Originally Posted by
JW95
I agree. Whilst I don't mind the prospect of a few more shops/restaurants in an enlarged departure lounge at STN, the primary (and urgent) focus now needs to be additional seating provision. Currently, general seating is well below what it should be, resulting in many people having to sit on the floor- I've witnessed long lines of people sat on both sides at the beginning of the walkway from the departure lounge en route to satellite 3 several times. This will undoubtably continue to get worse until it is properly addressed, especially as STN has become the fastest recovering London airport as far as pre-pandemic passenger numbers are concerned. Also agree RE. airport and airline lounges, I don't think MAG will install any additional lounges in the terminal, but there is ample (and unused) space in satellite 1 and satellite 2 which could definitely be used for this purpose.
SAT1 hasn't got that much space during peak departures. There are plans to look to get better gate usage out of the gates in SAT1 for next summer as its near capacity most mornings and afternoon peaks. Possibly splitting boarding gates up. For example LS1577 to HER and LS1511 to KGS both leaving at 0600 could both be boarding from the same gate area 11/12 which currently are joint together.
The Emirates lounge will be fitted out shortly in SAT1 and should be open to the back end of the year. Though this will only be usable by Emirates passengers.
SAT2 would have some space if they repurpose the small Weatherspoon's in the area. But this wouldn't be beneficial until a new link bridge to SAT2 is done as once your upstairs at the gate area its not the easiest to be able to get back if your flights leaving from elsewhere.