Luton Airport

About Luton Airport

Key Facts

A new terminal was opened at Luton Airport in Autumn 1999 with 60 check-in desks, "state of the art" baggage handling and passenger information systems plus new retail and catering outlets. The existing terminal building was refurbished during 2000 and is now a larger airside departures and arrivals area with 12 high street shops, a food court area and an extended arrivals hall.

In Summer 2000 the airport officially opened its first chapel. The chapel seats 30 people and can be used by people of all faiths as a quiet place for personal reflection.

Luton Aairport has a dedicated cargo terminal that handled 35,701 tonnes of cargo in 2000. London Luton has an EU and MAFF approved airport border inspection post for livestock and handles numerous livestock and bloodstock flights. Some of the more unusual "freight" handled include 1000 sheep from New Zealand, 25 Cossack horses from the Ukraine and 470 Alpaca from Chile.

In Autumn 1999 a new railway station, Luton Airport Parkway opened by the airport. The journey from Kings Cross takes less than 30 minutes and there are up to 11 trains every hour from Londonl. A free shuttle bus takes passengers on the 1.8km journey to the terminal.

Luton Airport - Facilities

There are a wide range of facilities on offer to ensure your journey through Luton Airport is relaxed and hassle free. This includes a great choice of bars and restaurants and a fun children's play area.

Check-in Facilities

Restaurants and Bars
There is a wide range of restaurants and bars at London Luton Airport, including Bewleys Express, Bar des Voyageurs, The Shakespeare Pub, Sbarro, Ritazza Coffee, Upper Crust, Covent Garden Soup Company, Burger King, KFC and The Mezza Café and Bar.

Shopping
The range of shops at London Luton Airport has been extended with the opening of the new terminal building and refurbished departure lounge. It now includes Skyline Travel Shop for all your travel needs, Impulse Music, Videos and Games, WorldNews, Booksplus, Tax & Duty Free Shopping, Dixons, Tie Rack, The Body Shop, Sock Shop, Books etc, Sunglass Hut, H Samuel, Boots, Ann Summers, Salisbury's, Claire's Accessories, Accessorize and Whistlestop.

Bureaux De Change
Money can now be exchanged online through Thomas Cook via Luton Airport's Book Online section, or at one of the four Bureaux de Change outlets available throughout the terminal building. International Currency Exchange offer currency exchange, BT and International phone cards and travel insurance.

Cash Point Machines
Barclaycard, Visa Midland and Access Link cash machines are situated within the terminal building.

Travel Insurance
A full range of Travel Insurance services are available via Luton Airport's Book Online section, or alternatively at the Bureau de Change and Skyline Travel Shop within the terminal.

Executive Lounge
Start your journey with a short stay in the new Reed Aviation executive lounge (opened May 2001), enjoying the relaxed yet professional hospitality of Luton Airport's customer focused team.

Sit back and relax whilst the team serve you with a selection of hot and cold beverages and alcoholic drinks, whilst you watch TV, listen to a selection of easy listening music or simply enjoy the quiet and calm of the lounge.

For the busy executive, Luton Airport offers free internet access, pay telephone and fax services.

You will find the entrance to the executive lounge between Boots and Claire's Accessories in the Departures Area shopping mall. The lounge is available for the use of both domestic and international passengers and is open from 5.45 until 22.30 seven days a week.

This is a non-smoking lounge and is not available for children under 14 years of age. Luton Airport respectfully asks that smart casual dress be worn.

Price: 2 hour stay = £18.50

Domestic Departure Lounge
The mezzanine level Domestic Departure Lounge features a cafe bar and Fun Stop! amusement centre with games to cater for both young and young at heart. Lifts are available for disabled passengers. Fax, telephone, internet and e-mail facilities are available in the Domestic Departure Lounge.

Telephones
Public telephones are available in the Departure Lounge. Phonecards may be purchased from the Thomas Cook Bureau de Change in the International Departure Lounge.

Fax
Fax facilities, situated at the Information Desk and in the domestic departures lounge are available 24 hours.

Postal Facilities
There are postal facilities situated next to International Currency Exchange near the main entrance. Stamps are available from WorldNews in the check-in area.

Meeting Point
This is situated opposite Bewleys Coffee Shop and to the right of the Departures concourse entrance.

