Luton Airport

Apart from the fact that all the reviews describe Luton accurately. The depressing thing is that there is no acknowledgement from the Airport management that there is anything wrong. I can only conclude that it's ownership by Luton Borough Council puts it in the same category as most public services in Luton! The sooner they realise that everyone passing through the airport is a customer and not a cash cow to be exploited the better.

By far the least pleasant airport I have used. The security staff (not all some) are like children in uniforms. No idea how to deal with people. The airport is unbelievably mercenary - £2 for dropping someone off money for plastic bags. The last time I traveled through Luton (January) - flying with Ryanair was the pleasant bit - nice staff efficient system. Never thought I would say that. If I had the equal choice - I would not choose Luton Airport.

I can fully understand some of the bad reviews regarding Luton. I have been travelling through Luton every week for the past 18 months. For the first few weeks I experienced a lot of the issues especially with the Security Staff. They are not all bad but some of them are out and out "jobsworths" especially the resealable plastic bag merchants. I was told my bag was too big when all that was in it was a small tube of travel toothpaste and a 100ml Deodorant Spray. Needless to say I objected as I travel internationally all the time and had never had objections to my "oversize bag) at Heathrow Schipol Rome Sofia etc etc. Fortunately the guy before me had also been stitched up so he gave me one of his. Finally I wised up and now I always buy a Priority Pass through Security and I joined Priority Pass giving me Lounge access. Luton is what it is a budget airline airport. For me as a business traveller Luton is very convenient and as a lone traveller I just put up with all the pitfalls but I would hate to travel through there with a young family especially during the summer holidays - it just isn't geared up for it.

Travelled through Luton on Friday at 0700. Whilst very busy no real delays through security and everything seemed to be running smoothly. Flight departed on time. Returning on Sunday at 1900 again no problems other than having to wait about 10/12 mins for our luggage. Overall quite satisfactory.

The rudest security check staff I have seen. Inverness is not far behind Luton sadly for the beautiful country where my husband was born and it's the reason we come back again and again anyhow we will not fly but take trains or drive.

Travelling with children (5 year old and 6 month old baby) through Luton was a challenge. Queued on the stairs when boarding (Gate 17) for at least 20 minutes. Many families carrying babies in prams some got stuck in the corridor on the stairs where lack of air transfer makes the situation even worse. Ridiculous!

Very disappointed that the security services are so slow it took over half an hour to get true and due to this I missed the flight and had to buy another ticket and having to wait over 4 hours to the next flight.

Another horrendous visit to Luton Airport. Despite vowing I would never go there again I did. Having arrived 1 hr and 15 mins prior to my flight (and at 0600hrs) the queue through security was evidently going to take too long forcing me to pay for a priority pass. Whilst going through I was then told the plastic bag which my liquids were in was too big. When I asked why every other airport I have travelled through (10-15) accepts them I was given no explanation. It was re stated that I need to spend money buying their bags. When through in departures it is even more evident that the capacity is simply not enough the number of passengers. Despite being very early every shop cafe and seating area was overwhelmed. More queues for any of the places to eat and numerous people sitting in corridors due to the lack of seating. Luton Airport management need to look at other small airports Southampton Edinburgh etc who can get the service right. I will not use this airport again.

Visited twice and a terrible experience both times. Wanted to collect a friend and tried to book mid term car parking for an hour website wouldn't let me. Left car there on understanding you get 30 min free spent 10 min waiting for bus to terminal and 15 min waiting for the bus back ended up paying almost £20 for an hours parking or £20 for 30 min if you take away the 30 min free. Second time I used the drop off that costs £2. It feels terrible having to just dump friends at the roadside pay £2 for the privilege of doing so and then panic about getting out. 15 min from driving in and out is not enough to get people out of a car coats on luggage out and then say goodbye few days later I get a bill in the post saying I had overstayed my 15 min and a fine of £80. Currently arguing the point as my clock & watch say I was out of there before 15 min. Feels like they are desperate to rip off all people passing through the airport maybe from trolley hire VIP security express boarding etc. I'm surprised they haven't starting charging for using toilets yes. I've spent 13 years travelling and working all over the world I've never had the same terrible feeling of being conned as I did after going into Luton. I'll be trying hard to avoid ever returning and will be telling all my friends to avoid it.

Queuing taken to an art form. Queued to check in - 40 minutes (its much worse early morning as many flights go before 09.00) queued for security 30 minutes. Queued on the stairs near the airbridge 20 minutes when boarding. On the way back queued for 20 minutes at passport control. On the basis you spend all your time queuing there is not time to visit the shops they will try and rob you at every opportunity (£2 for a plastic bag etc). There were two you ladies travelling on my inbound flight with young children one of whom was heavily pregnant. Were the buggies delivered to the aircraft steps? - no they were delivered the baggage belt a good way away and on the other side of the ridiculous passport queue. I've been though a lot of airports in my time and this has got to be the worst I've ever had the misfortune to use. Its 30+ years since I travelled from this joke of an airport and I will not use again unless there is no other option.