Southend Airport

SEN-FAO-SEN: Well after my last visit in December I was hoping that this was going to be a repeat performance and I am glad to say it was. I was a bit dubious when we got to the airport to see 3 easyjet flights departing at the same time as I thought it would be very overcrowded but no it was very comfortable and relaxing it brings back the memories you used to have when you travelled through a UK airport. Security did seem to be a little short on staff who were having to skip between the load and the bag search but they coped admirably. Keep up the good work and I hope with the new terminal extension things only get better. I will definitely travel from Southend again.

Used this airport for connecting flights to USA via Dublin and vice versa and it couldn't be any easier-parking available directly opposite terminal or train station for/from London/East Anglia opposite the terminal-check-in took minutes one floor up passport/security control then down to ground level to wait in terminal for flight and short stroll to aircraft - not that many creature comforts in the terminal but perhaps things will change when T2 opens late 2013?t Stress free environment and would use this facility for flights to USA/Europe over STN/LGW/LHR anytime because of ease of use/convenience/time and cost saving.

I only flew into this airport from Amsterdam so cannot comment on what it's like to depart from there but the experience was the best I've had arriving in the UK. I was expecting something pretty dire so it was a lovely surprise. Security took 5 minutes while the bags were being loaded on the carousel next door and we were outside in about 15 minutes tops from getting off the plane. Railway station is directly opposite and we were on a train towards London in only a few minutes more. It was Sunday so it was a stopping service but it goes via Stratford so brilliant for anyone who lives near the north London Overground. It's a very intimate little airport with a preserved vulcan bomber on show and it's very friendly. The terminal seems to be about to double in size - the additional part looked pretty-much finished but wasn't yet open when we were there so if it gets busy in the summer I guess that will markedly improve that. However the whole complex is brand new. Full marks from me and I'll definitely be flying through it again if I get half a chance.

What a pleasant change to fly from a hassle free airport- no queues - no stress and no problems unlike Gatwick or others.

Early morning departure to DUB with Aer Arann. Very disappointing promises of London City experience have not materialised. 5 flights all leaving at the same time caused total chaos pre-security totally disorganised boarding card checked 3 times for no reason. Not enough seats for everyone queues snaking everywhere. Business lounge not opened during this rush hour so nowhere to escape. One café which ran out of most of hot food tables dirty. Not a single cleaner in the terminal so all looked very tatty and dirty. No toilet paper in toilets. Staff running around like headless chicken. The only positive was arrival as there were no other flights off the plane in the car in 6 minutes.

It's okay for departures and despite being compact the departure facilities were pretty good. However be warned that when you return the arrivals area is totally inadequate I ended up waiting on the aircraft apron area with many other passengers waiting to get inside for immigration clearance and then the tiny baggage carousel. Arrivals area is badly planned and having to wait around outside near the airport vehicles in just not acceptable.

Parked in long stay car park 2 minutes walk from the terminal. Checked in with no fuss security was efficient and polite and helpful staff. Southend Airport along with Aer Lingus Regional has brought my faith back in commercial aviation. Flying from here again in May with easyjet to Faro - hope it's as good.

First visit to this new terminal at London Southend (SEN) airport. The place is new and tailor made to suit low cost airlines. The facilities are basic but adequate. The place is stress free though since the terminal is so small I would expect that the summer will be a bit of a tight squeeze.

Rail station adjacent about 50 minutes from London Liverpool Street. Spartan functional check-in area with small number of check-in desks bureau de change and cafe. Security very strict - presumably because of recent opening everything being done by the book. I set off the metal detector arch at which point I had to remove shoes and was given a very thorough pat-down plus had a metal detector wand waved all over me. Departure area has duty free WH Smith and cafe. Small business lounge which appeared to be free. Biggest problem at departures is space - if two B737/A320-type aircraft are departing simultaneously the area will be full so could be cramped over summer period. Will always be a niche airport but useful for E London/Essex residents wanting short-haul flights.

Belfast from Southend and can recommend. Arrived at the airport 30 minutes before departure breezed through security and in the queue for boarding within minutes of arrival. Staff very friendly.