How to avoid airport parking scams

Parking scams are difficult to spot at airports. Motorists are usually unfamiliar with the process in advance and are often caught unawares. Knowing how to spot airport parking scams and what to do if you are a victim of one can be difficult for many people.

Cash-strapped airport bosses have introduced new parking fees to recoup substantial losses incurred during the Covid crisis.

More than two thirds of the UK’s 22 busiest airports have introduced or hiked drop-off fees since 2019 according to the RAC.

Dropping off or picking up family and friends is the latest cash cow. Airports have installed ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras to capture vehicles entering and leaving airport car parks with no barriers. You may not see the signs or realise that you need to pay until a Parking Charge Notice arrives in the post.

Heathrow airport has no option to pay at an airport ticket machine or in the terminal drop-off zones. There are no barriers – you incur a charge when you enter the drop-off zone.

You need to pay online or by an automated telephone service in advance.

This insidious tactic penalises elderly and disabled people who need close access to airport terminals.

Airports will say that the price hikes are done to reduce traffic outside the airport, combat congestion, improve traffic flow, safety and efficiency. Nothing to do with easy revenue raising!

Airport drop-off fees vary across the UK. Check before you leave so you can make alternative arrangements to avoid being ripped off.

Long-stay car parks are often free from 10 mins – 1 hour with free shuttle buses that run every few minutes to / from the terminal.

Airport pick up and drop-off fees as at May 2025

Edinburgh airport – £6 for 0 – 10 mins and and £1 for every minute thereafter

Newcastle airport – £5 for 0 – 10 mins and £8 for up to 30 mins

Newquay airport – free for first 10 mins and £2 for up to 30 mins

Cardiff airport – £3 for 0 – 10 mins and £3 every 10 mins thereafter (free for 20 mins in Car Park 2)

Belfast City – £3 for up to 10 mins and £6 for up to 20 mins (10 mins free in Long Stay car park)

BE WARNED! 21 – 30 mins is £20, 30 – 60 mins is £25 and £50 for + 1 hour (day rate)

London City has a free drop-off zone but you are not allowed to wait

You do not have to use drop-off zones. Familiarise yourself with the layout beforehand so you can drop off for free.

Meet and greet airport parking scams

Meet and greet parking may be more convenient but it is one of the most common airport parking scams.

This is popular with scammers because it is easy to get money from the customer and park your car anywhere without you knowing. You think your car has been parked in a safe and secure location, although it could be parked in a muddy field in the middle of nowhere.

Meet and greet can be a great option but do your research first.

Top tips on how to avoid dodgy meet and greet firms

ID – ask for identification when you hand over your keys and get a receipt.

Petrol and mileage – take a photo of your petrol gauge and mileage at drop-off and pick-up.

Take photos and a video of your car inside and out at drop-off and pick-up.

Can you pay by credit card?

Does the company have a proper stand at the airport, or do they simply meet you on arrival and hand over the keys?

Do they have insurance to drive your car?

Will your car be parked securely? Use Google Earth to view where your car will be parked. Ask the firm to send you a photo of your parked vehicle.

Is the company genuine?

Check the contact page.

Does the receipt or confirmation show a proper registered company with a registered address?

Enter the address into Google maps and check customer reviews

Search for customer reviews – do they appear genuine? Look for tell-tale signs like spelling mistakes, poor grammar and reviews with little or no information.

Check the company website

Park Mark – the blue Park Mark logo is awarded to car parks that have passed a police risk assessment. This logo should give you the confidence that your car is parked in a secure, well-lit and well-managed car park and is accredited to the British Parking Association (BPA).

Check to see if they are a member of an accredited Trade Association. Private car parking operators cannot access the DVLA database if they are not a member of the International Parking Community (IPC) or British Parking Association (BPA).

Book online early

Do your research online early and compare prices so you can get the best deal.

See if you can get any discount codes online.

Keep your valuables safe

Leave any valuables at home or keep them with you. Hide anything valuable in your car.

Ensure your car is locked before you leave.

Avoid airport parking fees altogether

Ask a friend for a lift to the airport. Get them to drop you outside of the perimeter to avoid drop-off fees.

Find a residential street nearby where you can park for free. Be courteous and park in a space that doesn’t obstruct or cause anyone an inconvenience.

Use public transport.

Look at park and stay rates at hotels near the airport.

See if you can park on someone’s drive near the airport and use public transport.

Use an airport that has low / no fees at all.

Finally

The vast majority of Parking Charge Notices issued at airports are unable to hold the Keeper liable. Airport land is covered by byelaws and therefore not “relevant land” for the purposes of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

This means you can appeal as Keeper without disclosing who the driver is citing it is unenforceable. Their only option is to either cancel it or provide a code so you can escalate it at their expense. Never say “I / We” in your appeal as you inadvertently identify the driver and transfer liability.

These are my top tips to avoid airport parking scams and drop-off fees. Can you add anything to this?