London Luton Airport: An Overview
London Luton Airport is an international airport located in the town of Luton, Bedfordshire, just 35 miles north of London. It serves as a base for several airlines, including easyJet and Ryanair, and hosts flights to over 70 destinations across Europe and Northern Africa.
With over 16 million passengers passing through its gates annually, London Luton Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom. Despite its size, the airport prides itself on offering a quick and efficient travel experience, with minimal wait times at check-in and security.
The airport has a single terminal building, which houses all of its facilities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. Passengers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and access to charging points for electronic devices.
For those driving to the airport, London Luton offers a range of parking options, including short and long-stay car parks and a drop-off zone for those being dropped off by car. Public transportation options include frequent bus services to and from Luton Airport Parkway railway station, which offers connections to London and other destinations across the country.
Overall, London Luton Airport offers a convenient and stress-free travel experience, with a range of facilities and services designed to make the journey as comfortable as possible.
Terminals at London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport is a significant airport located in the borough of Luton, Bedfordshire, England. The airport has one main terminal building that caters to both domestic and international passengers. The terminal underwent significant upgrades and renovation in 2018 that saw an expansion of the retail and dining options available to passengers.
The terminal building at London Luton Airport has several levels, with arrivals and baggage reclaim located on the ground floor. Departures, security, and check-in are located on the first floor. Passengers can access the terminal using various means of transportation, including trains, buses, taxis, and private cars.
The airport’s terminal features a wide range of facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of passengers. There are several shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars located throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to enjoy a meal, drink, or snack before their flight. Additionally, there are several lounges located within the terminal for passengers to relax in before their flight.
For passengers that require assistance, the airport provides special assistance services such as wheelchairs, assistance dogs, and dedicated staff that help passengers with mobility issues. The terminal also has several baby changing facilities, prayer rooms, and showers for passengers to freshen up before or after their flight.
Overall, the terminal building at London Luton Airport is well-equipped to cater to the needs of passengers traveling through the airport. With various amenities and services available, passengers can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from London Luton Airport: easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Blue Air, EL AL, Sun Express, Pegasus Airlines, and Balkan Holidays.
EasyJet serves over 80 destinations, including popular European cities such as Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Prague. Wizz Air operates flights to Eastern Europe and Greece, with destinations including Budapest, Warsaw, and Athens.
Ryanair offers a range of domestic and international routes, with flights to Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow as well as destinations across Europe. TUI Airways operates holiday flights to popular sun and beach destinations, such as Alicante, Faro, and Tenerife.
Blue Air operates flights to Romania, Italy, and Spain, while EL AL offers direct flights to Tel Aviv. Sun Express operates flights to Turkey, and Pegasus Airlines serves several destinations in Turkey and beyond.
Balkan Holidays operates seasonal flights to Bulgaria and Montenegro. Some airlines may change their routes seasonally, so it is best to check with the airline or airport before booking.
Transportation at London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport is located approximately 35 miles north of central London and serves as a hub for low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair. While the airport is not directly connected to London’s underground rail network, there are several transportation options available for travelers.
One of the most popular options is the shuttle bus service that runs between the airport and Luton Airport Parkway railway station. The shuttle service runs every ten minutes during peak hours and takes just five minutes to reach the railway station. From there, travelers can catch a train to London St. Pancras International which takes around 25 minutes.
For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located within the airport terminal. Rental cars can be booked in advance or upon arrival and offer travelers the flexibility to explore the surrounding area at their own pace.
Another option is to take a shuttle bus to nearby towns and cities. There are several shuttle bus companies that operate services between the airport and destinations such as Milton Keynes, Northampton, and Cambridge. These services run at regular intervals throughout the day and provide a convenient and affordable option for travelers.
If you prefer to travel by train, there are two train lines that serve Luton Airport Parkway station. The first is the Thameslink line which provides direct services to central London as well as destinations in the south and east of England. The second is the East Midlands Trains line which provides services to destinations in the north of England and Scotland.