Airport Chapel
This newly-opened facility is available to airport passengers, staff, aircrew, and visitors of all faiths from 0500-2300hrs each day. The Chapel is located in the building opposite the terminal entrance. The Chapel seats 30, and services are held regularly. The Chapel is managed by the Airport Chaplaincy Team, consisting of a full-time ecumenical Chaplain plus three volunteer Chaplaincy Assistants.

Children's Facilities

Children's Playcentre
An Airtours-sponsored playcentre in the international departure lounge is available to Luton Airport's younger passengers. The playcentre is equipped with a wide range of toys for children between the ages of 2 and 8. Parents are requested to supervise their children while they enjoy the facility.

Children's Menus
Special menus and offers for children are available in all airport restaurants. Baby food is available free of charge.

Babycare Room
Special babycare rooms, equipped with changing tables, nappy dispensers and other essential equipment, provide comfort and privacy for passengers travelling with young babies.

In-Flight
Many airlines using London Luton provide special goodies and entertainment for children. Britannia Airways have their new OBK (On Board Kids) packs. Monarch Airlines provide baby care packs on all flights.

Flight Arrivals

Transfer Passengers
Passengers with onward flight connections should go to the Airline Transfer Desk located in the International Baggage Arrivals Hall

Customs Allowance
If purchases are within the allowance take the Blue Channel. Otherwise take the Red Channel and contact a Customs officer.

Taxis
There are currently two taxi companies operating from the airport.

Car Hire
There are a selection of car hire firms based at London Luton Airport.

Lost Property
For items lost/found on an aircraft or whilst in air transit, please contact the airline handling agent.
For items lost/found on airport ground, please contact Airport Lost Property on: 01582 405100.

Airport Information Desk
Multi-lingual staff are on hand 24 hours a day to deal with enquiries. Contact the Airport Information Desk for tannoy calls, hotel enquiries, onward transportation, porter assistance and general airport information. Messages may be left at the Information Desk; however, for insurance reasons, no items (including keys) may be left.

Local Hotel Guide
The Airport Information Desk offers a free local hotel booking facility to passengers: contact 01582 405100 (24 hours) for a comprehensive listing and current offers. Bed and breakfast lists are also available.

Tourist Information
Luton is only half an hour from London and close to many popular visitor attractions including Luton Hoo, Woburn Abbey and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park.

Passengers With Special Needs

When You Book
Remember to tell your travel agent, tour operator or airline when you make your booking that you have a special need, dietary requirements, rely on the use of a wheelchair or have restricted mobility. This will ensure that the proper care and help is provided. A free audio tape is also available detailing the airport's facilities, simply call the Marketing Department on 01582 395377 to receive your copy.

Terminal Facilities
At London Luton almost everything is at ground level and specially designed with disabled travellers in mind. Ramps and automatic doors ensure an easy journey through London Luton Airport. There are toilet facilities for the disabled in the check-in concourse plus the departures and arrivals areas. Lifts are in operation for access to the Domestic Departure Lounge. Induction loops are fitted to the Public Announcement system. Induction loops are also fitted into various information points throughout the main passenger areas. Inductive couplers are fitted to all the BT phones with a lowered telephone at each site. There is a Special Assistance Desk opposite the entrance doors. Any assistance can be organised from this point and there is also a pay textphone available - 01582 395727. Seats with armrests are available throughout the terminal.

Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are provided by your airline on request. Specialised equipment is available to help passengers with special needs to board the aircraft. This should be requested, in advance, through your travel agent, tour operator or airline. The majority of airlines operating from London Luton will transport your wheelchair free of charge.

Spectator's Centre

Location and Parking
The airport spectators viewing area is adjacent to the taxiway with an excellent view of the runway. The cafe is operated by Select Service Partner offering hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, a variety of muffins and cakes, plus confectionery and toasted sandwiches.

Spectators arriving by car should park in the short term car park. from the blue car park pay station, which is located by the short term car park, yellow directional markings on the pavement lead visitors straight to the spectators' centre. Visitors will get a 50 per cent discount on short term parking (up to six hours) if they present a purchase receipt from the spectators' centre at the car park pay station before they leave.

Visitors travelling by public transport should walk to the blue car park pay station by the short term car park and pick up the directional markings from there.

Summer Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 1000-1700 (minimum hours).

Percival House,
Percival Way,
Luton,
Beds.
LU2 9LY

http://www.london-luton.co.uk