Heading off on holiday can come with a hefty price tag, from booked flights and accommodation to food, and the added expense of being dropped off at the airport. However, if you’re looking to save some extra cash on your next getaway, there are a few nifty ways to dodge the ‘kiss and fly’ tax.

Most of the major UK airports charge holidaymakers just to be dropped off outside the departures area, whether it’s by a taxi or a lift from a friend. While it’s convenient to arrive just steps away from checking in your luggage, the tax, known as ‘kiss and fly’, is an extra cost many would rather avoid.

Prices start from £7 for 10 minutes for drop-offs at either Bristol, Gatwick, Luton or Leeds Bradford airport, with an additional £1 for each extra minute in some cases. Meanwhile, London Heathrow charges a set fee of £6 for a maximum stay of a mere 10 minutes, which is set to increase to £7 in the New Year.

However, nearly all UK airports have alternative areas where you can be dropped off for free, and many require just a short walk from the airport. One of the most convenient is being dropped off at one of the airports’ long-stay carparks, with many offering a free 10-minute stay.

Often, you can walk to the airport from these car parks, or alternatively, you can hop on one of the free shuttle buses. If other car parks are a little further away from the terminals, short or mid-stay, you can still make use of the free shuttle service, despite not parking your car there.

Another clever way to avoid extra charges is by being dropped off at a nearby hotel. There are often hotels located near major airports, and they are conveniently situated for a short walk to the airport – just be sure to check the estimated travel time.

You may even be able to be dropped off at a nearby train station or in a safe area just before entering the airport site. Alternatively, some airports offer a designated free drop-off area, or a ‘free waiting zone’, which can vary from 15 minutes to a generous hour.

With each UK airport having different areas, charges, and timeframes for free drop-offs, it’s best to check directly on the airport’s website. And, of course, you can use the same hack when arriving back in the UK too, as long as you ensure the person picking you up knows exactly where you’ll be.