Travelers voice their opinions on the recent entrance fee at Aberdeen Airport.
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Recent changes at Aberdeen Airport have sparked significant frustration among travelers utilizing nearby hotels for pick-up and drop-off services. A new sign has been erected outside the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express on International Drive, clearly stating that parking, picking up, or dropping off is prohibited unless you are a hotel customer.
The sign, managed by Vehicle Control Services Limited, warns that violators will incur a £100 fine, with an additional £70 charge if not paid within 28 days. This policy has left many questioning the fairness of the airport’s approach.
Travelers voice their concerns
Ed Thorogood, who was at the airport to pick up his son arriving from London Heathrow, expressed his concerns about the unpredictability of baggage claim times. He stated, “If I go into the short stay, it just racks up ridiculous amounts.” While he doesn’t mind paying the entry fee, he feels that those picking up passengers are being penalized for inefficiencies in the airport’s operations. Thorogood lamented the decline in the speed of baggage delivery, which he believes has worsened over time, making it risky to incur additional charges while waiting.
High costs of airport drop-off
The airport’s express drop-off zone, located just outside the main terminal, charges £5.50 for a 15-minute stay. This has led many drivers to seek alternatives, such as using hotel parking areas to avoid the escalating fees. Motorists who exceed the 15-minute limit face an additional charge of £1 per minute, with a flat fee of £50 after 30 minutes. This pricing structure has raised concerns about the overall quality of service provided by the airport, as travelers feel there is little incentive for improvements when fees can simply be increased.
Public sentiment on the new policies
Daniel, another traveler waiting for a friend, shared his thoughts on the situation, stating, “I understand why they charge, but this is a free place that people can wait, so why would you pay?” The sentiment among travelers is clear: many are frustrated by the lack of affordable options for picking up and dropping off passengers. George and Diane Craig, visiting from Belfast, echoed this frustration, labeling the policy as “stupid” and suggesting that it discourages people from flying out of Aberdeen International Airport. Mr. Craig argued that a small fee would suffice for drop-offs, emphasizing that it doesn’t wear out the tarmac.
Airport’s response to the situation
A spokesman for Aberdeen Airport clarified that the land where the hotels are located is not owned by the airport. They reminded travelers of the long-stay car park, which offers a free 60-minute period for customers. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the airport will address the growing discontent among its users and whether any adjustments to the current policies will be made.
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