That structure was a one day station for a day of services down the old Dunstable line as there was a campaign to reopen the line for passenger use. It later became the Luton Bus Way.
As for free plastic bags is the airport going soft? They also only charge 20p for a plastic waterproof for passengers waiting for a coach due to a lack of a canopy. Even the free period of wifi has been extended. What next I ask myself, maybe free wellington boots to navigate the puddles in the stairwell of the passenger footbridge.
Good to hear about the extra E passport gates but one of the issues at the airport is that there isn't enough equipment for the aircraft when they come on stands. Last year I read that the airport were going to provide all the equipment but I know for a fact that staff a Swissport have to go hunting around the airport as there isn't one set of equipment per stand which delays disembarkation and luggage.