Holidaymakers jetting off on their summer breaks could be paying almost £200 for airport parking for just a four-day stay.
And new data reveals that short-stay parking is almost 90 per cent more expensive in England than in Scotland.
But there is an alternative that few realise works out cheaper, according to research from price comparison website Confused.com – which says people are overpaying by not comparing their options.
As millions of Britons prepare to head abroad for sunshine-filled breaks, many will be forking out to leave their car close to the terminals – with an average cost of £93.90 for four days in a short-stay car park.
Four days in a long-stay option sees an average bill of £59.
The most expensive parking was found at London City Airport, costing an eye-watering £189 for less than a week.
However, a London City Airport spokesperson said that only 10 per cent of their passengers use a private car, and ‘those that do use our car park enjoy being able to walk to our terminal from any area in a matter of minutes’.
Prices were the lowest offered on the websites of UK airports across four dates, with two periods in August and two in October, covering a mixture of peak and off-peak, as well as weekends and weekdays.
Holidaymakers jetting off on their summer breaks could be paying almost £200 for airport parking for just a four-day stay
The average price for four days in a short-stay car park at UK airports is £93.90
The rates fluctuate wildly across the country. Parking at airports in Scotland costs half as much as it does in England, with the latter coming in at 17 per cent higher than the UK average.
Some smaller regional airports in Scotland even offer free parking, bringing the average cost down.
Wales holds the unfortunate title of the most expensive average long-stay rate across the UK regions – £81, which is 93 per cent more expensive than Scotland’s average.
As well as comparing parking prices, a survey of 2,000 Brits revealed less than a quarter of those booking holidays compare the price of parking at the aviation hubs with booking a taxi.
But this research found that holidaymakers spend on average a total of £92 for a taxi to and from the airport – often making them a more affordable option.
Leaving the vehicle at home could relieve some of the anxiety around parking at the airport.
A third of those surveyed worry about their car being damaged while parked, with 19 per cent concerned it could be stolen, while a third are concerned with the time it takes for them to reach the car park from the terminal.
‘While airport parking is often convenient, the cost can be a challenge, especially during peak travel times. Many travellers might end up overpaying simply because they book too late or don’t compare their options, said Alvaro Iturmendi, a Confused.com travel insurance expert.
The most expensive parking was found at London City Airport, costing an eye-watering £189 for less than a week
‘Our research found that more than one in five (21 per cent) people cite driving and parking in an airport car park as their preferred airport transfer.
‘So, finding ways to reduce the cost might make the choice even sweeter.’
Being sure to book in advance, exploring off-site park and ride services and considering whether to split a taxi can reduce the burden of costs, Iturmendi added.
‘Planning your airport transfer ahead of time, just like flights and accommodation, can make a big difference to your overall travel budget.’
Confused.com has launched an airport journey planner that aims to help drivers understand the best option.
User type in their address, airport, the luggage they’re taking and their passenger details.
Being sure to book in advance, exploring off-site park and ride services and considering whether to split a taxi can reduce the burden of costs
The tool then compares the costs for local taxi companies versus airport parking fees.
Earlier this year, bosses at Gatwick Airport – the UK’s second-busiest airport – put forward plans to raise parking charges and drop-off fees to secure approval for a second runway.
The proposals were part of a submission to the Planning Inspectorate, which had stated that Gatwick needs to ensure at least 54 per cent of travellers get there by public transport if it wants to expand its operations.
The airport’s chief executive said the main way to half the flow of people arriving in cars was to hike prices – especially since it has no control over the railways.
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