Stansted is to be avoided (London Stansted Airport (STN))

Member Name: rosebud2001

Product:	London Stansted Airport (STN)
Date:	02/08/08 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Choice of low cost carriers

Disadvantages: Crowds, slow check in, slow security, Stansted Express

London Stansted is, in my opinion anyway, the worst of London's four main airports, and the one I try to avoid if at all possible.

First off, its location isn't ideal if you want to get to central London - the Stansted Express train service that connects it with London's Liverpool Street station is unreliable and overpriced. Unlike the Gatwick Express, there is no competition on the route so its that or the coach and being at the mercy of the M11 motorway.

The last time I had the misfortune to use Stansted I arrived for an EasyJet flight 2.5 hours prior to departure, ready to join check in for my flight. I had been abroad and had been unable to check in online, something I deeply regretted.

Despite allowing over the advised time for my EasyJet flight, I barely caught it due to a lack of check in staff provided by the airline, who in turn blamed the airport for not enough desks.

The day I endured this horrific wait the airport was crowded and packed to capacity. There was, however, no effort at crowd control and I actually felt like a sitting duck if a terrorist were to wander upon us.

After enduring the queues and crowds at check in, I rushed to security, only to be faced with an even longer queue and a handful of security points open, which led to very long waits to get through. Now BAA can deal with this at Gatwick, as I have experienced myself, but for some reason they cannot at Stansted.

I finally arrived at my gate to catch my EasyJet flight to discover it was already boarding, despite having requested a pre-board for my disabled daughter.

Of course we were then further delayed waiting for passengers to get through security which led to everyone on board the flight feeling disgruntled and angered at BAA's inability to ensure security was fully manned.

I have also been caught out several times using the Stansted Express due to engineering works on the line - check this out before you travel otherwise you could find yourself on a cramped and uncomfortable coach, stuck in traffic.

You might find it easier to get off the Stansted Express at Tottenham Hale as you can pick up the Victoria Line here, rather than continuing into Liverpool Street.

Stansted is the main low cost airline airport for London but I would recommend using Gatwick or Luton for EasyJet flights if at all possible, or a regional airport for Ryanair.

Summary: The worst of London's four main airports