LUTON -8

[LTNman]

Luton had 36 Bizjet movements on Christmas Day

[toledoashley]

AvGeek! - Although it would be very nice to see some Scandic routes, It clearly isn't easyJet's core market. They have stated for the last two/three years that they are looking to strengthen areas they are already successful.

I'm still surprised they haven't tried Funchal or Dubrovnik, both in theory should work.

With Vueling coming on the scene on a couple of their key routes, it is going to be an interesting summer.

[ericlday]

I am surprised that Easyjet have not tried Tenerife especially in the winter season as Ryanair only pick at the summer season.

[wallp]

Vueling serve Florence from Gatwick. Maybe they'll try the route from Luton too?

Perhaps Monarch might have a go at both Funchal and Dubrovnik - they could just as easily work for them as for easyJet?

[Boeing737-8]

What airline will be next for LTN. LTN has given us 2 airlines which we would of never expected. I've looked at some of the airlines that could use LTN.
Pegasus- Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Bodrum, Dalaman
Mahon Air- Tehran
Edelweiss- Zurich
Albastar- Palma
Iberia Express- Madrid
Air Europa- Tenerife, Barcelona
Air Serbia- Belgrade
SATA International-Lisbon, Ponta Delgada
KLM city hopper- Amsterdam
Transavia- Eindhoven, Rotterdam
Air Malta- Malta
Middle East Airlines- Beirut
Any of these could move from Gatwick or Heathrow to start flights at Luton. Some don't go to a London airport and could be a new service to Luton. Feel free to add to these list but remember it's all rumours and dreams.

[robbie1973]

Originally Posted by Boeing737-8

What airline will be next for LTN. LTN has given us 2 airlines which we would of never expected. I've looked at some of the airlines that could use LTN.
Pegasus- Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Bodrum, Dalaman
Mahon Air- Tehran
Edelweiss- Zurich
Albastar- Palma
Iberia Express- Madrid
Air Europa- Tenerife, Barcelona
Air Serbia- Belgrade
SATA International-Lisbon, Ponta Delgada
KLM city hopper- Amsterdam
Transavia- Eindhoven, Rotterdam
Air Malta- Malta
Middle East Airlines- Beirut
Any of these could move from Gatwick or Heathrow to start flights at Luton. Some don't go to a London airport and could be a new service to Luton. Feel free to add to these list but remember it's all rumours and dreams.

That's a good list Boeing737-8 - I remember in the early 90's when Edelweiss operated the weekly service to Zurich, can't remember what aircraft they used now, I think it was an MD88 ?? Also Transavia operated a twice daily service to Rotterdam a few years back, I used it a few times and it was a shame they stopped the route.

[AvGeek1]

I think that although Scandinavia isn't one of their core markets I think it is worth definitely considering routes to Oslo or Stockholm as Copenhagen was launched in October 2014 and is already one of or even the busiest route out of Luton for 2015. It shows that routes to Scandinavia have potential even with big competitors like Norwegian on the case.

I think easyJet could really make Tenerife, Funchal and Dubrovnik work, but I think as I said Monarch could really start expanding at Luton and competing with EZY with routes like Madrid, Lisbon, Geneva & Reykjavik.

Could easyJet also compete with Ryanair on their routes to Lanzarote, Malta, Murcia & Tenerife?

[LTNman]

Any of these could move from Gatwick or Heathrow to start flights at Luton.

I am starting to think that some folk are getting bored of the Christmas break and need to return to work to clear their heads

Why would any airline want to move out of Heathrow or Gatwick and come to Luton?

Luton is the Cinderella of London's principle airports. Even the airports own management recognise that fact. The airport is a hole at the moment and will be for at least another 18 months. Under investment stares every passenger in the face. Even when the upgrade is finished passengers will still face that abysmal shuttle service to and from the station where at every other London airport they can walk to the station.

I could make a long list of Luton's issues but this photo speaks volumes how under investment in the past in the most basic of infrastructure gives passengers the wrong impression. Hopefully some of the more pressing issues get fixed but at the moment Luton is gaining airlines for no other reason than airlines don't fancy Southend for those spare morning slots.

This photo is of the short term car park which is probably in the worst condition of any short term car park in the UK with loose gravel and pot holes everywhere.

[scr1]

This question might be better suited to the SLF thread but with all the talk at the moment of access to the airport.

We are planing to fly out of LTN in march on holiday due to connections this will require a night stop. How easy is it to get to a nearby hotel? Walking is not a option as my wife is confined to a wheelchair. Do any of the hotels have a minibus. (cant see anything on their web sites) Any recommendations about hotels.

thank you

[robbie1973]

Originally Posted by scr1

This question might be better suited to the SLF thread but with all the talk at the moment of access to the airport.

We are planing to fly out of LTN in march on holiday due to connections this will require a night stop. How easy is it to get to a nearby hotel? Walking is not a option as my wife is confined to a wheelchair. Do any of the hotels have a minibus. (cant see anything on their web sites) Any recommendations about hotels.

thank you

The nearest hotel is the Holiday Inn Express which is a 5 min work to the terminal building. I don't believe any hotels offer shuttle buses to the terminal. I recently stayed at Luton Hoo and I believe they offer a transfer service for a charge but you might want to check first.

[LTNman]

Not aware of any airport hotel that has a minibus service and the problem for you is the hotel bus stop can't be accessed from any hotel without either going up a steep hill or going down a steep hill.

