Airport roads and car parks are usually private land, so each airport sets its own Blue Badge rules. Edinburgh, for example, points out that the Blue Badge scheme does not operate on its road system.
Drop-off charges: exempt or not?
- Exempt or free (registration may be needed): Heathrow (100% discount via a Blue Badge Account — apply at least 7 days ahead), Gatwick (register the vehicle with Times24), Manchester (show the badge to the traffic marshals; drop-off only), Edinburgh (one hour free in any car park, including the drop-off zones).
- Free time instead: Birmingham (30 minutes in Premium Set Down — validate at the NCP cabin), London City (10 minutes in the drop-off area or 60 minutes in Pick-Up, after registering), Liverpool (up to 40 minutes — send your documents first), Glasgow and Aberdeen (30 minutes in the multi-storey/short stay).
- Not exempt: Stansted's Express Set Down and Luton's main Drop Off and Pick Up Zone have no Blue Badge concession — Luton offers 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1 instead.
Taking your badge abroad
If you need the badge with you on holiday, several airports issue a temporary permit to display instead — including Birmingham, Jersey and the Isle of Man. Glasgow and Southampton have specific steps if you arrive by taxi.
Island airports
At Stornoway, Kirkwall and Sumburgh, Blue Badge holders travelling off the island are exempt from parking charges.
Always check the airport page before you travel — the details and any registration deadlines are listed there.