Greatest savings at Manchester Airport.
Holidaymakers can expect to double their airport costs if they pay on the day for key facilities rather than booking in advance.
The claim comes after research by online travel agent On the Beach which compares the difference in cost between the advance prices of three key airport facilities for a couple, compared to what they might have to pay on the day.
The research looked into a one-night stay at an airport hotel, seven nights parking or transportation and access to a lounge at airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham.
The greatest savings can be found at Manchester Airport, where couples can save a huge £176 on airport costs by booking in advance, with Heathrow following closely behind. London’s main airport saw guests saving more than 45 per cent by checking out deals in the weeks and days before departure. Travellers flying from Edinburgh International airport can save almost 40 per cent on facilities booked in advance..
The huge difference in price was particularly evident when booking airport parking, with couples saving a whopping £134 by finding an online bargain. Shockingly, if waiting and paying at the airport holidaymakers could incur costs of up to 83 per cent more.
Alistair Daly, Chief Marketing Manager at On the Beach, said: “With many people still feeling the pinch, it’s no doubt welcome news to hear that holidaymakers can save substantial amounts of money by booking early. Although many holidaymakers wait to book last minute bargains, this research shows for those booking airport facilities, pre-planning not only eases stress on the day, but can also save money to treat themselves in-resort.”
| Airport | Advance price | ‘Pay on the day’ price | Total money Saved/ percentage saving |
| Birmingham | £189 | £235 | £46 (20%) |
| Edinburgh | £182 | £297 | £115 (39%) |
| London Gatwick | £165 | £253 | £88 (35%) |
| London Heathrow | £133 | £229 | £96 (46%) |
| Manchester | £175 | £351 | £176 (50%) |
