Many hidden costs come with booking a holiday. On top of travel insurance and baggage, there’s seat selection and tourist tax to consider. But perhaps the most irritating of all? Everything you pay for in the airport.
Over the last year, airports across the UK have been raising their prices, from increased drop-off charges to the reality that pre-flight pints now cost almost a tenner. And today, the most expensive airport in the UK has been named. It’s… Bristol.
Bristol Airport has received the dubious honour of being named the UK’s most expensive airport, just in time for peak summer season. A new study by idealo, which analysed the secondary costs across the country’s major airports, found that Bristol passengers can expect an £8.50 minimum drop-off charge (up £1.50 since January), and £110 for a seven-day parking stay.
And if you want to relax in a business class lounge, access will cost you £48.99, among the highest in the ranking. Prices in the main part of the airport don’t get much cheaper either, as a pint of lager (a holiday rite of passage for many Brits) comes in at £7.53.
Why is Bristol Airport so expensive?
In 2023, the High Court ruled that Bristol Airport could expand its current 10 million passengers to 12 million. The airport said that a £400 million investment would create 1,000 jobs on-site and a further 36,000 jobs in the wider area.
Plans include an expansion of the runway to accommodate long-haul flights to North America and the Middle East, plus an increase in flights from 85,990 to 100,000 per year. Inside, there’ll be a bigger terminal with more restaurants and shops, additional car parking, improved public transport, and even a hidden speakeasy.
Despite North Somerset Council voting to reject the plans in 2020 on environmental grounds, a new YouGov poll of people in the West of England has found that 44% support the expansion of Bristol Airport’s capacity, while just 24% opposed.
Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, said: “It’s great to see such strong support for our plans from across our region. This polling shows that people want to travel from their local Airport and value connections – whether they’re travelling for business, leisure, or reuniting with loved ones abroad. Our proposals would directly connect our region with new destinations and boost the economy, creating 1,000 on-site jobs for local people.”
Other airports are also increasing fees
It’s not just Bristol that’s increased its fees. Edinburgh Airport is the latest to follow suit. The Scottish hub announced its drop-off fees for drivers dropping off or picking up passengers would now cost £8.50, up by 42%.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said that it had ‘not planned to raise fees this year, but like many across the hospitality and tourism sectors who have seen business rates soar, we have no choice but to pass part of this cost on to passengers.’
The extra drop-off charge has also been introduced to ‘help cover an extra £8m business rates bill recently imposed on the terminal.’
However, despite this increase, Edinburgh — Scotland’s busiest airport — is still the most affordable airport in the UK. According to the study, seven-day parking stays cost just £39.99, while lounge access is £40. Meanwhile, the average price of a pint is £6.55.
The UK’s 5 most expensive airports and their drop-off fees
- Bristol International Airport: £8.50
- London City Airport: £8
- Luton Airport: £7
- Newcastle Airport: £5
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport: £6
Other notable airports
Edinburgh is followed by Aberdeen Airport, Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airport (which was recently ranked the worst UK airport for delays, according to the Civil Aviation Authority), and Glasgow Airport.
Tips for saving money on your next trip
If you’re planning a getaway, there are ways to save. Some deals offer exclusive discounts on getaways and spa days. For example:
- Bannatyne Spa: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.
- Mystery Escape: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.
- Beach Retreat (Lanzarote): 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.
With rising airport fees and other hidden costs, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and look for deals that can help you save money without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, understanding these costs can help you make smarter decisions for your next trip.
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