Opinion: Airport drop-off fees are getting ridiculous, and drivers are paying the price

Heathrow’s rising drop-off fees are turning routine trips into a headache for drivers. Consumer writer Siobhan Doyle argues these charges are not just frustrating – they’re downright ridiculous.

Just when you thought airport travel couldn’t get any more stressful, Heathrow has decided to pile on the pressure – both financially and physically – for drivers and passengers alike…

From January 2026, the airport’s terminal drop-off fees will rise from £6 to £7 – a seemingly modest jump, but one that adds up quickly. That’s especially considering the charge has increased by 40% in just 12 months.

As if that wasn’t enough, the UK’s busiest airport is slapping a strict 10-minute limit on how long drivers can hang around in the drop-off zone. Exceed that window, and you’re looking at an eye-watering £80 penalty – halved only if you pay within two weeks. Oh, and forget to pay the £7 fee online by midnight the next day? That’s another £80.

I travel out of Heathrow a lot and often drop my mum off for her frequent trips to the Philippines, so I’ve seen just how unrealistic this is. It’s good that blue badge holders are exempt (and get a full discount on the drop-off fee), but lots of other passengers need a bit of extra time – whether it’s dealing with luggage, wrangling kids, or other mobility needs – and this rule is going to make things tricky for them.

Not to mention, during busy periods, terminal traffic is a complete nightmare. My dad and I once took over an hour to get out of the Terminal 3 drop-off area. Does that mean if I drop my mum off again after these new rules are brought in, I could be charged £80 for something completely out of my control?

And what about business travellers or ordinary families who travel often? Are they really going to be penalised for staying a minute too long that one time they drop someone off, or for forgetting to sort the fee online? And for those travelling for the first time, navigating airports is tedious enough as it is – now these rules add yet another burden.

I understand that airports want to manage congestion, but these charges and time limits won’t make trips smooth. They’ll just make people feel stressed, rushed, and out of pocket. I can’t help but feel like Heathrow is more interested in squeezing money from drivers than actually helping passengers.

For me, it’s the principle of it. People are already forking out thousands for plane tickets, paying high parking fees, and let’s not even get started on the extortionate price of airport food – it all adds up. Now, even simply dropping someone off feels like walking into a trap.

I really hope airports start thinking about policies that make sense for everyday people. Raising fees and imposing strict limits might fill their coffers, but it doesn’t make travel any easier for the rest of us. If anything, it makes me think twice about who I ask for a lift to Heathrow – because I’m certainly not willing to risk £80 just to say goodbye at the terminal.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.