The parking mistake at Manchester Airport that could cost holidaymakers over £300

Holidaymakers are being charged up to four times more for parking at Manchester 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.

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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), Birmingham (£392 compared with £150 in advance) and Gatwick (£180 compared with £106 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."

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A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "Manchester Airport offers a range of parking products to suit all budgets.

"We always recommend passengers book in advance as this will help them to secure the best price and helps us to manage available capacity in the car parks