How to pay the Luton drop off charge

As with most airports in London, Luton charges a free for drivers to drop off passengers at its terminals, similar to the Heathrow drop off charge. You also have to pay for dropping off at Gatwick airport and Stansted airport.

There is always high demand for airport rides on rideshare apps, so it’s important for PCO drivers to know about any airport charges and how to pay them on time to avoid being fined. 

Here is what you should know about the Luton drop-off charge.

What is the Luton drop off charge?

The Luton Airport drop off charge is £5 for up to 5 minutes.

This applies to any car dropping off passengers at the dedicated Drop Off zone. There are no exemptions for Blue Badge holders in this zone, but Blue Badge holders and those who provide proof of booked assistance get 30 minutes free and preferential rates for dropping off in Terminal Car Park 1. See here for full details.

Stays of more than 5 minutes are charged at £1 per each additional minute, with a maximum stay of 20 minutes. Drivers who exceed the 20 minute limit are subject to a £95 enforcement charge, so it is very important to keep your stay within that time period. The £95 enforcement charge is reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days.

IMPORTANT: The Luton drop off charge operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without exception.

How to pay the Airport drop off charge?

You can either pay the drop off charge online here after each visit (before midnight of the following day to avoid an additional penalty), or set up an account here so that you are charged automatically for every visit.

IMPORTANT: You can’t pay Luton Airport’s drop off charge with cash. The only option is to pay online, either before midnight the day after each visit, or by setting up autopay online.

This cost is automatically included in the trip payment supported by the passenger to cover the minimum expenses you have for the ride. If you’re driving a car on a Flexi Try or a Flexi Own plan, make sure to pay the drop-off charges on time and avoid a PCN administration surcharge from your vehicle provider. 

Are there cheaper options for dropping passengers off at Luton Airport?

You can also drop passengers off at the Drop Off zone at the Mid Stay Car Park for free for up to 20 minutes. It is a 10 minute walk from there to the airport terminal, or you can catch a shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes from Bus Bay A at the Mid Stay Car Park and takes 5 minutes to get to the terminal.

If you need a bit more time, there is also a Long Stay Car Park situated further away from the terminal. The terminal is not within easy walking distance of this drop off point (35-40 minutes walk), so passengers should take the shuttle bus, which leaves from Bus Bay B in the Long Stay Car Park every 20 minutes and takes about 10 minutes to get to the terminal. The Long Stay Car Park is free for the first hour and £7 for 1 to 2 hours. Full day rates apply thereafter.

Both of these car parks have ticket machines to pay the fees.

Can I get a discount for the Airport drop off charge?

There is no discounted rates available if you drop passengers off at the Drop Off zone. 

Can I drop off passengers at Luton airport for free?

Yes. There are two free dropping-off options available: 

• Mid Stay Car Park – located a 10-minute walk from the terminal building (or 5 mins by shuttle bus), you can stay here for up to 20 minutes free of charge.

• Long Stay Car Park – offers one hour free parking. Passengers can then take a 10 minute shuttle bus ride to the terminal building.

Do I need to pay the same charge for picking-up passengers?

No. The short stay Drop-Off zone is for dropping passengers off only. To collect passengers, there is a pick up zone at the Mid Stay Car Park, which is free for up to 20 minutes, or you can also collect passengers from the Long Stay Car Park, which has up to one hour of free parking.

About Splend

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