Turns out, the cost of a heartfelt goodbye at the airport has gone up. A new analysis by the RAC reveals that drop-off fees at the UK's busiest airports have risen by an average of a third since last summer. Of the 20 airports surveyed, 16 jacked up their prices, with London Gatwick and Stansted leading the pack at a whopping £10 for the privilege of pulling up close to the terminal.

At Gatwick, £10 gets you 10 minutes of precious curb time - a "farewell fee," as the RAC so aptly calls it. Stansted offers a slightly more generous 15 minutes for the same price. But the real crown for price gouging goes to London City Airport, which started charging this year: £8 for five minutes, working out to a wallet-crushing £1.60 per minute. For context, none of the top 10 airports in the EU charge a single penny for drop-offs.

Airports UK, the trade body, defends the fees as part of their business models and climate change objectives. A Gatwick spokesperson says the charges aim to discourage "kiss and fly" trips and have successfully nudged passengers toward public transport. But the RAC’s Rod Dennis is having none of it, noting that having a captive audience is no excuse for these fees, especially when they're at odds with how major airports operate globally. He warns drivers to watch out for barrierless 'park now, pay later' zones, where forgetting to pay online could result in a parking charge notice.

Meanwhile, the Business Travel Association’s Clive Wratten points out that the justifications keep shifting: first it was environmental, then congestion, then funding new routes, and now apparently tax offsets. "The goalposts have moved so many times that the credibility of any justification has long since gone," he says.

If you're looking to save a few quid, the RAC suggests checking for cheaper or free alternatives - like long-stay car parks with shuttle buses, which Gatwick and others offer. Blue Badge holders are often exempt, and public transport might be your best bet. Oh, and keep an eye on the clock: overstay your welcome and you might pay more than just emotional baggage.