logo
Jan 30, 2024

London Airport Drop-off Fees: Comprehensive Guide

feature image

Did you know that a significant portion of parking charge notices (PCNs) received by the Capital Hire is due to drop-off charges at London airports? Over the past Eight months, more than 25% of our issued tickets originated from Heathrow and Gatwick. To assist our PCO drivers in preserving their hard-earned money, we've compiled information on London airports that impose drop-off fees and guided how to pay these charges to avoid parking tickets.

Please be aware that the Capital Hire Team will not register your PCO car with the airports on your behalf; it is your responsibility. For those frequently conducting airport jobs, we strongly recommend setting up an Auto Pay account to prevent unnecessary fines.

Heathrow Airport Drop-Off Charge:

What is the Heathrow drop-off charge? The drop-off charge at London Heathrow Airport terminal is heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/terminal-drop-off-charge  £5 for all vehicles dropping off passengers at the forecourts in front of the terminal buildings.

Failure to settle the fee by midnight the following day will result in an £80 parking charge notice, with the option to reduce it to £40 if paid within 14 days.

You can make the payment for your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) online at this link. heathrowdropoffpcnpayments.apcoa.com/pcnonline/index.php

How does the Heathrow drop-off charge work?

Enforced through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), this charge operates 24/7, and entry into the drop-off zone incurs the fee.

How to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge?

Payment options include paying in advance, heathrowdropoff.apcoa.com/trip/vrn on the day of drop-off, or by midnight the following day, online, through an automated telephone service, or via autopay.

Free drop-offs are available at the Long Stay terminal car parks, accompanied by a free transfer to the terminals.www.heathrow.com/transport-and-directions/heathrow-parking/heathrow-long-stay-parking

Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charge:

What is the Gatwick drop-off charge? Gatwick charges https://www.gatwickairport.com/transport-options/drop-off.html gatwickairport.com/transport-options/drop-off.html £5 for the first 10 minutes, with additional charges for longer stays, up to a maximum of £25 for 30 minutes.

If you don’t pay for the Gatwick drop-off charge by midnight the next day, you will receive a £100 PCN, which will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Pay your PCN online here.

How does the Gatwick drop-off charge work?

Enforced through ANPR, this charge operates around the clock.

How to pay the Gatwick drop-off charge?

Payment must be made online or through autopay by midnight the day after drop-off.

To access numerous job opportunities at Gatwick, it is recommended to visit the airport terminal's website. There, you can establish a personal account to register your PCO car with Gatwick and arrange for automatic payment.

Luton Airport Drop-Off Charge:

What is the Luton drop-off charge?

 Luton charges £5 for the first 10 minutes at the Priority Drop-Off Zone.

Fees:

£5 for a 10-minute duration

£1 for every extra minute

How to pay the Luton drop-off charge?

Payment can be made by card, and no cash is accepted at present.

Free drop-offs are available at the Mid Stay Car Park, which is a short distance from the terminal.

 

Stansted Airport Drop-Off Charge:

What is the Stansted drop-off charge?

Charges range from £7 for up to 15 minutes to £25 for over 15 minutes, with an additional charge for re-entry within 30 minutes.

How does the Stansted drop-off charge work?

CCTV cameras at exits prevent tailgating.

How to pay the Stansted drop-off charge?

The transition to a cashless system started in November 2023.

Free drop-offs are available at the Stansted Airport Mid Stay car park for up to 60 minutes.

London City Airport:

London City Airport does not impose a drop-off fee.

 But prohibits waiting in the terminal forecourt. ANPR cameras are in use, and fines will be issued for non-compliance. In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of these drop-off charges, as they are incurred each time you enter the designated zones.

The Capital Hire encourages drivers to utilize free alternatives where available and, for regular airport jobs, consider setting up auto-pay accounts for a hassle-free experience. www.capitalhiremanagement.co.uk