witnessing a 33% increase to £4 for a 10-minute drop-off. London Luton and Manchester were cited as the most expensive airports on a cost-per-minute basis, charging £5 for a five-minute drop-off.