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Free alternatives at major UK airports including long-stay car parks and nearby hotels can save travellers up to £7 per drop-off

Jetting off on holiday can often come with a hefty bill, from flights and accommodation to meals, not to mention the added cost of getting dropped off at the airport. However, if you’re keen to save a bit of dosh on your next trip, there are some clever ways to sidestep the ‘kiss and fly’ charge.

Most major UK airports slap a fee on holidaymakers just for being dropped off outside the departures lounge, whether it’s by taxi or a mate giving you a lift. While it’s handy to be dropped off a stone’s throw from the check-in desk, the ‘kiss and fly’ tax is an extra expense many would prefer to dodge.

Charges start from £7 for a 10-minute drop-off at Bristol, Gatwick, Luton or Leeds Bradford airports, with an additional quid charged for each extra minute in some instances. Meanwhile, London Heathrow imposes a flat fee of £6 for a maximum stay of just 10 minutes, set to rise to £7 in the New Year.

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However, nearly all UK airports have alternative spots where you can be dropped off for free, often just a short stroll from the terminal. One of the most convenient options is to be dropped off at one of the airport’s long-stay car parks, many of which offer a free 10-minute stay.

You can usually walk to the terminal from these car parks, or alternatively, catch one of the complimentary shuttle buses. Even if other car parks are a tad further from the terminals, such as short or mid-stay, you can still take advantage of the free shuttle service, even without parking your motor there, reports the Express.

Another savvy trick to dodge additional fees is getting dropped off at a nearby hotel. Many hotels are conveniently located near major airports, offering a short stroll to the terminal – just make sure to check the estimated walking time.

You might even manage to get dropped off at a close-by train station or a safe spot just before entering the airport grounds. Some airports also provide a designated free drop-off zone, or a ‘free waiting area’, which can range from 15 minutes up to a generous hour.

Given that each UK airport has different zones, charges, and time limits for free drop-offs, it’s wise to check directly on the airport’s website. Naturally, you can employ the same tactic when returning to the UK, as long as the person picking you up knows your exact location.

Got a travel story or trick you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

ATLANTA — James Harden had 27 points and nine assists, and the Clippers ended a five-game losing streak with a 115-92 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night in their first game after deciding to move on without Chris Paul.

Kawhi Leonard had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Ivica Zubac contributed 14 points and 17 rebounds for the Clippers, who won for just the sixth time this season.

Earlier in the day, the Clippers sent home 12-time All-Star Paul, who was averaging 2.3 points in what is expected to be the final season of his 21-year NBA career. He played in 16 of the Clippers’ 21 games in his return to the franchise where he had some of the best years of his career.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 21 points. Dyson Daniels added 15 points and two steals.

Jalen Johnson, who leads the Hawks in points (23.2), rebounds (10.0) and assists (7.2), was a late scratch with right calf tightness. Kristaps Porzingas (illness) also missed the game, and guard Trae Young is still a few weeks away from returning from a knee injury.

The result was a disjointed first half that saw the Hawks shoot 38% from the field with 11 turnovers and just eight assists. The Clippers led 55-41, then scored the first five points of the second half to push the lead to 19. The Hawks never pulled within 13 the rest of the game.

Harden was aggressive for the Clippers from the start, taking 12 shots in the first quarter. He finished 11 of 24, and had no free throw attempts for the first time this season and just the second time in two years. Harden is third in the league at 8.0 free-throw attempts per game.