While we used to worry about the cost of a duty-free gin, UK airports have now turned the humble terminal drop-off into a high-stakes race against the clock.
If you’re planning a lingering farewell at the kerbside, you’d better have a stopwatch in one hand and your contactless card in the other.
New research from Select Car Leasing has revealed that some kiss and fly zones now cost more per minute than a premium phone line or a high-end lawyer.
To find these figures, researchers analysed the 2026 pricing structures of the UK’s busiest airports, calculating the average cost-per-minute for a standard terminal drop-off.
By breaking down flat fees into sixty-second increments, the study exposed a staggering price gap between regional hubs and the most expensive gateways.
Whether you're the designated driver or the lucky traveller, here is the leader board of Britain’s most expensive terminal goodbyes, ranked by how much they'll bleed your wallet every sixty seconds.
7. Bristol Airport (£0.85 per minute)
Following the 2026 New Year price changes, Bristol now charges £8.50 for a 10-minute stay. Drivers are encouraged to use the 'Waiting Zone,' which remains free for up to an hour, provided you don't mind a short shuttle ride to the terminal. | Shutterstock
8. Manchester Airport (£1.00 per minute)
Manchester remains one of the priciest spots in the North, charging £5.00 for a five-minute window. If you stay for 10 minutes, the price creeps up to £6.40, but be warned: exceeding 30 minutes can trigger a massive £25.00 charge. | Adobe Stock
9. London Gatwick Airport (£1.00 per minute)
Gatwick recently hit a record high, raising its fee to £10.00 for a 10-minute stay. This marks a significant jump, with airport officials citing rising operational costs as the reason for the 2026 hike. Photo: John Nguyen/JNVisuals
10. London City Airport (£1.60 per minute)
Since January 2026, London City has officially become the most expensive airport in Britain for a kiss and fly goodbye. The initial charge is £8.00 for just five minutes, with every additional minute after that costing another £1.00. | Getty Images