Getting away for a holiday in the sun is always really exciting – but there’s no doubt that keeping budgets to a minimum is proving to be increasingly difficult when planning a summer escape.
Research from Which shows that families are already facing an increase of 19% on the price of a package holiday – with one report showing that holiday makers can expect to pay an average of £955 for one week in Spain during summer 2024.
It’s not just booking flights and accommodation where costs are rising – the cost of airport parking is also taking off.
At Creditifx, we’ve analysed parking costs across all of the UK’s international airports and discovered an annual increase of 9% compared to the same period last year.
We compared two weeks’ parking in June 2024 – which averaged out to a sky high £185.
UK airport parking costs
| AIRPORT PARKING COSTS | |||
| Airport | 2023 | 2024 | % increase |
| Edinburgh | £89.49 | £132.13 | 48% |
| Luton | £155 | £200.79 | 30% |
| Liverpool | £137.39 | £177.79 | 29% |
| Newcastle | £131.39 | £164.99 | 26% |
| Bournemouth | £162.00 | £200 | 23% |
| Cardiff | £149.00 | £175 | 17% |
| Manchester | £133.99 | £152.69 | 14% |
| Bristol | £224.99 | £255 | 13% |
| Stansted | £138.79 | £155.97 | 12% |
| Heathrow | £221 | £245.50 | 11% |
| Birmingham | £175.43 | £183.72 | 8% |
| Prestwick | £112.66 | £120.16 | 7% |
| Gatwick | £335 | £354 | 6% |
| Aberdeen | £139.74 | £146.65 | 5% |
| Glasgow | £152.46 | £154.29 | 1% |
| Exeter | £172.66 | £171.37 | -1% |
| Southampton Port | £158.54 | £155.31 | -2% |
| Southend | £160 | £155.33 | -3% |
| Leeds Bradford | £214 | £197.80 | -8% |
| London City | £240.61 | £209.50 | -13% |
| Average | £170.14 | £185 | 9% |
Edinbrugh was found to have the biggest increase, after costs for a two week stay rose from £89.49 to £132.13 – representing a 48% rise. Just 49 miles away, Glasgow saw the smallest increase at just 1% from £152.46 to £154.29.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the capital’s airports have the highest costs.
London Gatwick airport had the most expensive parking in the UK – with the price for a two week stay reaching £354, closely followed by London Heathrow (£245) and London City (£210) airports.
Holidaymakers departing from Prestwick and Edinburgh could bag themselves a relative bargain, with costs for two weeks standing at £120 and £132 respectively.
Maxine McCreadie, personal finance expert at Creditfix, said:
“Summer holidays are something many families look forward to, but for parents, they can mean extra financial pressure. Creditfix research shows that parents already face 8% more debt than the national average.
“On top of flights and hotels, airport parking can be a significant additional cost. If you’re lucky enough to have a holiday planned this summer, it’s important to be prepared for these additional expenses.
Holiday saving tips
Our experts have pulled together their own tips to keep summer holiday costs to a minimum this year:
1. Start saving early
It’s always a good idea to start saving as soon as you can. Most banks have savings goal calculators to help you set realistic targets. Even small, regular contributions can add up to a nice holiday fund over time.
2. Be realistic about your finances
Social media can make you feel pressured to spend on a big holiday, but remember, many people are feeling the pinch right now. Accumulating unaffordable debt can have serious consequences, so it’s important to be honest about your financial situation and consider the long-term impact.
3. Plan ahead
Try to book your holiday as early as possible to snag the best deals and discount codes. The first few weeks of summer break are often the busiest and priciest. If you can, travel later in the season or during off-peak times to save money.
4. Think about different transport options
If you can’t book parking far in advance, consider taking a train, bus, or even sharing a ride. Coaches can be very budget-friendly, and while train fares have risen, they might still be cheaper than paying for parking and gas. Plus, many trains and buses let two kids under five travel for free.
Methodology
Creditfix analysed costs based on a two-week stay in June 2024, compared to an average for the same duration in June 2023. Where there were multiple airport car parking options, an average was used.
