Luton Airport. A long way from Paradise!

Posted: 29 Sep 2011 in Blog Travel Blog

Why are there always such massive queues at Luton Airport in the early morning? Some claim it’s because the cheapest flights leave at ungodly hours. I’m not so sure. What do you think?

Arriving recently at crack of dawn, I found a mass of taxis obstructing the entrance.  There was no drop off point, adding to the chaos. Then, once I managed to negotiate my way into the departure area – it got worse.

The lines for check in snaked around the airport.  The scrum for security was a joke.  Last year a whistle blower claimed that the cause of the massive security queues was down to the new fee the airport had introduced for fast track priority lanes.

Until that point, he alleged, security staff had been told to keep the lines moving. Now however, they were instructed to do the opposite. The airport, of course, denied this.

In any case, it doesn’t make sense.  If everyone pays to join a priority queue, surely the priority queue just gets longer! Of course some people will always pay to get preferential treatment.  To get their favourite seat on the plane.  To be the first to disembark. 

I’ve never seen the point of speed boarding. You’re with your husband, wife or companions until the moment you board. And re-united as soon as you disembark.  What’s the problem? As to the seating arrangements, I don’t mind sitting in the middle seat, so why would I pay extra not to?

What’s your opinion – on these or other travel issues?

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