A man says he is appalled by an airport's short stay parking fees that he will never fly out of Manchester again.
Nick Shaw was left fuming after being forced to fork out £20 for two hours' parking at Terminal 2 last month.
The 64-year-old, from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, has now told the ManchesterEveningNews that he is that disgusted he will avoid Manchester Airport all together.
The dad says that as well as his £20 fee, his daughter also paid £12 to park a hire car in the same multi-storey car park for less than an hour.
He said he only went to help her and her young family with their baggage last month.
Even though he knew prices were high, Mr Shaw feels it is unacceptable to charge so much for such a short period of time.
"It's unfair," he said. "I was left with no alternative.
"I know they are in business to make a profit and they have had a difficult two years.
"I understand that when someone has a captive market, they are going to take advantage of it but there is a limit.
"I was really quite wound up about it and I still feel strongly now."
Mr Shaw said he agreed to travel to the airport to assist his daughter, son-in-law and their two young children, who were flying back to Australia after a two-week visit.
After looking up the prices prior to making the journey on January 21, he said he was left 'stunned'. Parking charges at Manchester Airport were increased in November 2020 as part of a 'recovery' plan in response to the Covid pandemic.
Under the current fees, an hour's stay in a pick-up parking space costs £12, while a space for up to two hours sets drivers back £20.
A drop off area is also available at a price of £5 for five minutes and £6 for ten minutes. An overstay charge of £25.00 applies after 10 minutes.
Due to the amount of luggage his family had, the granddad said drop off was 'not an option' as it would not give them enough time.
Nor was returning their car to the hire village and travelling to the airport via a free bus service a viable option, he said.
"They had three trolley loads," added Mr Shaw.
"They unloaded the car and left the kids with us while they went to the car hire village.
"I had to park for two hours and that was £20. They parked for an hour but were only there for half an hour and they paid £12.
"I looked at the prices at Heathrow and it's cheaper there."
According to Heathrow Airport's website, it would cost a driver £14.50 for up to two hours in a space in one of its short stay car parks.
Mr Shaw says his experience has put him off visiting Manchester Airport again.
"For us, Manchester Airport is the airport of last resort," he explained.
"Not only because of the car parking but because of the airport experience.
"I don't find it a pleasant experience and I don't feel welcome as a customer. This was the last straw."
A Manchester Airport spokesman said: “We have a range of ground transport options available at the airport to suit every budget, including road, rail, tram, busses and coaches. We also have a free drop off option for passengers to use.
“Those passengers who want to be dropped off right outside the terminals can take advantage of our express drop off, which is £5 for five minutes and £6 for 10 minutes.
“For any passengers who need a little longer and choose to drop off in our multi storey car parks, then we would always advise booking in advance to get the best available price.
“All passengers using the car hire village can also take advantage of the free bus service that collects them from there, and then drops them off right outside the terminal buildings.
“While Mr Shaw’s situation is quite unique, he has paid the correct amount for the car park he chose to use.”
