Luton Airport | Mumsnet

Georgyporky · 13/04/2024 19:33

I wouldn't chance it - even with FT security. Last time I flew from there, the queue for FT was very long.
Also, a lot of the gates are a long walk from the departure lounge, maybe 10-12 minutes.

Brumhilda · 13/04/2024 19:46

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 19:20

Following on from another thread, I am goin Tuesday morning from Luton to krakow. Getting train from Kent, 2 hours. After getting the Dart at Luton should get me to airport at 7.07.

Flight 8.15. Just cabin bag. Checked in and got boarding pass already. Also done fast track. Can it be done?

bit tight but you’ll be ok as long as nothing goes wrong.

we’re in the same boat, flying from Luton 6 am Monday, arriving at 4am in a taxi, no check in bags, got boarding passes and DS is 1.

thehousewiththesagegreensofa · 13/04/2024 20:04

Security at Luton a fortnight ago was hideous. We got through security, and, having planned on going for a meal, went straight to Boots to get some water & food for the flight and when we came out, our flight was boarding so we had to hot foot it to the gate. We had been really unlucky with our queue as we didn't go for FT and ended up in the bit of the standard queue which they were diverting the people from FT across to as too many people were doing FT. Even though we were unlucky, it wasn't just us - we saw four different groups being turned away at the gates haven missed their flights and there was hardly anyone in the shops or restaurants as they were all in the security queue. We did have checked bags but that only took about 5 mins.

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:10

Brumhilda · 13/04/2024 19:46

bit tight but you’ll be ok as long as nothing goes wrong.

we’re in the same boat, flying from Luton 6 am Monday, arriving at 4am in a taxi, no check in bags, got boarding passes and DS is 1.

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But you still have 2 hours? I have an hour, I don't want do anything else ie shopping or a meal, just hope the train is on time !

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Original poster

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:12

thehousewiththesagegreensofa · 13/04/2024 20:04

Security at Luton a fortnight ago was hideous. We got through security, and, having planned on going for a meal, went straight to Boots to get some water & food for the flight and when we came out, our flight was boarding so we had to hot foot it to the gate. We had been really unlucky with our queue as we didn't go for FT and ended up in the bit of the standard queue which they were diverting the people from FT across to as too many people were doing FT. Even though we were unlucky, it wasn't just us - we saw four different groups being turned away at the gates haven missed their flights and there was hardly anyone in the shops or restaurants as they were all in the security queue. We did have checked bags but that only took about 5 mins.

Blimey doesn't feel me with peace! Hah. I will literally get there from the shuttle straight to security and thats it.

Quick question. I did the fast track after printing out boarding pass. Is it all connected? I didn't get an email or anything for a separate ticket for the FT?

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Brumhilda · 13/04/2024 20:29

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:10

But you still have 2 hours? I have an hour, I don't want do anything else ie shopping or a meal, just hope the train is on time !

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Yeah I know. I’m not cutting it as tight as you because something could easily go wrong!

You'll make it if nothing goes wrong!!

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:34

Brumhilda · 13/04/2024 20:29

Yeah I know. I’m not cutting it as tight as you because something could easily go wrong!

You'll make it if nothing goes wrong!!

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I hope so 🤞🤞

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isitbananatimealready · 13/04/2024 20:34

Luton is my local airport. Security is very high and they are very thorough, it was positively tense and bristling with armed officers the last time I went. Sometimes it can take a long time to get through all that. You might be cutting it a bit fine.

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:45

isitbananatimealready · 13/04/2024 20:34

Luton is my local airport. Security is very high and they are very thorough, it was positively tense and bristling with armed officers the last time I went. Sometimes it can take a long time to get through all that. You might be cutting it a bit fine.

Even with a fast track?

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roses2 · 13/04/2024 20:49

Is this the earliest train you can get? It's very tight timing and do-able if there are no delays whatsoever. If there is a 10 minute delay that might be quite risky.

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:57

roses2 · 13/04/2024 20:49

Is this the earliest train you can get? It's very tight timing and do-able if there are no delays whatsoever. If there is a 10 minute delay that might be quite risky.

Yea I know. I am looking into maybe goin the night before and staying in a hotel!

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Limelemonx · 13/04/2024 21:01

I got there 40 mins before our flight departed last summer and it was ok (just!)

CeliaLia · 13/04/2024 21:11

You do have an hour but gate will close around 20-30 minutes before flight (depending on airline) so it's not really an hour and you are really chancing it. I was at Luton in Feb and security was so backed up everyone purchased fast track on the spot (including me & toddler).

I wouldn't leave it as close if I were you, even when I don't have checked in baggage, I try and arrive at the security gate around an hour and a half before scheduled flight.

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 21:20

OK well the majority thinks tight. I myself think it is too and don't want it to go wrong seeing as it's our 1st time away together on a plane.

Thanks everyone.

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Bjorkdidit · 14/04/2024 15:11

Dart at Luton should get me to airport at 7.07. Flight 8.15

Is that the terminal door, or a 'station' a few minutes walk away?

What if the train is late/cancelled?

Security queue? What if they keep your bags to do the second search? That can take ages?

Gate might be a walk away. Gate might close at 8 or earlier and if you're hand luggage only, they're happy to go without you as they don't have to take your hold luggage off the plane if you don't get on in time.

Is it just you or are you potentially have to run through the airport carrying a toddler who's upset because they want to go to the toilet?

What happens if you miss the flight? Can you get another one later in the day and how much will it cost?

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 14/04/2024 19:24

It's ok, I have booked a hotel 10 min walk from the airport the night before:)

Tomorrow night !

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isitbananatimealready · 15/04/2024 14:28

Estelle74uk · 13/04/2024 20:45

Even with a fast track?

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No idea, but terrorists can book fast track too - security will be just as thorough.

Original poster

Estelle74uk · 15/04/2024 15:14

isitbananatimealready · 15/04/2024 14:28

No idea, but terrorists can book fast track too - security will be just as thorough.

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Oh hah. Thanks for that!

Now wondering if will have them on my flight 🤔

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thesugarbumfairy · 15/04/2024 15:30

I flew from Luton last week (well April 5th) It was late afternoon not early morning. But it took an hour to get through security - it was rammed. We didn't have fast track though.

Oh I just saw you booked a hotel. No worries then!