HeathrowDrop-off charge (forecourt)
£5–£10 Yes — every major UK airportSee our dedicated guide for the current charge at each airport.
Pick-up / waiting charge
Often higher than drop-off Yes — every major airportPick-up charges are usually steeper than drop-off because passengers wait for arriving travellers. Time limits are typically tighter too.
Short-term car park
From £4–£8 per hour Yes — all UK airportsDon't confuse short-term parking with the drop-off forecourt — short-term is the multi-storey/surface car park within walking distance of the terminal.
Luggage trolley
£0–£2 Mostly freeTrolley availability differs by terminal. Heathrow, Gatwick and Birmingham have free trolleys at all terminals. Smaller airports vary.
Security fast-track
£3–£15 Optional add-onMost airports sell a fast-track lane that lets you skip the standard security queue. Useful at peak times; usually unnecessary off-peak.
Lounge access
£20–£60 per person Optional add-onLounges offer food, drinks, Wi-Fi and seating. Worth it for long layovers or early-morning departures; rarely worth it for short flights.
Wi-Fi
Free Free at every UK airportAll major UK airports provide free Wi-Fi terminal-wide. Some have a connection time limit (often 60 minutes); reconnecting usually works.
Currency exchange
Variable spread (5–15% above mid-rate) Available at all airportsAirport exchange counters typically offer the worst rates of any retail option. Avoid changing more than emergency cash here.
5 things airports DON'T charge for
Plenty of common questions confuse airport charges with airline charges. Here's the difference:
No — airlines charge for baggage. Each airline sets its own checked bag, hand-luggage and overweight fees independently. The airport doesn't take a cut.
No — airlines do. Car seats can usually fly as free checked baggage but airline rules vary (some charge if you exceed your bag allowance).
No — airlines set carry-on size, weight and fees. Some budget airlines charge if your hand luggage doesn't fit under the seat.
No — wheelchair assistance is free at every UK airport. It's a legal requirement under UK accessibility regulations (retained from EU law).
Not directly — Air Passenger Duty (APD) is included in your ticket price, not paid at the airport. APD is a UK government tax, not an airport charge.
Related guides
Notes
- Last verified: 2026-09-05.
- Charges are typical ranges across the seven major UK airports — individual rates vary.
- Always check the airport's own page for the current rate before travelling.