In addition to these options, there are also several taxi and private hire companies that operate from the airport terminal. These services can be booked in advance or upon arrival and offer travelers a convenient and comfortable option for transport to their final destination.
Overall, there are several transportation options available for travelers at London Luton Airport. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or catch a train, there are plenty of options to suit every budget and travel preference.
Parking Options at London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers to choose from. The airport has both short and long-term parking options, depending on the length of your trip. Short-term parking is available for up to five hours and is conveniently located right next to the terminal building.
If you are traveling for a longer period, then the long-term car park would be a better option. The long-term car park offers shuttle bus service to the terminal building, which runs every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. There is also a mid-term car park available, which is ideal for travelers who need to park for several days.
The cost of parking at London Luton Airport varies depending on the duration of your stay. Short-term parking rates start at £8 for up to five hours, while long-term parking rates start at £7.99 per day. Mid-term parking rates start at £6.99 per day.
There are also other parking options available, such as priority parking, which allows you to park closer to the terminal building for an additional fee. Valet parking is also available for those who prefer a more convenient parking experience.
Check-In Procedures
At London Luton Airport, passengers have several options for check-in. The first option is online check-in, which can be done up to 24 hours before your flight’s departure time. This method allows you to select your seat, print your boarding pass, and skip the queues at the airport.
The second option is self-service check-in, which is available at the airport’s kiosks. Passengers can easily use these kiosks to check-in, select their seats, and print their boarding passes. The kiosks are available 24/7 and are located in the terminal building.
Finally, the traditional check-in method is also available at the airport. Passengers can check-in at the airline’s desk and drop off any checked baggage. It’s recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s departure time if using the traditional check-in method.
Regardless of which check-in method you choose, it’s important to have all necessary travel documents and identification on hand. This includes your passport (if flying internationally), visa (if required), and any relevant boarding passes or travel vouchers. By being prepared and choosing the check-in method that best suits your needs, you can make the start of your journey at London Luton Airport as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Security Procedures and Tips
At London Luton Airport, security is taken very seriously. The security team works closely with the police and other agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for passengers.
To make your security check as smooth as possible, you should arrive at the airport in plenty of time before your flight, and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and identification ready.
You should also remove any liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 100ml from your hand luggage and place them in a clear plastic bag. All electronics should be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray for scanning.
Make sure to wear easily removable shoes and any metal objects, such as belts and watches, should be taken off before going through the metal detector.
Finally, be prepared to follow any instructions given by the security staff and remember that they are there to help keep you safe.
Customs and Immigration at London Luton Airport
For arriving passengers, after disembarking the aircraft, they will proceed to Passport Control. Here, passports will be checked to confirm whether passengers are allowed to enter the UK.
After this, passengers will collect their luggage from the baggage reclaim area and pass through Customs, where they may be asked if they have any goods to declare.
For departing passengers, they will check in their luggage and proceed through security checks. Passport control is completed prior to boarding the aircraft, so there is no need for departing passengers to go through this process again.
Amenities
- Restaurants and cafés, including fast food chains and coffee shops
- Duty-free and luxury shops selling perfume, clothing, and souvenirs
- Lounges with complimentary food and drinks, charging points, and Wi-Fi
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Baby changing facilities and children’s play area
- Prayer room for religious observation
- Car rental desks and parking facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Accessibility services for passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities
Accessibility Services
London Luton Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. These include, but are not limited to, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and tactile paving throughout the airport. Assistance can be requested through the airport’s Special Assistance Provider, Omniserv, who offer a Meet & Assist service and assistance with boarding and disembarking the aircraft.
Connecting Flights at London Luton Airport: Tips and Process
Connecting flights at London Luton Airport can be stressful, but with the right information, you can make it through smoothly. First, ensure you have enough time between flights, at least 2-3 hours, to avoid missing your second flight.
