small but perfectly formed (East Midlands Airport)

Member Name: shelley222

Product:	East Midlands Airport
Date:	28/06/01 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: small so easier to get around, helpful staff

Disadvantages: limited destinations, not used by all tour operators

Before flying from this airport earlier this month, I never knew it existed. East Midlands Airport is situated in the middle of the country and surrounded by the cities of Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Sheffield and Tamworth are also nearby.

This is a small airport in comparison to others in the U.K., in fact you can probably get from one end to the other in 5 minutes, at the same time manipulating suitcases and kids.

Although I didn’t count the number of check-in desks, there certainly aren’t that many and so it makes finding where you need to be very easy. The information desk in the main terminal building is open 24 hours a day and the staff there are extremely helpful.

A children’s play area is available in the main terminal building and a further one is positioned in the International departures Lounge. This one features a large screen T.V. which shows the Cartoon Network, which kept my husband quiet. On the first floor of the building there is a food hall offering a range of catering options, including, Burger King, Country Kitchen and two others. Here you can also find the ‘Local Hero’ pub, which serves a selection of bar meals.

Other snack bars can be found near the Information Desk and in the International Departures Lounge. All are fairly reasonably priced.


Disabled visitors are very well catered for with facilities including, porters to assist with luggage, disabled toilet facilities, lowered telephones, wheelchairs and lifts. Hard of hearing loops are provided throughout the terminal. All disabled and special needs travellers are boarded first.

There are over 4000 car parking spaces available in the short and long stay car parks. Both are serviced by a regular courtesy bus to get you to and from the Main terminal Building.

The airport operates a non-smoking policy except for in designated areas.

There are good viewing areas, so that th
e kids can watch aircraft take off and land.

There is a good array of high street shops including Boots, to pick up any last minute bits and pieces. The duty free shop is not the largest but is very well stocked. You will also find a good selection of banking services and travel agents. Even though we were there at 6 a.m., all the staff were extremely cheerful and helpful and in one shop my kids were also treated to some freebie sweets.

All flight information was well announced and information boards all up to date.

In my opinion East Midlands can rival any of the other larger airports and it excels them in friendly and helpful staff. A pleasure to visit.

Summary: