How families can save hundreds at UK airports this half term

With the October half term just around the corner, thousands of UK families are gearing up for a week away, but for many, the spending starts long before take-off.

From car parking and drop-off fees to inflated food prices and hidden extras, airport costs can quietly drain hundreds from a family’s holiday budget.

New analysis from Transfer Travel, the leading travel resale marketplace, shows that with a few smart swaps, families can save hundreds before they board the plane.

Maisie Blewitt, travel expert at Transfer Travel, explains: “We talk a lot about saving on flights or hotels, but airports have become the hidden drain on family travel budgets. Between parking, food, and waiting-time extras, the average family can easily spend around £200 before the flight. But with the right planning and knowing which airports offer the best value, half-term travellers can dramatically cut that cost.”

Parking and drop-off – the hidden holiday tax

Airport parking remains one of the biggest pre-flight expenses for families, particularly during school holidays when demand spikes. According to Which?, booking parking in advance can save up to £173 a week compared with turn-up prices, while off-site “park-and-ride” options can cost half as much as official airport car parks. Even short drop-offs now come at a premium – £6 at Heathrow, £7 at Gatwick and £5 at Manchester for just a few minutes on the forecourt.

Blewitt says: “Parking and drop-off costs are a classic example of what I call ‘holiday creep’ – the slow build-up of small charges before your trip even begins. But the good news is that they’re some of the easiest to control. A bit of research goes a long way – book parking in advance, compare on- and off-site options, and look out for deals that accept supermarket loyalty points or gift vouchers.

“If you’re willing to be flexible, use a free or remote drop-off zone. Many airports offer a 60-minute option with regular shuttle buses to the terminal. A little planning can save £50 or more across a single trip, which is money that belongs in your holiday fund, not on your parking receipt.”

Airport food and drink – the convenience that costs

Airport dining is notoriously expensive, and another area where costs can easily spiral. Prices across cafés, restaurants and grab-and-go outlets can be anywhere from 20–50% higher than their high-street counterparts. Add early flight times or long waits between connections, and the temptation to splurge is almost irresistible.

With average airport spending sitting between £20 and £40 per traveller and more than 40% of holidaymakers eating at airport restaurants, a family of four can easily spend £80–£100 before boarding – money that could have gone toward an excursion, a family dinner, or even travel insurance.

Blewitt says: “A few simple swaps can make a real difference. Most UK airports now offer free water refill stations, allowing passengers to bring empty bottles through security and fill them once airside. Packing snacks and light meals from home can save families money and help avoid the stress of hunting down food before boarding.”

“For those with longer waits, airport lounges can sometimes offer better value than multiple café stops. Once seen as more of a luxury, many lounges now provide buffet-style meals, drinks, Wi-Fi and play areas, with entry starting at around £25 per adult and discounted rates for children. Lounges aren’t just for business travellers anymore, and for families, they can work our cheaper than eating around the terminal – and a lot less stressful.”

The best family-friendly airports for half term

Some airports go further to make family travel simpler and more enjoyable. Transfer Travel reviewed the UK’s busiest airports to find those offering the most family-friendly perks and lowest pre-flight costs:

Heathrow – The UK’s busiest airport isn’t the cheapest, but it makes up for it with family facilities. Every terminal has free soft play areas and lounges in Terminals 2 and 3 include children’s sections. Drop-off fees start at £6, and parking can exceed £200 a week, so bringing your own food and drinks is an easy way to offset higher costs.

Birmingham Airport – Offers family fast-track security, available to pre-book online for £6 per person or pay £8.50 at the kiosk, with children under four going free. There’s also a free pre-flight play area, the Sky Zone, open all day for children of all ages. Drop-off stays of up to 10 minutes are free, making Birmingham one of the better-value major airports for families.

Glasgow Airport – Is well set up for families, with a Kids Zone near Gate 27 for pre-flight play and several baby rooms to make travelling with young children easier. Drop-off costs £6 for up to 15 minutes, but those using the long-stay car park just ten minutes from the terminal can park free for up to one hour – ideal for pick-ups or longer goodbyes when travelling as a family.

Manchester Airport – Makes family travel smoother with its Little Flyers Zone in Terminal 1 and dedicated family fast-track security lanes from £5.49 per person. Drop-off costs £5 for five minutes or £6.40 for ten, though booking long-stay park and ride parking in advance, which averages around £85, can help families save money.

Newcastle Airport – Stands out with four baby-change stations, and the Aspire Lounge provides tiered options that can be booked in advance, offering a calm retreat with complimentary snacks and drinks. Parking costs can exceed £100 over half term, so the free 15-minute drop-off zone keeps quick goodbyes simple and cost-free.

Half-term hacks for stress-free savings

Book early – Parking and lounge prices rise the closer you get to departure, so locking in rates in advance can save a significant amount.

Bring entertainment – Download films or games before you leave to avoid splurging on pricey “boredom buys” in departures.

Pack snacks and bottles – Airport food adds up fast. Bringing your own snacks and refillable bottles can save both money and time.

Know your airport’s family facilities – Play zones, refill stations and free shuttles can help cut costs and make travel days calmer.

Blewitt sums it up: “Families don’t have to accept airport costs as inevitable. Avoiding that ‘holiday creep’ is about being travel-smart and making the most of what’s already there – bringing your own food, or spotting opportunities like last-minute deals, re-sold trips or unused bookings that help keep costs in check. The key is knowing where the savings are hiding and planning before you reach the gate.”