You might think, “Oh, I’ll just be 90 seconds—surely that’s free?” Nope. The system detects your car the second you enter the drop-off zone. Even if you’re just waving goodbye from the driver’s seat, you’re on the clock.
The stupidest fee I've ever seen at an airport: the London Heathrow
Think of it like a really expensive hug. You have 5 minutes of free parking in the drop-off area, but after that, it’s a £1 per minute charge. That’s £60 per hour—more than a nice hotel room, but with less comfort and more anxiety.
Honestly, they’d charge you for blinking if they could. Just park, kiss, and go. No long monologues, please.
What About Drop-Off at the “VIP” Lane?
There’s also a Premium Drop-Off area if you want to feel like a rock star. It costs £7.50 for 15 minutes, and it’s closer to the door. You’ll save about 30 seconds of walking—but you’ll also save your ego from the shame of a regular drop-off.
If your friend is flying first class, they might judge you for not paying the premium. But remember: they’re the ones flying in a metal tube, and you’re the one with a car. You have the upper hand.
