How to Pay Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charges?

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Drop-off charges are specified sums of money that must be paid the same day or the night before the travelling day to avail of the drop-off zones (parking areas closest to the terminals) at the airports. These charges are imposed to ensure minimum congestion on important routes, channel the traffic, and ensure the safety of the passengers and airport staff.

Understanding drop-off charges, the complete process, and exemptions can be confusing. However, this guide can address all these queries for Gatwick Airport. Read the blog to explore everything from Gatwick airport drop-off charges to payment methods explained in the simplest way possible!

Drop-Off Zones in the Gatwick Airport

  • Gatwick North Terminal:

After entering Gatwick Airport, follow the signboards to reach the drop-off zone consisting of a lower forecourt area in the North terminal. It is situated at the crossroads of a multi-storey car park and Sofitel.

  • Gatwick South Terminal

Follow the signboards to reach the drop-off zone on the lower-level forecourt area outside the south terminal’s entrance.

Gatwick Drop-Off Charges 2024

Initially introduced in March 2021, currently, the drop-off charges at Gatwick Airport are £6. These charges are valid for up to 10 minutes. Afterwards, with each passing minute, £1 is added to the bill. It is only valid for up to another 20 minutes, as you can’t stay in the parking space for more than 30 minutes.

How Does It Work?

The cars are allowed to freely enter the drop-off zones, as there are no barriers to ensure seamless traffic regulation. Once the car enters the area, the high-definition specialised cameras record the entry via car plate and note the number and vehicle registration along with entry and exit timings.

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How to Pay Gatwick Airport Drop-Off Charges?

You are obliged to pay the drop-off charges by midnight of the same day you have used the drop-off zone. The payment can be done through various means, including:

  1. Online Payment: You can use your mobile phone to pay the charges using mobile banking. It is suitable if you have occasional visits to the airport.
  2. Automatic Payment: You can create an AutoPay account, which deducts the payment through the registered card automatically each time you enter the drop-off zone. It is highly recommended for taxi drivers or anyone who makes frequent visits to the airport.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay the Charges on Time?

Every passing car is obliged to pay these charges; otherwise, you will be subjected to a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). The notice means you are being fined £100; however, the fine is cut down to £60 if paid within 14 days.

Note:

You can also be fined £100 for showing negligence for not watching out for red routes, i.e., no parking, unloading, waiting, or stopping areas. You can identify red routes on the routes by observing double red lines on the airport roads. Again, the fine can be reduced to £60 if you pay it within 14 days.

Exemptions on the Drop-Off Charges

  • To avoid drop-off charges, you can use Long Stay car parking at the North and South terminals. On entering the parking area, you will be given a ticket at the entry barrier so you can park your car for free. From there onwards, you/your passengers can take shuttle buses that run every 10-12 min to reach the terminal. However, if you extend your stay for more than 2 hours then you will be charged.
  • Blue batch holders also get an exemption from the drop-off charges. To avail of this opportunity, the badge holders are obliged to register and provide the details, including:
  1. Names of passenger
  2. Flight’s arrival/departure time
  3. Vehicle number plate
  4. Photo or scan of the Blue Badge
  • Alternatively, you can seek a privilege from the Local Commuter Scheme. With an annual subscription fee of £50, you can get two consecutive drop-offs for free per day at the South Terminal. The scheme is applicable for people residing in these postcodes: RH6 0, RH6 9, or RH11 0.

Prices At Other Airports

Airport

Initial Drop-off Charges

London Heathrow Airport

£5

London Luton Airport

£5 for 10 minutes

London Stansted Airport

£7 for 15 minutes

 

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