My last two trips through Stansted, one of which being in August we’re fine and speedy, I was genuinely surprised as I expected the worst.
I have experienced horrendous queues at Gatwick’s north terminal on arrival at passport control. Genuinely worse than Stansted. And let’s face it the once shinning was BA terminal is now just a shabby low cost bus station once you get airside. Try and fight your way into one of those restaurants prior to the first wave, it is hideous imho.
Dont get me started on my T5 arrival experience last time around. I stood for what felt like an hour or more waiting to use one of those automated gates after a long-haul is no fun.
I’m pretty certain all the above are just down to luck, bad luck and/or timing.
If you want a better experience go small... Try Southend. But get in quick before FR arrive next year because even Southend will succumb to the rank of hideousness soon.