5 Airport Traps That Could Add £100+ to Your Summer Holiday

With summer holidays fast approaching, millions of Brits are gearing up to jet off. But new research suggests many could be walking straight into costly airport traps before they’ve even boarded the plane. From overpriced parking to overlooked taxi savings, experts warn small decisions made before leaving home could quietly add £100 or more to the cost of your trip.

According to new data from Confused.com, many travellers are unknowingly paying over the odds,  often without even realising there are cheaper options. Here are the 5 biggest airport traps to avoid before your next getaway.

Trap 1: Airport Parking Prices That Quietly Spiral

Airport parking is often seen as the easy option, but convenience can come at a serious cost.

Airport parking prices soar: UK travellers paying up to £189 for four-day stays, new research reveals. UK airport parking costs on average £93.90 for short stay parking and £59 for long stay options. Each quoted for a 4-day stay, with some short stay options costing as much as £189.

While short stay and meet-and-greet options are typically closer to terminals, that convenience often comes with premium pricing,  sometimes nearly doubling what travellers expect to pay.

Trap 2: Ignoring Taxis, Even When They’re Cheaper

Despite airport parking being the default for many, taxis are often a cheaper alternative especially for families or groups.

In comparison, UK holidaygoers say they have spent £92 on average for a round-trip taxi (£46 each way). But with taxis costing 34% less on average than airport parking fees, people may consider this, so they have more spending money. Yet most travellers aren’t doing the basic comparison:

Despite taxis being a significantly cheaper cost, only 1 in 4 (23%) people say they actively compare the price of taxis with airport parking when planning their trip.

Trap 3: Where You Fly From Can Change the Price Dramatically

Not all airports are equal when it comes to pricing and where you fly from could be costing you more than you think. Data reveals that short stay parking in England is 90% more expensive than in Scotland, and 17% higher than the UK average. In fact, regional differences show just how wide the gap is:

Some smaller Scottish airports even offer free parking, a stark contrast to the highest-priced locations.

Trap 4: Booking Quickly but Not Smartly

Many travellers believe booking early guarantees the best price, but when it comes to airport transfers, rushing decisions can backfire.

According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults with passports, almost 1 in 5 (19%) say they book their airport transfers at the same time as their flight. This “book it and forget it” approach can mean missing cheaper alternatives entirely.

It’s no surprise that. Many might assume that parking is a better money-saving choice than taking a taxi. But more than 1 in 4 (28%) of those who have used airport parking said they were surprised by the cost.

Trap 5: Hidden Costs Beyond the Price Tag

Even when travellers focus on price, other factors can quietly add stress and unexpected costs. Overall, cost is the top concern for more than 2 in 5 (42%) travellers when deciding how to get to the airport, followed closely by convenience (40%) and time efficiency (37%).

But there are wider concerns too. A third (34%) worry about their car being damaged while parked and 1 in 5 (19%) even worry their car could be stolen.

At the same time, almost 1 in 3 (31%) are concerned about the time it takes to get from the car park to the terminal. A quarter (24%) fear delays due to slow shuttle services. What looks like the “easiest” option can often come with hidden trade-offs.

In response to this, Confused.com has launched airport journey planner to help drivers understand the best option for them when heading to the airport. All they need to do is type in their address, airport, luggage and passenger details. Then, our tool will compare costs for local taxi companies versus airport parking fees.

Quick Tips to Avoid Airport Cost Traps

• Compare parking vs taxi costs don’t assume one is cheaper

• Check different parking types, short stay, long stay, park & ride

• Factor in hidden costs like shuttle time and fuel

• Consider splitting a taxi if travelling with others

• Book ahead but only after comparing options properly

• Look at regional differences if you have multiple airport option