I believe it’s deeply unfair that airports charge drivers just for dropping off loved ones — often within a 10-minute window — with fees that provide no added value to the public.

Many people, like myself, often need to drive loved ones to the airport at early hours or during moments of emotional goodbyes. Having to part with money just to stop for a few minutes is not only frustrating but also feels exploitative. It's not just about the money—though, for many, these charges can add up substantially over time—but also about the principle of fairness and accessibility.

More than half of the UK’s busiest airports have increased these “kiss-and-fly” charges in the past year alone. Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Southampton, and Stansted now demand up to £7 just to stop briefly near the terminal. Even Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Liverpool have hiked their prices to £6 for 10–20 minutes, while Cardiff introduced drop-off charges for the first time. According to the RAC, Manchester and Luton are the worst offenders on a per-minute basis — charging £5 for just five minutes.

These fees might seem small at first glance, but they add up quickly, especially for families, carers, and those making regular trips. Many of us drive loved ones to the airport early in the morning, late at night, or during emotional farewells — and paying a steep fee just to say goodbye feels exploitative.

Even worse, nine out of the 10 busiest airports in the EU do not charge at all for drop-offs. The UK is becoming an outlier — where drivers are treated as a “captive audience,” in the words of the RAC — forced to pay because they have no real alternative.

Yes, many airports offer “free” park-and-ride schemes, but these are often far from convenient — especially for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, or those with heavy luggage.

We’re calling on UK airports and policymakers to reconsider this system. Options include eliminating drop-off fees altogether or offering at least 15 minutes of free access, following more customer-friendly models used abroad.

This isn’t just about the money. It’s about fairness, accessibility, and treating travellers and their families with dignity.

Please sign the petition to demand a more compassionate approach — and help end the unfair charges for simply dropping someone off.