For you and your wife's wheelchair I would recommend the Hampton by Hilton Luton Airport. It is by the station about a mile from the terminal and the hotel is on the flat. They would be able to sort out a private hire car or taxi as they would do this regularly as the other airport hotels are too close to the terminal.

Also this hotel is only around 2 years old so will meet all the latest wheelchair access requirements.

[canberra97]

LTNman

I totally agree with your last statement regarding the current state of the airport and it currently looks like a lower third world airport, I've never been a fan of LTN and after all the recent pictures detailing the redevelopment of the airport I decided I couldn't bare the thought of travelling from LTN so myself and my partner decided not to turn up for our recent 'cheap' flights from LTN to CPH and stay home instead.

Even though the flights with Ryanair were dirt cheap the thought of flying from the mess that is LTN we decided it wasn't worth the trouble.

It does surprise me as to why these new airlines even show any interest in LTN, it's totally beyond me!

And as far as the pipe dreams of individuals on here regarding new airlines and new routes you need to get a grip of yourselfs.

[LTNman]

I think the airport will start to reach a sweet spot from around Christmas 2017 as most of the fixes will be in place. The CTA will be finished together with a new tarmacked short term car park, new multistory car park and road network. The terminal extension will be finished and hopefully the new pier plus another dozen or so of upgrades and infills. There will also be some slack at the airport as it will be below capacity.

I have no doubt that Luton will hit 18 million passengers but as that figure gets closer the airport will start to creak again. Also, as what is happening now, the airport won't be turning anyone away if that figure is busted.

Hopefully plans are being drawn up now for expansion beyond the CTA because I can't see what more could be done to expand a fixed space.

[LTNman]

Even though the flights with Ryanair were dirt cheap the thought of flying from the mess that is LTN we decided it wasn't worth the trouble.

One of the issues now is that jobs are being started that can't be finished yet, the bus station is a classic example. The new bus station is now opened and is located in a windswept area away from any buildings. A couple of days ago the rain was almost horizontal but there are no bus shelters. Eventually a canopy will offer some protection and new walkways will go in that will also provide shelter for waiting passengers but at the moment anyone waiting for a bus to the car parks or coaches will be in for a total soaking.

[canberra97]

Passengers getting a total soaking!

I work in the Cruise Terminals at the Port of Southampton and I know too well how bad it can be regarding horizontal rain and getting a good soaking. The ports premier cruise terminal the Ocean Terminal which handles the larger cruise ships such as the Brittania and Queen Mary 2 and was completed in 2009, it has 25 coach bays and none of them have shelters which is not good so I can relate to the situation at LTN but at least they intend installing them unlike here.

[LGS6753]

scr1 -

I would recommend using a service such as APH or Holiday Extras for nearby hotels. All will offer a transfer to the airport; it is then a question of determining which suits your wife's needs best.

LGS

[Buster the Bear]

Canberra97, let me get this right? You bought tickets to Copenhagen, but decided due to the work in progress not to fly? Am I missing something?

LVPs mean no more than around 12-14 movements per hour in the thickest fog.

How about Aer Lingus A320 as IAG seem to like Luton, feeder into long haul from Dublin?

Jet2 would be a target especially as they have yet to venture south of Watford Gap?

WOW could be another possibility or Icelandair?

Transavia linking existing hubs or destinations on W patterns?

[compton3bravo]

Canberra 97 seems to have more money than sense you poor thing. Cannot put up with a little inconvenience while AENA are trying to upgrade the airport. I would have thought there would be more hassle getting to Luton what with train cancellations and gridlocked roads every time I ´´venture´´ to the UK which seems to be the case. Also surely you would have known about the alterations going on at the airport when you booked your flight.

[LTNman]

Come on, cut the guy some slack. I think we have all been guilty of buying something that seemed like a good idea at the time but then never actually using it as my wardrobe will testify. A few £10 tickets are throw away items these days.

This is the phasing schedule for the CTA and approach road dated July 2013. As work was started a good 6 months late phase 4, which was the part of the bus station was brought forward to allow work on the terminal to begin.

We will wait and see what work is started next but for me the priority is to get the two phases of the drop off area completed together with temporary access from the existing roundabout. The drop off area was always a bottle neck but since it was moved and halved in size it is causing major issues during peak traffic.

I have a suspicion that it might be the approach road either side of the tunnel as men in hard hats were wandering around it just before Christmas and a digger has been at work over the bridge by the fire station for the last few weeks I think trying to sort out the drainage issues.

Also note the road that carries on across taxiway Delta beyond phase 1. This is the reserved route for the business park by runway 26 and would pass under Delta and would probably form the start of the A505 relief road to Hitchin

[canberra97]

For all those concerned the flights with Ryanair from LTN to CPH cost ONLY £38.99 return for two people and yes as I'm not a fan of LTN and never have been with previous visits even when I was a spotter in the 1970's and 80's it wasn't a favourite of mine and having previously used the airport on a couple of occasions I couldn't bare the thought of using LTN again especially with all the upheaval at the airport I decided I didn't want to go simple as that and as I said what's forty quid in the grand scale of things especially as I was only spending one night in CPH.

Even with all the planned development at LTN it will still be a hole of an airport and totally over rated in my opinion that's coming from someone who has used about 200 airports worldwide.

I just don't see the attraction of LTN I any way what's so ever that's my personal opinion sorry to upset you LTN fans but that's how it is.