Well guys.. Im outa here. Dont have time for Ciao any more but thanks for all the laughs, tears and ...
Well guys.. Im outa here. Dont have time for Ciao any more but thanks for all the laughs, tears and comments! Ciao!
Member since:02.01.2005
Reviews:40
Members who trust:28
Last year I booked a flight, and a few days before departure I realised that it was from London City Airport! I was a bit put out as I am used to flying from the big London and Manchester Airports, but now plan to use it as much as possible! Ive now used it a few times and thinks its great!
The growth of air travel has led to long queues and delays at airports worldwide. This has encouraged the growth of 'city airports.' These small, centrally located airports tend to be primarily aimed at the business traveller, who puts a premium on time. City airports generally offer central locations, often near to the financial districts, as well as shorter check in times and a hassle free environment. London City (LCY) certainly lives up to these expectations.
------------------------------------------------------------------- SO WHERE IS IT AND HOW DO I GET THERE? -------------------------------------------------------------------
Located in Silvertown, Docklands, the location used to be a bit of a disadvantage, as transport links were limited and the area was an industrial wasteland. This has now been completely
changed by the opening of the Dockalands Light Railway's LCY branch, which has a 'London City Airport station'. The new branch links the airport to Bank (with several stops in between) which can be reached in about 15 minutes! The station is connected to the airport terminal. By comparison, Heathrow takes about 45 min by tube from Central London, Gatwich 30 min and Stanstead aboit 45 min (both on expensive express trains.)
The airport is the only London airport which really is in London, (although Heathrow technically is in London, it's on the periphery).
There is (expensive) parking on site, and there are always taxi's waiting. It is also served by several local bus routes, including the 69 which links the airport to Canning Town tube. You can also get there by Taxi, and there are always a host of them waiting at the exit.
If you wanna splash out, try their valet parking service (not cheap!), contact 020 7646 0155
-------------------------------------- WHERE CAN I FLY TO? --------------------------------------
It can also be used as a 'regional airport' so you can connect at Amsterdam and fly anywhere with KLM.
AIrlines (some operate as 'codeshares') Air France Air Wales British Airways Cirrus Airlines Cityjet FlyBE KLM Jet Magic Lufthansa Luxair OLT ScotAirways Swiss VLM
------------------ CHECK IN ------------------
You only have to check in 10 minutes before departure!! This compares to 1-2 hours at most airports. Because the planes used are small, the queues are never that long as there arent that many passengers per plane!
Much the same as everywhere else (fortunately!) but without long queues. They are also very friendly which makes a welcome change! I dont mind this part taking a while though, as its obviosuly important!
------------------------------------------------------------- SHOPPING - THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE -------------------------------------------------------------
A disadvantage of the airport is that its shopping is severely limited compared to say, Heathrow. Howevere, there is a small range of shops which are quite useful. I believe that lots of people shop at the airport as they arrive very early and there isnt much else to do.
The late check in at LCY probably means you wouldnt have much time for shopping anyway. The departure lounge is essentially one very large room with comfortable leather sofas. Big windows offer view accross to the runway and beyond.
Current shops in the departure area:
Hughes and Hughes Bookshop - A decent bookshop from the Irish bookchain Hughes and Hughes (its their only UK branch)
When called, passengers go to the gate where you may have to sit for a few mins. You then WALK to the plane!
------------------------ ARRIVING BACK ------------------------
When arriving at Heahtrow, the places often ahve to circle for about 30 min before they can land, waiting for a slot. This has never happened to me at LCY. Flights also tend to arrive on time as there is less scope for things to go wrong with less passengers!
Passport control and baggage reclaim are quick and very fast indeed. When I last used the airport, I was literally out the building 10 minutes after the wheels touched the ground! There is the usual car hire, touist info and coffee shop in the departure lounge.
------------------------------------------------------- IS IT RUINING THE ENVIRONMENT? -------------------------------------------------------
I really cant fault the way this airport operates. Its gone a huge lot of good for the local area, creating hundreds of jobs. It also gives a lot of charity to local causes. It is planning to stop weekend flights and its activities are watched by a committee. See www.lcacc.org for more info on this.
------------------------------------- ANY DISADVANTAGES? ------------------------------------- - Doesnt fly to that many destinations (but increasing rapidly) - Flights are sometimes a bit more expensive, as they are aimed at business passengers - Limited shopping, but htis may save you money!
But overall, if you can find a good deal flight from this airport, I'd certainly reccommend it for a stress free journey! But if you are going to Paris, use the train, its much more environmental!
London City Airport Ltd, Royal Docks, London. E16 2PX.
www.londoncityairport.com
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Great review ideal for those not familiar with this airport .
RICHADA 12.06.2006 18:51
I too am a great fan of these smaller airports and detest all the hanging about - worst of the lot seems to be Stanstead. However, I couldn't possibly only allow myself 10 minutes to check in, driving into the city airport - or taking any other form of transport, that sounds very risky to me. Richard.
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Jun 11th, 2006
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