Top 5 London Airports

Heathrow Airport:

Situated in the Western part of London, and due to a constant surge in passenger numbers, Heathrow airport is rated as the busiest European airport. Nearly 90 airlines operate from this airport for transferring passengers to somewhere in the region of 170 destinations. Heathrow Airport is owned by the British Airports Authority (BAA), and covers an area of 1,227 hectare that includes a pair of runways and five terminals.

Amenities

Passengers can avail broadband access in all the terminals by means of conveniently positioned free computer desks. Upon registration, there is also free Wi-Fi connectivity during the duration of your stay at the airport.

Lounges

Heathrow airport also operates lounges at its terminals for the comfort of travellers. The amenities offered in these lounges are in addition to those available in the terminals. Notable benefits that a passenger is entitled to include more comfortable seating, better attention from customer service representatives, complimentary drinks, snacks, newspapers and magazines. Plaza premium lounges are at terminals 2 and 4, the Servisair executive lounge is at terminal 3, while terminal 5 houses Aspire-Lounge and spa for the service of privileged travellers.

Gatwick Airport:

Serving an annual passenger count of about 35 million, Gatwick airport is regarded as the most competent single runway airport in the world. It is located roughly at a distance of 28 miles to the south of London and has two terminals, namely North and South at its service. Connectivity to both terminals is simplified by monorail service that operates free of cost.

North Terminal

North terminal usually operates long distance flights, a few of which include services by British Airlines, Easy jet, Thomsonfly and First Choice airways. Its well organised four floors consist of services for maximum passenger benefit. Public and domestic arrivals are on its first floor and an array of shops, restaurants, passport control checks can be found on its second floor. The Third floor of this terminal is with check in and departures as well as baggage claim and security services in conjunction with the departure lounge containing restaurants and cafes.

South Terminal

200 domestic and international destinations are connected by airlines operating from this terminal. Passengers can browse and shop through varied retail stores that are present throughout this terminal. Prior to security control, there are 15 stores and another 27 are located after security control. Together, they are home for clothes, sports accessories, magazines, entertainment and much more.

London City Airport

About 46 destinations across UK, Europe and USA are connected by London City Airport. It records an annual flight movement of nearly 70,000. It is reasonably smaller compared to other airports such as Heathrow, Luton or Stansted due to its location in the Docklands area near Central London. Its dual storey passenger terminal contains check in desks on the ground floor and security control on the upper floor. This airport uses direct boarding from all stands.

Luton Airport:

Luton airport connects the majority of destinations within UK, with few scheduled connections to Northern Africa, the USA and Asia. It enjoys the pride of becoming Easy Jet's first UK base. Departure lounges and arrivals meeting points can be reached through walkway from its main terminal building. Red courtesy phones can be found at various locations in this hub that connect to service assistants in case of any medical emergencies.

Passenger friendly facilities

Families with infants and toddlers can reach baby care rooms in this airport. The rooms are fitted with changing tables, diaper dispensers and other amenities at passengers' disposal.

The airport also has facilities for travellers with special needs. The main terminal building has revolving doors that permit easier wheel chair access. Certain telephones are placed at lower levels to permit easy access.

Stansted Airport

The Majority of low cost European carriers have their base in Stansted airport. It is rated as next the busiest hubs in the United Kingdom after Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. Notable areas in its oblong glass terminal building include check in and main concourse along the front, while departures and arrivals are on back left and back right entrance respectively.

Low cost carrier airline Ryanair that serves near 100 destinations has a major base in Stansted airport.