Travel Firm Urges Manchester Airport to Extend Drop-Off Fee Deadline

A travel company has called on Manchester Airport and parking operator APCOA to revise their drop-off fee policy. In an open letter, Zoe Harris, Chief Customer Officer of Manchester-based online travel agent On The Beach, requested a change to the current 24-hour payment deadline for drop-off charges, proposing an extension to 48 hours.

Currently, drivers using the airport’s barrierless drop-off system, implemented in March 2023, are required to pay the £5 fee for five minutes or £6.40 for up to ten minutes by midnight the day following their visit. If drivers exceed the maximum 30-minute stay, they face a £25 charge. Failure to pay within the designated timeframe results in a £100 parking fine, which is reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days.

Manchester Airport stated that the 24-hour payment period is the minimum timeframe and confirmed that most drivers have longer than 24 hours to settle their charges. For instance, if a driver drops off a passenger at 01:00, they have until midnight the following day to make the payment, effectively allowing almost 47 hours.

Harris expressed concern that the current deadline leads to many drivers receiving hefty fines due to forgetting to pay. She highlighted that with the summer holiday season approaching, a significant number of families would be relying on friends or relatives to drop them off, and those drivers should not face financial penalties for minor oversights.

In her open letter, Harris humorously noted, “Being the one left behind is painful enough, the least we can do is make sure they’re not also financially punished for forgetting to pay a parking fee within 24 hours.” She continued to advocate for a fairer system, saying, “We’re asking, kindly, firmly, and with a hint of British sarcasm, to double the time. Give people 48 hours to pay. That’s all.”

Responding to the concerns raised, a Manchester Airport spokesperson emphasized that the new system, which utilizes Automated Number Plate Recognition technology, has streamlined the drop-off process and improved traffic flow. They mentioned that similar systems are in use at various UK airports and toll roads, leading to a more efficient experience for drivers.

The spokesperson clarified that while the payment period may be perceived as 24 hours, many passengers are effectively granted nearly 48 hours to pay, particularly during busy travel times. They also noted the availability of an AutoPay account option, which can automatically deduct fees, alleviating the need for manual payment reminders.

The airport has increased signage in the drop-off areas to better inform users about the payment process and has conducted a communications campaign to raise awareness of the changes. According to the airport, the majority of passengers are successfully paying their fees by the required deadlines.

On The Beach has reached out to Manchester Airport regarding the payment window, and the Manchester Evening News has also sought comments from APCOA. As the travel season heats up, the discussion surrounding drop-off fees and payment times is likely to continue, with many looking for a solution that balances convenience and fairness for all travelers.