Jennifer C.
Yelp
I rather liked this airport. It wasn't luxurious, beautiful, nor recreational...but thoughtful. It suited my needs of easy commuting, fast speed to the gates, and electronic conveniences of wifi and charging ports. It's not somewhere I'd enjoy long layover with sparse recreational and shopping offerings, but works perfectly for business travel.
Pros:
1. Speedy - took 5 min to use kiosks to print boarding pass, weigh my check in, and print the baggage tag. Then dropped off luggage with no line. Zipped through security in five min. Small airport means quick walk to the gates.
2. Free WiFi that doesn't require a phone number; great for international travelers.
3. Plug and USB outlets every few chairs and on most tables
4. Optimized security process - instead of a line where each person lays out items confusedly and everyone waits...they have an assigned bin area per person. Each person has a bin setup area to put laptop, jackets, bags. For each scanner, there are about 4-5 setup areas. When your bin is ready, you push the bin onto the conveyer belt for scanning. If you need more bins, empty bins reload under the table automatically via conveyer belt. Staff is there to help with your setup.
5. Feedback machines throughout washrooms, security checkpoints, shops. These little stands have buttons with smilies to frownies, so it is simple to rate your experience. I don't know how useful these are, but the fact they ask is nice.
6. Easy access via Underground to Central London
7. Cheaper airport fees than Heathrow
8. Pret A Manger is here!
Cons:
1. Not much for shopping/dining options, nor duty free offerings
2. Feels like an office
3. For the posh business travelers, no lounges seen
4. Under construction
5. Gate numbers didn't show up until 30 min before the flight. Not a big deal.