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City of London Airports | Top Picks

The metropolitan region of London, England, United Kingdom, is served by six international city of London airports along with multiple smaller ones. Combined, these airports make up the world’s busiest airport system in terms of passenger traffic and rank as the second busiest by aircraft movements. These six airports managed a combined total of 177,054,819 passengers in a year. London airports accommodate over 60% of the United Kingdom’s air traffic. They offer services to 14 domestic locations and 396 international destinations.

Table of Contents

Heathrow Airport (LHR) 

One of the largest city of London airport, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon and the main gateway to the United Kingdom for non-Europeans. It is the busiest airport in Europe and the fourth busiest globally by passenger traffic.

Facilities and Services

  • Showers, Toilets & Water
  • Charging Points
  • Trolleys
  • Smoking Zone
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Prayer Room
  • Cash Machine
  • Postal Services
  • St George’s Chapel
  • Baby Care Rooms
  • Lost and Found Property Services
  • Free WiFi and Local SIM Card Service
  • Assistance Service
  • ATM
  • Currency Exchange
  • Shopping
  • Restaurants
  • Spa Center
  • Fast Track Security

Immigration and Passport

We aim to make your arrival as smooth as possible, so please have your passport and any supporting documents (such as visas and landing cards) ready. To facilitate a smooth process at passport control, consider these helpful tips:

  • Take your passport and open it to the photo page.
  • Remove any hats, headphones, or sunglasses.
  • Put away your mobile phones or tablets when it’s your turn to see an officer.
  • Lastly, stay together with your family as you proceed through the arrival process.

Use Passport e-Gates When Possible

Whenever you can, use passport e-Gates. These are automated gates that use facial recognition technology to verify your identity, allowing you to enter the country without interacting with a Border Force officer. To use e-gates in the UK, you must have an eligible passport and meet certain criteria:

  • Are aged 10 or older (an adult must accompany 10 to 17-year-olds).
  • Are a citizen of one of the following: the UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, or the USA.
  • A member of the Registered Traveller Service.

Traveling with Children

If you are traveling with your family, going through passport control together is advisable. If you are traveling with a child who may not share your last name or who is not your own, you might be asked some questions to confirm your relationship. This can include birth or adoption certificates, marriage or divorce certificates, or a letter from the child’s parent(s) granting permission for travel and providing their contact information.

London City Airport (LCY)

London city airport is the UK’s business airport, serving over 40 destinations within the UK, Europe, and the USA, and major European hubs. Approval has been granted for plans to expand London City Airport, paving the way for a £200 million investment. This funding will enable the airport to handle up to a permitted 111,000 flights annually. The plans involve enhancing existing infrastructure to boost runway capacity, allowing for more take-offs and landings during peak times, and accommodating the next generation of quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

Services

  • Assisted Travel
  • Lost and Found
  • Free WiFi
  • Seating & Power
  • Postal Service
  • ATM
  • Currency Exchange
  • Baby Corner Room
  • Shops, Eat & Relax

Airport Opening Times

 London City Airport is open every day but not 24/7:

  • Monday to Friday: 4:45 – 22:00 (UK Local Time)
  • Saturday: 4:45 – 13:00 (UK Local Time)
  • Sunday: 10:45 – 22:00 (UK Local Time)

Pet Policy

Service dogs (and their handlers) are permitted at the airport. Inform your airline at least 48 hours in advance if you are traveling with a service dog. All dogs leaving the UK must be microchipped, fully vaccinated, and possess an animal health certificate or a valid pet passport.

Traveling with Baby

When traveling with an infant, you are allowed to bring sufficient baby food and milk to last throughout the trip. If you prefer to breastfeed in privacy, feel free to request access to the First Aid room in the main terminal before Security. Eateries in the Departures lounge are willing to provide hot water for warming bottles, but they are not authorized to reheat food or beverages. Most dining establishments offer diverse children’s menus and high chairs.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

London Gatwick Airport is the second international city of London airport, located in London, England, UK. Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the UK. It has two terminals, North and South, and 65 gates. 48 million passengers pass through this airport annually.

Services and Facilities

  • Fast Track Security
  • Pre Book Parking
  • Multifaith Prayer Rooms
  • Lost and Found
  • Free WiFi
  • ATM
  • Currency Exchange
  • Baby Corner Room
  • Travel Advice Center
  • Baby Milk and Foods
  • Baby Changing Facilities
  • Kids Zone
  • Charging Corner

Passport And Visa

Upon arrival at London Gatwick, your initial task is to pass through passport control. If available, advise utilizing the ePassport gates to expedite your passage through immigration and onward to the baggage claim area. London Gatwick features two distinct passport control zones: one designated for European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British, and Swiss nationals, and another allocated for all other passport holders. Review the signage upon arrival and proceed to the appropriate area. Staff members are available to assist in finding the quickest queue. The eGates are accessible to individuals meeting the following criteria upon arrival at the airport: aged 10 or older (an adult must accompany 10 to 17-year-olds), holding a biometric passport, and being a citizen of one of the following:

  • The United Kingdom (UK)
  • EU
  • EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland)
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • The United States of America (USA)
  • Traveller members have a biometric chipped passport

London Luton Airport (LTN)

London Luton Airport is an international airport in Luton. Luton Airport features a solitary, two-level passenger terminal structure that has undergone multiple expansions and reconfigurations over time.

Services and Facilities

  • Fast Track Security
  • Multifaith Prayer Rooms
  • Lost and Found
  • Free WiFi
  • ATM
  • Currency Exchange
  • Baby Corner Room
  • Duty-Free Shopping
  • Baby Milk and Foods
  • Special Assistance
  • Kids Zone
  • Charging Corner

London Stansted Airport (STN)

London Stansted Airport is a tertiary international airport in London, located in Uttlested, Essex. This airport serves a total of 165 locations around the world across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is the main hub for Ryanair, Ryanair Holdings PLC, Titan Airways, and Coyne Airways. The airport has one main passenger terminal, and 28 million people travel through it annually.

Facilities

  • Faith and Worship
  • Shopping Services
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Overnight in the Terminal
  • Smoking Zone
  • WiFi Services
  • Information Desk
  • Accessible Toilets
  • Gender Neutral Restroom
  • Free Drinking Water
  • Pre Book Parking
  • Escape Lounge
  • Fast Track Security

London Southend Airport (SEN)

London Southend Airport is a minor international airport situated in Eastwood, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. London Southend Airport primarily manages scheduled passenger, charter, cargo, and business flights, in addition to general aviation operations and pilot training for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The airport is operated by London Southend Airport Co Ltd, employing approximately 250 individuals.

Airport Services

  • Shopping Services
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Book Airport Hotels
  • Smoking Zone
  • WiFi Services
  • Information Desk
  • Accessible Toilets
  • Pre Book Parking
  • Skylife Lounge
  • Fast Track Security

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