Gatwick leads the way as travel industry rip-offs kick in

Penny pinching is a way of life in the hospitality industry. Resort charges, credit card surcharges, late check-out fees; premium seats. Some hotels still charge outrageous sums for wifi. 

And as Covid-19 continues to bit into income streams look out for more nickle-and-diming of customers across the travel spectrum. 

London's Gatwick Airport is the latest operator to sting passengers - but travellers can expect more across the globe. 

Gatwick Airport has confirmed it will introduce a £5 minimum fee ($9) to drop passengers outside its North Terminal from March 8 "as it explores new revenue streams'. 

The charge will be £5 for up to 10 minutes, and £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes. The maximum charge will be £25 - an absolute outrage. The maximum length of stay 30 minutes.

The airport will extend the charge to the South Terminal "at a later date". No surprise there. Only the North Terminal is currently operational, Travel Mole reported.


Gatwick said the initiative will help reduce traffic congestion and emissions and create a "vital new revenue stream".


Anyone not wishing to pay the charge will be able to drop off and pick up passengers in the airport's long-stay car parks, which have two hours free parking and a free shuttle bus to the terminal. 


Chief Commercial Officer Jonathan Pollard said: "It is no secret that the airport is going through the most difficult period in its history and we have little choice but to explore new revenue streams that will us help us recover from the Covid-19 crisis and continue as an important provider of economic prosperity and jobs across the region.


"This scheme will also encourage passengers to consider more sustainable transport options."

Disabled drivers will be able to access the forecourt free of charge by registering their details up to three months in advance before arriving at the airport. 

The rest of us can be prepared to be ripped off - right across the globe.