I am a frequent flyer (to use airline jargon) mainly on business, but also on pleasure. I never normally fly charter, however, on a recent trip to Spain, the times were more favourable than the scheduled option. Luton is more convenient for me (living in central London) than Stansted; the M1 is infinitely quicker than the M25.
So, I found myself at a small airport on top of a hill, I had arrived at Luton. The building itself,is like any airport functional not beautiful. The view is of Luton, so for some that may be a bonus. The interior is rather dimly lit, and like the rest of the airport very small when compared to say Gatwick or Heathrow. The check-in was painless enough, after all the staff were courteous, my only grievance was that I had to have my carry on case which weighed only 10kg put into the hold, BA has never even queried the weight of my hand luggage. Then I had half expected this from an airport filled with charter airlines. Security checks were slow, with only one X-ray machine being used.
The pre-airside shops and restaurants/bars were appalling, rather like a downmarket seaside resort. Those airside were of an equally poor standard- I was unable to purchase any quality wines or champagnes, and only the most commonly used spirits and liqeuers were available.
Unfortunately, there was no executive/airport lounge, so I had to sit in the large communal ones - no cocktail nibles and perfectly chilled white wine. The washrooms were dirty, and smelt (surely I do not need to go into any more detail?)- they had not been cleaned for some time.
The people themselves were rather roudy, it was very noisy, children screaming, rather merry (more drink induced than anything else) holidaymakers arguing. The Luton crowd is typical of those who usually go to say the south of Tenerife, not the quality Tenerife that I have experienced.
To add to my disatisfaction, the flight, as it seems with most from Luton was delayed by an hour, messing up my arrangements to met at the other end - I had to make a costly call on my mobile to Spain to explain the delay, trying to escape any additional charges for my transfer.
Finally I was in the plane, stuck near the back, usually I always am seated at the front; no telephone check in so I had (obviously) turned up later than those seated in front of me. As the plane taxied down the runway, at least I had escaped from Luton for a couple of weeks - adios!
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Interesting - I have encountered many delays when flying from Heathrow, yet nothing when I flew from Luton. The main complaint is that similarly to Heathrow and Gatwick, their stores and eateries aren't open 24 hours, unlike our small airport in Cardiff. I would like to have seen more information about the airport facilities itself rather than condescing comments about the type of people that use it.
Sue
CareBear 19.08.2002 13:06
I have the answer to your prayers. Get yourself a NetJets fractional share in an aircraft giving you access to a fleet of corporate jets at short notice. You'll get the private check in, not even having to "slum it" in the corporate lounges and rushed through security at the other end. You can chose to fly from any number of small and thus less "seasidy" airfields, ney you may not even have to use an airfield where the great unwashed go. I have tried to read your opinions with an open mind. I have tried to ignore the "I'm better than the lot of you" approach. For my own sanity I will not be reading any more unless I happen across them. There are ways of getting your point across without being condescending. By all means state that you travel a lot on business and like high standards (this sets the scene and allows the consumer to know where you are coming from) but why try to belittle everyone else and be generally rude about the majority of travellers (who will be travelling charter)? Before you ask, no I'm not jealous. I too travel first/business. I do not have to travel charter. I earn more than enough to support my occassionally lavish lifestyle. I don't rub people's noses in it! Claire
Fishbulb 19.08.2002 13:03
Good old Luton. It's just down the road from me, so I often face the choice of a journey that's twice as long to London and sitting in comfort while waiting for my flight or a shorter journey which itself is a bonus but not having the pleasant 'airport experience'
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Advantages: Readily accessible, offering many short and long haul destinations. Disadvantages: Luton could benefit from better hotel and conference facilities
waterfront85 15.10.2001 ·
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Review of Luton, England (LTN)
Aug 19th, 2002
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