'Serious financial sting' for holidaymakers parking at Gatwick
Which? has been looking at prices at airports across the country
Holidaymakers are being charged almost twice as much more for parking at Gatwick Airport if they pay on arrival rather than in advance, according to new research.
Consumer group Which? said its analysis of prices at 16 UK airport car parks revealed the "serious financial sting".
It compared prices for a week's stay in mid-August paid for on the day with those paid in advance four months earlier.
The seven-day price at the West Sussex site was £180 if booked on the day, compared with £106 if booked in advance.
The largest price difference was at Manchester airport, where paying on arrival was £406, compared with just £95 if booked in advance.
Other airports charging a significant premium for travellers who pay on the day include Heathrow (£583 compared with £190 in advance) and Birmingham (£392 compared with £150 in advance).
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said:
"When you're planning a holiday, sorting out your airport parking can easily slip down your to-do list, but our research found leaving it to the last minute can come with a serious financial sting.
"Take the time to shop around and compare the options on offer - comparison sites can be a great starting point - and book early wherever possible to lock in the best price.
"It's also worth comparing off-site and onsite options, as further away doesn't necessarily mean cheaper."
Mr Boland added that holidaymakers should consider "unconventional options" such as renting someone's driveway or garage, although he acknowledged this "may not be for everyone" due to concerns about vehicle security.
Many airports offer free options for dropping passengers off in mid or long-stay car parks connected to terminals by buses.