Hardly a London aiport (London Stansted Airport (STN))

Member Name: shopaholicleo

Product:	London Stansted Airport (STN)
Date:	30/09/08 (146 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Covers all your needs

Disadvantages: Inconveinient, crowded

London Stansted is hardly in London as we know it, but is easily reached from London using coaches and trains rather than driving. It's set out as one large terminal, obviously divided into check-in areas etc and there's a glass roof so you don't get that trapped kind of feeling that I seem to get in Heathrow. It is set out quite well, but there was a bit of queueing at passport control, but nothing too unbearable. I was also glad there were plenty of those clear plastic bags for your toiletries available for free, as some airports as I found on my return, charge for them. I wish I had stocked up!

The shopping here is not as good as Gatwick, but there is a bit of choice. Because there is only one shopping area, it does get quite crowded at times so be prepared to queue up in shops. I headed straight to Boots and Smiths for toiletries and something to read, but was drawn to the other shops such as Kurt Geiger shoes and even Mulberry (though I don't have that kind of money). The shops seem to be a mixture of high-end high street upwards, such as Reiss, so they could maybe benefit from something like a Topshop or La Senza. Food wise, there is a Whetherspoons, Frankie and Benny's and Pret, so although not bargain prices, you can still get a decent meal before you go on your budget flight. Duty Free was also confusing to me, really wanted a bottle of Absolut vodka but the only one they seemed to have was for customers leaving the E.U. Luckily I was able to buy some easily on my return journey.

The walk to the gate was a long one, so it'd be a good idea to check journey times to the gates so you don't miss your flight, as they don't all have shuttle services. On my return journey, since I was arriving at 11.30pm it was pretty crowded heading to immigration. It took me almost an hour from landing to clear it, just because of queues leading up to the desks and lots of stopping and starting and I barely caught the last train back to Liverpool Street. I wouldn't recommend arriving at this time as it's a lot of hassle and worry if you're traveling by the train, though I do believe there were coaches available so you wouldn't be totally stranded. This has never happened to me when I've arrived at Stansted before, so I can only assume it's due to lots of different flights arriving around this time.

The only problem I have with this airport is the distance from my house (south-east London) but if you live closer to North London or Essex, then it is easier to reach. There are plenty of decent facilities here and it is definitely a modern airport with everything you need.

Summary: A decent aiport, though I prefer Gatwick