![\"Terminal](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1752825975_835_0_MCR-Airport-T2-departures.jpg\")
Manchester Airport has defended its \u00a35 drop off charge (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\nThe airport said it’s drop off charges provides flexibility for motorists and offers more options than other UK airports<\/p>\n
06:04, 18 Jul 2025Updated 06:15, 18 Jul 2025<\/p>\n
Manchester Airport has defended its \u00a35 drop off charge (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)<\/p>\n
Manchester Airport has explained its drop off charges after research from the RAC claimed it was one of the most expensive UK airports on a \u2018cost-per-minute\u2019 basis, along with London Luton.<\/p>\n
Research shared by the RAC this week revealed that 11 out of 20 airports had increased their drop off charges since last summer.<\/a><\/p>\n Nine airports were found to have increased their fees by \u00a31, two increased theirs by 50p, while Cardiff introduced a new \u00a33 fee. London Luton had no so-called \u2018kiss and fly\u2019 area last summer because of a car park fire, but now charges \u00a35.<\/p>\n But drop off fees at several airports, including Manchester, remain frozen. The current drop-off charge at all of the airport\u2019s three terminals is \u00a35 for five minutes, increasing to \u00a36.40 for up to 10 minutes.<\/a><\/p>\n Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Those who take up to 30 minutes, the maximum stay, must pay a charge of \u00a325.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also the option to use the free drop off area at JetParks 1, where a free shuttle bus takes passengers to their terminal in around six minutes. Blue Badge holders are exempt from the drop off charge.<\/p>\n The RAC research claims that the \u00a35 for five minutes charge means Manchester Airport<\/a>, along with London Luton (which also charges \u00a35 for five minutes), are the most expensive on a \u201ccost-per-minute\u201d basis.<\/p>\n However, Manchester Airport says this charge actually provides motorists with more options, as they won\u2019t be charged a 10 minute fee for a drop off that takes less than five minutes – which is often the case.<\/p>\n A spokesperson for the airport said: \u201cOur five-minute drop-off option gives our customers the flexibility to make sure they don\u2019t have to pay for time they don\u2019t use.\u201d<\/p>\n At London Luton Airport, the drop off charge is \u00a35 for five minutes, with \u00a31 per minute thereafter, with a maximum stay of 20 minutes.<\/p>\n A spokesperson for London Luton said: \u201cThe average time spent in the area is well within five minutes thanks to a barrierless system designed to keep traffic flowing. Alternative free and paid-for drop off, pick up and parking options are also available at the airport. These include a 15-minute free drop off at the Mid Stay Car Park, a short walk to the terminal, and a free one hour stay available in our Long Stay Car Park, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal front door.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"GV](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_JS309278239.jpg\")
Manchester Airport says its drop off fees provide motorists with more options (Image: MEN MEDIA)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_Drop-off-and-pick-up-barriers-at-Manchester-Airport.jpg\")
A new barrierless payment system was introduced at Manchester Airport earlier this year (Image: MEN)<\/p>\n