Travel expert issues holidaymakers with top tip as Britons ‘paying through the nose’ at airports
Simon Calder has offered holidaymakers advice
PA / GB NEWS
Holiday goers are “paying through the nose” at airports by opting to leave their car parking charges to the last minute, according to a travel expert.
New research from consumer group Which? found customers are subject to costs of up to four times more for airport parking when paying upon arrival as opposed to booking in advance.
The analysis, based upon 16 airport car parks, delves into rates for a week’s stay in mid-august to bookings made four months in advance, with the largest difference being at Manchester Airport.
Payment on arrival reached an eye-watering £406, compared with £95 when booking in advance.
According to travel expert Simon Calder, Brits can circumvent the fee with a simple trick.
“There are lots of ways of saving money besides booking in advance”, the Independent’s travel editor told GB News.
“There’s various schemes where you can sign up and become a part of a special subscription club, you can sometimes use points that you’ve earned from a supermarket to go towards airport parking.
“Ultimately, bear in mind that driving your car may not be the most sensible way to get there if there are trains available.
“If there are trains running, they are a good option. Also, there are so many good coach services going, that’s normally my go-to.”
Heathrow Airport boasts the highest cost for pay-on-the-day parking, with Calder commenting that “you may as well buy a new car” for the staggering £583 cost.
Heathrow Airport boasts the highest costs for people parking up on the day
PA
It comes after research from the RAC delved into the skyrocketing drop-off fees at the UK’s major airports.
Dramatic increases were seen at Southampton and Belfast International airports, hiking from £4 to £6 and from £1 to £3 respectively.
Questioned by GB News presenter Martin Daubney over whether motorists are increasingly being treated as “cash cows”, Calder said they will have a right to feel “cheesed off” over the matter.
He added: “If your car is not compliant with ULEZ, you will be charged when it goes ahead this month.
“You also face that drop-off fee. It is very annoying. We’re in this position where airline passengers are still often getting a good deal, but they’re partly getting that because the airlines aren’t paying much to the airports in terms of fees.
“The airports, understandably are trying to rack that up by taking a slice of everything you pay for, from car parking to a cup of coffee.”
Addressing whether airports are “profiteering” with costly parking fees, Calder warned customers are seen as “fair game” when they leave matters to the last minute, such as exchanging money.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “When you’re planning a holiday, sorting out your airport parking can easily slip down your to-do list, but our research found leaving it to the last minute can come with a serious financial sting.
“Take the time to shop around and compare the options on offer – comparison sites can be a great starting point – and book early wherever possible to lock in the best price.
“It’s also worth comparing off-site and onsite options, as further away doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper.”
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