Bristol Airport

[britespark1]

We are thinking of flying from Bristol Airport to Faro, Portugal in October but have never flown from anywhere but B'ham before. Are there shops, restaurants etc and can you get priority through security? Thanks.

Yes there is a few shops and places to eat but it is not huge. If you look on the website you can see what is there. It can get very busy at times. Silver zone parking is a good and easy option but again give yourself time as if the airport is busy then the buses take time to get in and out. There is a new multi story closer but when we looked it was quite expensive. We fly from there often an it is fine. I would think in October you would be fine. Not sure about security but I would think there is.

Thank you. I am a very nervous traveller unfortunately so worry about every little thing.

We fly from there quite often. Enough shops and restaurants but I’d definitely give yourself enough time. If you park in the Silver Zone you sometimes have to wait for the transfer bus especially at peak times.
Never had a problem checking in or customs etc so never bothered with priority.
But some of the boarding gates can be a long walk so be prepared for that.

You can prebook fast track security.

We use the on site multi storey car park. It’s a bit more expensive than the silver zone but nobody moves your car and you don’t have to faff about getting busses. It’s part of the holiday so I factor in the cost.

Sign up for their newsletter and you’ll usually get a parking discount code

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/fast-track-security/

https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/shop-and-eat/

All info online @britespark1

I don't love flying (but will at least do it these days) and have flown out of Bristol a few times to Spain. I like it actually, it's much smaller and more relaxed than Gatwick for example. You'll be fine - have a lovely holiday 🙂

Love Bristol airport. You don't have to walk miles to your terminal, and it has everything you need there.

I've always flound security really quick at Bristol. The multi story is very easy and close ans solver zone not too long a wait!.

Thank you all very much. I was hoping it would all be a bit less "full on" than BHX as I struggle myself and one of my DC has additional needs (but will not, absolutely never!) wear a sunflower lanyard that might help

There’s not a huge amount of shops but there’s WH Smith, Accessorize, Boots, Starbucks, small bookshop (might be Waterstones but not 100% sure). Biggish Starbucks and other places to eat. I was stuck there for the best part of a day once waiting for a delayed flight and there is definitely not enough to keep you occupied for a day!! Otherwise it’s quite a nice little airport

I’d advise you to go straight through security as there’s so little to do in the public area (coffee shop, M&S food, newsagents). At least the Departure Lounge after security has plenty of seating, pubs and shops to pass the time.

We use the budget airlines and they limit the time (-1h?) you can leave your checked luggage (pre weighed and tag stuck on by you) and the time (-30 mins?) when they announce the gate. With the Ryanair app you can know your gate number before they announce it and if there are any delays.

I feel like Donkey in Shrek (!) going up and down the corralled area 12 times before hand baggage scan, even when it’s quiet.
No need to take out your 100ml bottles when I was there in April.

I’ve always printed my tickets but they’re preferring to use QR codes on your phone nowadays.
I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for special assistance.

The code SUMMER25 is current for 15% off Bristol parking :)

There is a Mexican burrito restaurant called Tortilla and that is really really good and very reasonably priced compared to every other place in there.

And there's a smoking area past security too which is great if you have my bad habit 🤣

It's fine, usual chain shops and cafes and yes you can pre book fast security. You don't need to get your liquids out of your handluggage for security

I was there yesterday. 35 flights departing between 6am and 715am. It was very busy but very efficient.
The silver zone parking was incredibly busy too.
I'd have a look to see how many flights are departing at a similar time.
We flew from there in March too.. lunchtime on a Friday...like a different place, very relaxed and quiet

Not as many as Birmingham but it’s fine. No need to fast track, never taken me more than 5 minutes to clear security! Word of warning, make sure you can get parking, they are redeveloping and parking is too often incredibly expensive though you can park at a nearby pub with massive carpark if they have space

Oh but megabus and FlixBus service the airport which can be easier. We live close so scrounge lifts, the best bit about adult dc!