Major airport opens express drop off zone to make getting to your flight easier
A MAJOR airport has opened an express drop off zone which will make catching your flight easier and less stressful.
The new option could be good for people who like to always be early for their flight or those who are already running late.
London Luton Airport has launched a new 24-hour Express Drop Off.
Passengers can now be dropped off right in front of the terminal, so anyone rushing to their flight can head straight to the check in desk.
But, it does come with a steep price – drivers have to pay £5 for a five-minute stay, with an additional £1 per minute, up to 20 minutes maximum.
But the new option means holidaymakers won’t have to travel from the Mid Stay carpark, which is a 10-minute walk or Long Stay carpark, which is a 10-minute shuttle bus.
Both of these are free, but take much longer.
Luton is known for being home to budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Another scheme has been introduced to get flyers into the terminal quicker.
Luton is also using the free Prebook Security service, already in place in airports such as London Heathrow.
Currently running on a trial basis, passengers can reserve a 10-minute timeslot for security.
Travellers can head for the Prebook Security sign where a team member will be waiting, so you can avoid the long queues.
It is advised to book the slot as early as possible, with it open four days before the flight but available 60 minutes before the flight depending on availability.
It comes after flames ripped through the Terminal Car Park 2 in October, destroying 1,500 vehicles and hospitalising five people.
That £20m car park is set to be demolished as it it too dangerous to get near.
Those heading to Luton do have several other transport options.
Otherwise there is the London Luton Express train which launched back in 2021, connecting the airport to London and taking just 30 minutes.
Neil Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at London Luton Airport, previously said: “As part of LLA’s commitment to offer even greater choice and a simple, friendly passenger experience, we continually look for opportunities to enhance facilities and offer greater convenience.
“The introduction of the new Express Drop Off zone provides a new, convenient option for those looking to arrive directly in front of the terminal entrance to drop off passengers.”
The airport also had to bring back their strict 100ml liquid rules last month.
A statement from the Department of Transport at the time said: “From 0001 on Sunday 9th June 2024, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers travelling from six regional airports where Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) are in full operation.”
What else do I need to know about travelling to the airport this summer?
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot has explained how the new scanners will change the way Brits travel through UK airports.
She said: “A new generation of CT scanners will be a huge boost to passengers flying out of UK airports.
“Laptops and other electronic devices can stay in your luggage and there’s no need to stick to the current 100ml liquid restriction that has been in place for the last 18 years.
“Eventually, you’ll be able to take up to two litres of liquids without having to remove them from your hand luggage.
“But the scanners are a huge logistical nightmare for airports who have to install the new machines while still processing large numbers of passengers via the old ones.
“It’s worth bearing in mind that not all airports across the globe have the equipment.
“You may well be able to fly out with liquids over 100ml – but if the airport you fly home from doesn’t have them yet you could find yourself coming a cropper.
“While we transition over the next couple of years you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of the arrangements in any airport you fly through.”