Airport drop-offs, supermarket shopping bags, email storage space and other former freebies you now need to pay for

With companies now charging for many of the freebies Brits once took for granted, we reveal our top tips to help you buck this trend.

It often feels like someone is demanding money from us at every turn.

And it can be even more galling when the thing we’re asked to pay for was once free of charge – whether that’s a supermarket trolley or soft drink refill in a restaurant chain.

Admittedly, none of these charges will break the bank individually.

Collectively, however, they represent a gradual drain on our finances during tough times.

In this article, we look at six of the sneakiest examples – and how you can avoid these hidden fees.

1. Dropping someone off at the airport

Running a friend or family member to Departures was once a simple, free favour.

However, many airports have turned this good deed into a lucrative revenue stream.

According to a recent report from the RAC, short-stay airport drop-off fees have soared to record highs in 2025, with most terminals charging up to £7 to park for just a few minutes.

Additionally, the analysis revealed that 11 of the UK’s 20 largest airports have increased costs over the past 12 months.

Interestingly, most major European terminals still offer a complimentary service for brief stops.

How to fight back

Many airports offer free drop-off areas located a little further from the terminal, usually with a complimentary shuttle bus.

Planning ahead and checking airport maps online can help you avoid unnecessary charges.

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2. Shopping bags

There was a time when no one thought twice about being handed a plastic bag at the supermarket checkout.

Today, you’ll need to pay at least 10p for the privilege – and more for a sturdier ‘bag for life’.

In fact, research from The Sun found that chains such as Superdrug and Boots charge £1 for a so-called ‘long-life’ carrier bag.

How to fight back

Keep a few reusable bags in your car boot, handbag or coat pocket. Foldable tote bags are another great lightweight option that can fit almost anywhere.

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3. Free drink refills

Until recently, unlimited refills on soft drinks had been a common feature in many fast-food chains. These could be a great way to cut costs when taking the kids out for pizza on a Saturday afternoon.

However, such bottomless drinks are becoming increasingly rare due to cost-cutting measures and concerns over sugar consumption.

In fact, the Welsh Government is looking to ban free refills in larger restaurants and takeaways as of 2026.

How to fight back

If you’re keen to reduce your sugar intake, most restaurant chains should offer you free unlimited tap water to accompany your meal.

Under the Licensing Act 2023, which applies to England and Wales, all premises that sell alcohol must also provide free tap water to customers.

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4. Email storage

Email used to feel like a limitless space.

However, tech giants are increasingly introducing caps on free storage.

Google, for example, offers just 15GB for Gmail, Google Drive and Photos combined. Once you reach that limit, you'll pay £1.59 per month for 100GB.

How to fight back

To free up space, regularly delete large email attachments and empty your spam and trash folders.

Also, consider downloading and saving older attachments to an external drive or cloud storage provider.

5. Gift wrapping in department stores

Complimentary gift wrapping was once a standard service in most department stores.

Although some retailers still offer this feature, it isn’t as common as in previous years, with many companies charging between £3 and £6.

Alternatively, you may receive free wrapping on items with a higher price tag – for instance, Ralph Lauren offers a free service on purchases above £100.

Even online retailers that once provided complimentary wrapping for special occasions now typically add it as a chargeable extra at the checkout.

How to fight back

Sadly, there isn’t much you can do about this one, except being prepared to get stuck in yourself. Remember, the underlying value of the gift should be your first consideration and free wrapping is just an added perk.

That said, some retailers still provide gift bags for free if you ask nicely, especially during the festive season.