MSE News: Airports now charging up to £4.50 for a 10-min drop-off - how to beat 'kiss and fly' fees

HornetSaver

aj23 wrote: »

You haven't been fined, but if it's busy (often is), 10 minutes goes very quick. Having to clock watch is never fun. I bet many have been fined for being 11 or 12 minutes.

We are all free to choose how we spend it, I don't just see the point in paying for something which is available for free. People seem to be too time poor now for the sake of an extra 10 minutes.

I can understand why some make flights an exception to the general rule of prudence.

Going overseas is usually lovely, but the airport aspect can be such a stressful process. The question about whether a free drop-off and ride system will cause you to be late, leave early to elongate what is already going to be a busy day, or need to hurry through the various pre-flight steps, vs paying to get out of the car outside the terminal, is a very different cost-time-benefit balance to say, making your own coffee in a flask vs buying a cup at a coffee shop.

aj23_2

HornetSaver wrote: »

I can understand why some make flights an exception to the general rule of prudence.

Going overseas is usually lovely, but the airport aspect can be such a stressful process. The question about whether a free drop-off and ride system will cause you to be late, leave early to elongate what is already going to be a busy day, or need to hurry through the various pre-flight steps, vs paying to get out of the car outside the terminal, is a very different cost-time-benefit balance to say, making your own coffee in a flask vs buying a cup at a coffee shop.

But if I'm dropping off, or being dropped off, leaving 10 minutes earlier to save me or the other person money is fine with me. I've actually people not to go up the ramp, because I don't want them to pay.

Nick_C

aj23 wrote: »

I don't just see the point in paying for something which is available for free.

I completely agree with you on that point.

buglawton

Isn’t it about time we had a minister of rip-off prevention? Might produce an overall lifting of the mood and productivity in the UK economy.

Nick_C

But is it a rip off?

Ryanair offers ridiculously cheap flights by forcing airports to offer very cheap landing fees, and moving out if the airport refuses to play ball.

Airports have to make money to stay in business. So instead of making money from landing fees, they make money from car parks, shops, bars and food outlets.

buglawton

Yes a rip off. Because the airports are part of public infrastructure yet behave like the worst kind of monopolies. What they are doing with airport drop off charges should be scrutinised by the monopolies & mergers commission. Legislation should be in place that as part of their privileged planning consent, airports need to justify their charges to local and national authorities.

boatman

MSE, could you ask the department of Transport why there are no green policy rules to force airports to allow passengers free walking access?

Kedge39

Southend Airport have scrapped the free 5 minute drop off and now charge. They have installed number plate recognition cameras to ensure they catch even the unwary who drive in, realise they are going to be charged, and drive straight out again. Even local taxi firms add £1.50 to the fare unless you are prepared to be dropped off at the hotel or retail park.
Thats the way to avoid the charge. Drop your passengers by the hotel or just inside the retail park car park and let them walk. Its not far so unless its raining or you have a disability, its not too onerous.