Airport Runs or Local Jobs? What’s the best strategy for taxi driver ‘Kipper Season’?
- Perry Richardson
- Feb 24
- 2 min read
The first quarter of the year is the toughest period for taxi drivers across the UK. January, February, and March typically bring a significant drop in demand as people recover from the festive season, cut back on spending, and stay indoors during colder months. April can be equally unpredictable, with Easter school holidays disrupting regular travel patterns.
With fewer passengers on the streets, drivers must decide how best to navigate this quieter period—known in the trade as “Kipper Season”—to maintain a steady income while keeping costs down. The two main approaches are ranking at airports in search of higher fares or staying local and picking up smaller but more frequent jobs from the streets and ranks. Each has its advantages and drawbacks.
The Airport Strategy
Many drivers are drawn to airports for one simple reason: a guaranteed fare. A trip to or from an airport is often more lucrative than a short local ride, particularly if the airport is situated a fair way outside the city. With regular ranks in place, taxi drivers can wait for passengers without using extra fuel to search for work.
However, this strategy comes with risks. During Kipper Season, the number of drivers at airports often increases, leading to longer waiting times between jobs. With fewer flights and reduced passenger numbers, some drivers may find themselves waiting hours for a single fare. If the job is only a shorter than hoped for trip, the time spent queuing may not justify the earnings.
Despite this, some drivers prefer the predictability of airport work. Even with the risk of long waits, a handful of well-paid fares throughout the day can sometimes be enough to meet daily income targets.
The Local Approach
Other drivers take the opposite route, staying in the city and picking up local fares. While individual jobs may be lower in value, the aim is to complete more trips in a shorter time. Some drivers use taxi apps to increase their chances of securing work, while others only rely on traditional ranks and street hails.
This approach has its own challenges. With fewer people using taxis in the early months of the year, drivers may still find themselves waiting longer between jobs. Fuel costs must also be considered—constant driving in search of fares can quickly eat into profits.
That said, those who know their local market well may find consistent work by focusing on areas where demand remains steady. Some drivers prefer this method as it allows them to remain active rather than waiting in long queues at the airport.
Finding the Right Balance
There is no single correct strategy. Every driver works differently and has different priorities and circumstances. Some prefer the security of fewer but larger fares from the airport, while others value the flexibility of local work. The key is to balance income potential with expenses, ensuring that fuel and waiting time do not erode profits.
Many experienced drivers adjust their approach based on daily conditions. If airport queues are too long, they may return to the city. If the streets are empty, they may give the airport a try. Kipper season is a test of patience and strategy, but those who adapt best will come through with the least disruption to their earnings.
