How do I pay Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

Heathrow Airport has implemented a £5 drop-off charge to manage traffic congestion and improve the passenger experience.

This charge applies to all vehicles entering the terminal drop-off zones.

While it might seem like a small fee, you have to understand how to pay it correctly to avoid potential penalties.

I will guide you through the process step-by-step.

What is the Heathrow Drop-Off Charge?

The Heathrow drop-off charge is a £5 fee imposed on all vehicles entering the terminal drop-off zones at Heathrow Airport.

The charge is designed to discourage short-stay parking and promote the use of public transport or airport car parks for passenger drop-offs.

It’s important to note that this charge applies to every entry into the drop-off zone, regardless of the number of passengers you are dropping off.

You have a few options for when to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge:

Pay in Advance: This is a convenient option if you know your drop-off date in advance. You can pre-pay for multiple trips, and the charge is valid for 12 months. Any unused funds will expire after this period.
Pay on the Day: If you didn’t pre-pay, you can pay the charge on the same day you drop off your passenger. You must do this before midnight to avoid a penalty.
Pay the Following Day: You have until midnight the following day to pay the charge. However, if you miss this deadline, you’ll incur a £80 penalty charge notice (PCN), which can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.

There are three primary methods to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge:

Online: This is the most common and convenient method. You can visit the Heathrow Airport website and follow the simple steps to make a payment. You’ll need your vehicle registration number to complete the transaction.
By Phone: Heathrow Airport provides an automated telephone service for those who prefer not to pay online. You can call the designated number and follow the prompts to make your payment.
Autopay: If you frequently use Heathrow Airport, you might consider setting up an autopay option. This allows you to automatically pay the charge for each drop-off.

Unfortunately, there are limited exemptions from the Heathrow drop-off charge.

These generally apply to vehicles used for specific operational purposes or those with disability badges.

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation to Heathrow Airport.

Failing to pay the Heathrow drop-off charge will result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £80.

This amount can be reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.

You have to pay the charge or the PCN promptly to avoid further action.

If you’ve already paid the Heathrow drop-off charge but still receive a PCN, you should appeal.

You can do this online or by contacting Heathrow Airport’s customer services.

Make sure to provide all necessary evidence, such as your payment confirmation.

In certain circumstances, you might be eligible for a refund.

For instance, if you paid for a drop-off but didn’t use the service, you might be able to claim a refund.

However, the process can vary, so it’s best to contact Heathrow Airport directly for guidance.

Heathrow Airport allows you to check your payment history online.

You can access this information by logging into your account or using the reference number provided when you made the payment.

To avoid the Heathrow drop-off charge, you should consider using alternative transportation options.

Public transport links to Heathrow are excellent, and there are several car parks offering meet-and-greet services.

These options might be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have multiple passengers or luggage.