ChronicleLive readers have hit out at the news that Newcastle Airport has some of the cheapest airport parking in the UK.
The report, by Car Lease Special Officers, showed Newcastle to be eighth in the list of UK airports, has attracted outrage from readers, who have taken to social media to pour scorn on the list. Mark Ashley said: "Nothing cheap about parking or picking up at Newcastle Airport. Daylight robbery" while Andrew Smith joked: "My God, you must have to sell a kidney at the others if that's the case!"
The report showed Newcastle fared well in parking available on the day, with only Belfast being cheaper for one week's parking (Newcastle charged £74, while Belfast charged £65). It was second cheapest for a day's parking at £29, just £1 more than the joint cheapest of Southampton and Aberdeen International. But it dropped points on its hourly rate of £12, which was joint most expensive of all airports in the top 10 along with Leeds Bradford and Edinburgh. Newcastle also scored poorly on pre-booked parking, with parking over the weekend at £52.99 and for a week at £57.99.
Read more: Ryanair customer's warning after being caught out by 'illegal' car park at Newcastle Airport
However, it was the news that Newcastle was one of only two airports in the top 10 to offer a free pick up and drop off area for those staying 15 minutes or less that surprised a lot of people. For although readers were outraged at being charged £4 for just 10 minutes to drop someone off or pick them up, few drivers knew about free parking available if you are prepared to walk just a couple of minutes more to the terminal.
Elaine Bulmer said: "My husband wasn’t even there for 10 mins- more like 3!!! Threw me and my case out of the car then whizzed off- still £4! Absolute daylight robbery! They surely can’t justify this!!," whereas Dougie Faisal described the dropping off/picking up charges at the airport as "scandalous".
So where is this free parking that no-one seems to know about?
When you drive into the airport, you're looking for signs for Short Stay 2 car park. Ignore signs for Express Drop-Off and Short Stay 1, and follow signs for Long-Stay parking. At the second roundabout, take the first left road, then the next right, which will take you to Short Stay 2. Park up and you'll be able to stay there for 15 minutes free, which should be ample time to drop someone off without having to park in a layby or in the garage at the airport and risk a fine. If you're also picking up, that's a total saving of £8 against using the Express Drop-Off facility right in front of the terminal, which charges £4 for the first 10 minutes.
So far, so simple. Where it gets complicated is if you are planning on spending more than 15 minutes at the airport. Perhaps your passenger is disabled and needs assistance to get to check in, or maybe your goodbyes lasted longer than you expected. That being the case, you would be better off sticking with Plan A, the Express Drop-Off, which is cheaper for up to 30 minutes at £6 than lingering in the Short Stay 2 car park at £8.
Stick with Express if you think you might be up to an hour, at £10, as this time will cost you £12 in short Stay 2, but if you think you might be longer, somewhat confusingly, it's better to head to Short Stay 2.
Confused? Here is a quick guide to the best place to park, depending on how long you think you will be at the airport:
Up to 15 minutes: Short Stay 2 FREE (Express £4 for 10 minutes)
Up to 30 minutes: Express £6 (Short Stay 2 £8)
Up to an hour: Express £10 (Short Stay 2 £12)
Up to two hours: Short Stay 2 £14 (Express £20)
Up to three hours: Short Stay 2 £17 (Express £30)
Up to four hours: Short Stay 2 £20 (Express £40)
And whatever you do, don't end up in Short Stay 1 if you are just dropping off, as 15 minutes there is a whopping £7, making it the most expensive option for quick stops. The prices of all of the short-stay car parks in more detail can be found here.
Have you been caught out by unexpected drop off charges at the airport? Let us know in the comments below
A spokesperson from the airport said: "We offer 15 minutes free parking in the Short Stay 2 car park for those dropping off or picking up passengers, this car park is located a short walk from the terminal entrance. Alternatively, if passengers wish the convenience of being closer to the terminal, there are a number of car park options available, including our Express Drop Off car park which is located directly opposite the terminal entrance.”