Check if your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination. If not, you’ll need to collect them and check in again at the connecting airline’s desk. Take note of the gate number for your second flight, and if it’s different from your first, make sure you know how to get there.
When you disembark from your first flight, follow the signs for connecting flights. You may need to go through passport control or security again. Keep your travel documents handy and don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance if needed. If you have time, grab a snack or meal before your next flight.
Finally, arrive at your gate at least 30 minutes before your flight departs. Boarding typically begins around 45 minutes before takeoff, so don’t be late. With these tips, you can make your connection at London Luton Airport with ease.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival at London Luton Airport, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage. Baggage carousels can be located on the ground floor of the terminal building.
In the event that a passenger’s baggage is lost or damaged, they should report it immediately to the airport’s baggage services desk. Staff will ask for a detailed description of the lost or damaged item and provide a unique reference number for tracking purposes.
Passengers can also track the status of their lost baggage online using the WorldTracer system. If the baggage is found, it will be delivered to the passenger’s chosen destination, free of charge. If the baggage is not found within 21 days, passengers may be eligible for compensation.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
London Luton Airport has a comprehensive emergency plan in place, which includes a team of highly trained professionals who are available 24/7 to respond to any emergency situation. The airport also has a fully equipped medical centre with experienced staff who can provide first aid treatment and emergency medical care.
In the event of a medical emergency, passengers can contact the medical centre by dialling the emergency number displayed throughout the airport. The medical centre is located near the departure gates and is accessible to all passengers.
Additionally, the airport has several defibrillators, which are strategically placed throughout the terminal building for easy access. These life-saving machines can be used in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. Passengers can also request wheelchair assistance or special needs assistance if required.
Overall, London Luton Airport takes the safety and well-being of its passengers very seriously and has made every effort to ensure that emergency procedures and medical facilities are readily available to all passengers as and when needed.
Hotel Accommodations
If you’re looking for a comfortable stay near London Luton Airport, you won’t be disappointed. There are plenty of hotel options available, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Here are five hotels located within a short distance of the airport:
1. ibis budget Luton Airport (0.3 miles)
2. Holiday Inn Express London Luton Airport (0.6 miles)
3. Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport (0.7 miles)
4. Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport (1 mile)
5. Hilton Garden Inn Luton North (2.3 miles)
Each of these hotels offers modern rooms and convenient amenities, making them ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
Useful Tips
As a busy airport, London Luton can be overwhelming at times. However, with some insider tips, you can navigate it with ease and even enjoy your time there.
Firstly, arrive early to avoid rushing and long queues. Consider downloading the airport’s app to stay updated on flight information and security wait times.
If you have time to spare, check out the airport’s shops, restaurants, and lounge areas. The Aspire Lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, and even showers.
For budget-conscious travelers, bring your own snacks and water bottle to save money on food and drink purchases.
Finally, if you need a place to rest or work, head to the Regus Express Business Center. It offers private booths with desks, phones, and charging points for a fee.
Contact Information
– Airline information desk: 01582 405100
– Luggage storage: 01582 404230
– Lost property: 01582 395219
– Airport police: 01582 395288
– Customer services: 01582 878738
– Car parking: 0345 303 7397
– Executive lounge: 01582 395382
– PRM assistance: 01582 878747
Airports Near London Luton Airport
In addition to London Luton Airport, there are a few other airports in the vicinity that travelers may want to consider:
- London Heathrow Airport: Approximately 35 miles south of London Luton Airport, London Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world. Transportation options include the Heathrow Express train, the London Underground, buses, and taxis.
- London Gatwick Airport: Located approximately 70 miles south of London Luton, Gatwick is another major airport in the London area. Transportation options include the Gatwick Express train, buses, and taxis.
- London Stansted Airport: About 28 miles east of London Luton, Stansted is a popular airport for low-cost carriers. Transportation options include trains, buses, and taxis.
When deciding which airport to fly into or out of, travelers should consider factors such as flight availability, cost, and travel time to and from the airport.