Luton Airport Guide

Luton Airport comes fifth in UK’s airport rankings by size and capacity. It has one terminal which according to recent statistics serves 14 million passengers on an annual basis. Despite having only one main terminal, Luton Airport has all the essential facilities necessary for air travel. These include facilities for onsite and offsite accommodation, public and private transport and enough convenient stores and restaurants to cater for the needs of both domestic and international travelers. Additionally, the airport has special assistance facilities for business travelers, children, and the disabled travelers. This Luton Airport guide will help you to find your way around Luton airport whether you are a domestic or long-haul traveler.

Luton Airport’s Terminal

This airport has one terminal which is used by nine scheduled airlines. There are certain key charter carriers that operate in this terminal thus making it a relatively busy airport in the UK. Annually, Luton Airport holds an approximate of more than 9 million passengers. Right along the length of the terminal's wall opposite the entrance and exists you will find the terminal’s check in desks. One can access the departure and arrival lounges through the walkway, which is located in the main terminal building. Other than the manual check in that occurs at the kiosks in the terminal building, passengers are allowed to do self-service check in online on the Luton Airport Website. The following are standard check in times;

•    Domestic flights - check in 90 minutes before departure

•    European flights – check in 2 hours before departure

•    International flights – check in 3 hours before departure

The boarding time for all flights is usually 45 minutes before departure, which is a time frame agreeable across the majority of the airlines. The terminal has a Left Luggage facility that allows travelers to leave their belongings for a period of up to 24 hours. This facility is located next to Outsize Buggage in the check in hall.

Terminal Facilities

The main terminal at Luton Airport has the following facilities in the Check in and Departures areas:

•    Bureau de Change

•    Cash Dispensers

•    Food and drinks

•    Pay phones

•    Internet access

•    Information points

Transport facilities at Luton Airport

Luton airport is highly accessible by both public and private transportation at any time. Travelers can choose from a wide variety of transportation services which include National Express coaches, trains, taxis, and buses. The high availability of car hire services and the presence of motorways and major roads leading to the airport also serves as an option that most travelers would consider. There is a wide range of options for those who prefer to drive their way to the airport or around London. The cheap parking at the Luton airport enhances the convenience of those travelers who drive to the airport. The EasyBus service operates from London Luton to London Central and its coaches run every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day. Similar services are also provided by Greenline 757.

Accommodation facilities at Luton Airport

For the travelers that prefer to stay around the airport in order to avoid the early morning hassles of airport transfers, Luton has got you covered with its onsite accommodation facilities. The Holiday Inn Express is the closest hotel to Luton Airport and features all of the desirable characteristics of a business and family accommodation facility. The other on-site hotel is the Ibis Hotel, which offers a great deal of modern accommodation for those on a budget. Other offsite hotels include Ramada Encore, Hampton by Hilton and the Chiltern Hotel among others.