What is the Airport Drop-Off Charge?
Many airports around the UK charge a fixed fee every time a vehicle enters the drop-off zones to drop a passenger. These drop-off zones are located just outside the terminals, facilitating direct passenger access to the terminals.
Drop-off charge is enforced using automatic number plate recognition systems, which scan the number plate of the vehicle at the entrance, making the vehicle liable to pay the charge immediately. This charge must be paid before midnight of the next day, or else it will result in a heavy fine.
We have discussed the drop-off charge at London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports in detail.
Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charge
Heathrow Airport used to charge a fixed fee of £5 as the drop of charge. However, as of January 1, 2025, this fee has been raised to £6. This charge will apply to every vehicle that enters the specified zone, regardless of the day and time.
This means that if you make multiple trips to the drop-off zone, you will have to pay a separate drop-off charge for every trip, and you are liable to pay them within the next day.
How to Pay Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?
Heathrow Airport drop-off charges can be paid using several online and digital methods to ensure convenience for the passengers. These methods are as follows:
Cashless Payments
This is a quick method of payment of drop-off charge using a debit card or credit card. It is also a secure payment method and can be processed quickly.
Online Payments
Online payment methods utilise the latest technology and allow drivers or passengers to pay their due drop-off charges using their smartphones or computers. This method also allows you to pay the drop-off charge in advance if you are going to make a trip to the airport, saving you a lot of time.
Payment Kiosks
Heathrow Airport features strategically placed payment kiosks throughout the airport that allow the passengers and drivers to pay the drop-off charge on the go. This is a highly swift method of payment.
Contactless Payments
You will find contactless payment points at the entrances of the terminals that offer a convenient and swift drop-off payment at a single tap of your smart card or a smart device.
What If You Cannot Pay the Drop-Off Charge in Time?
You are liable to pay the drop-off charge at Heathrow Airport before midnight of the next day. If you fail to do so, you will be subject to heavy fines by the airport authorities.
Heathrow Airport will send you a PCN notice (Parking Charge Notice) of £80 if you do not pay your drop-off charge in time. However, if you pay the fine within 40 days of receiving the notice, you only have to pay half of the total fine, i.e. £40.
Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge
Gatwick Airport also charges a drop-off fee for every vehicle that enters the drop-off zones at both north and south terminals. However, unlike Heathrow, Gatwick Airport drop-off charges vary depending on the time your vehicle spends in the drop-off zone. Here are the details:
- Gatwick Airport charges £6 for the first 10 minutes.
- For the next 10 minutes, up to 20, an additional £1 is charged for every minute.
- For the maximum allowable stay of 30 minutes, a total of £26 is charged.
Once you enter the drop-off zone, you immediately become liable to pay the drop-off charge, which must be paid before midnight of the next day.
How to Pay Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge?
Gatwick Airport has introduced three efficient methods that allow drivers and passengers to pay their drop-off charges. These methods are as follows:
Autopay
In this method, you can register your vehicle and the bank account details with the airport, and you will be automatically charged the fee once your vehicle exits the drop-off zone. This method removes the risk of receiving PCN.
Online Payment
Online payment methods involve using a computer or smartphone to pay the drop-off charge using the online portal. You can use your vehicle’s registration number to pay your due drop-off charge.
Over the Phone
You can use the automated payment line of the London Gatwick to pay the drop-off charge as well. All you need to do is call on 0330 174 4503.
What if You Don’t Pay the Drop-Off Charge on Time?
If you fail to pay the drop-off charge within the next day, you will receive a PCN for £100 by the London Gatwick Airport. However, if you pay the fine within 14 days of receiving the notice, you only have to pay £60.