№ 01 — The 2026 charges
What each airport charges to drop off
| Airport | Set-down fee | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | £7 | Flat fee, 10-minute maximum on the forecourt.Rose from £6 on 1 Jan 2026. |
| Gatwick | £10 | Up to 10 minutes, then £1/min to a 30-minute cap.Rose from £7 on 6 Jan 2026. |
| Stansted | £10 | Up to 15 minutes set-down at the forecourt.Rose from £7 on 19 Mar 2026. |
| Luton | £7 | Up to 10 minutes, then £1/min to a 30-minute cap.Forecourt set-down by the terminal. |
| Birmingham | Free | Still free for up to 10 minutes on the drop-off zone.No set-down charge in 2026. |
Figures current for 2026. Always check the airport's own site for the latest — fees have changed several times this year.
№ 02 — What it means for you
You never see these fees on a booking
Our fares are fixed and all-in. Whether your driver pays £7 at Heathrow or £10 at Gatwick, that cost is already built into the price you're quoted at booking. There's no forecourt surcharge added on the day, no "drop-off fee" line on a receipt, and nothing for you to tap your card for at a barrier. For arrivals, the short-stay parking the driver uses to meet you is covered the same way.
№ 03 — Avoiding the charge yourself
The "free" alternative — and its catch
Every charging airport keeps a free or cheaper option further out — typically a long-stay car park with a shuttle bus to the terminal. It works if you're travelling light and have time to spare. With hold luggage, children, an early flight or a late landing, most people decide the forecourt is worth it. Booking a fixed-price car simply removes the decision: you're dropped at the door, the fee is paid, and the price doesn't move.