LUTON -8
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If those passengers didn't walk the queues would be even longer as those cars are turning around before they get to the CTA. Cars pre-booked for the airports car parks have to press on and then there is no bus to get them to the terminal.
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As someone who has lived in Luton for over 60 years and has a career in construction for over 40 years I am appalled at this debacle of traffic / pedestrian management that has not only been allowed to develop at the airport but has continued for days on end, getting worse each day.
What do I see happening next? 1) Govia Thameslink may temporarily suspend their bus service to the station. 2) All bus/coach operators, both national and local may suspend the airport bus stop. 3) Beds police may advise LLAO that they are causing local traffic congestion and Trunk Road congestion. Dept of Transport could become involved 4) Ambulance and Fire services may advise that their response times are greatly affected by traffic congestion at LLA. The more serious side to this item is in the event of a full scale emergency at the airport how is the Emergency Response plan affected. Could the CAA get involved and review the terms of the operating licence? 5) Local residents and businesses affected by the congestion will get on to their local councillors. Luton Borough Council, the Landlord, now becomes involved. I suspect that in the franchise agreement LBC do have certain powers they can invoke.
What can be done to alleviate this problem. LTN man has seen a road hump that is causing a problem. Take it out now. Again LTN man has seen a length of temporary fencing which if was moved would assist traffic flow. Move it now. LLAO to hire from Beds police force officers in full hi vis uniform with loudhailers to control the pedestrian crossings. Hire them now to start at 5am Tuesday morning. LBC to extend the Bus Lane up to the Ibis Roundabout. A line of large cones straight up the middle. They can use their emergency powers to do it now.
To the Board of Directors of LLAO, who I hope are meeting at this very moment to resolve this problem just try the above proposals. They may just work, nothing to loose.
Then review the whole construction programme.
What do I see happening next? 1) Govia Thameslink may temporarily suspend their bus service to the station. 2) All bus/coach operators, both national and local may suspend the airport bus stop. 3) Beds police may advise LLAO that they are causing local traffic congestion and Trunk Road congestion. Dept of Transport could become involved 4) Ambulance and Fire services may advise that their response times are greatly affected by traffic congestion at LLA. The more serious side to this item is in the event of a full scale emergency at the airport how is the Emergency Response plan affected. Could the CAA get involved and review the terms of the operating licence? 5) Local residents and businesses affected by the congestion will get on to their local councillors. Luton Borough Council, the Landlord, now becomes involved. I suspect that in the franchise agreement LBC do have certain powers they can invoke.
What can be done to alleviate this problem. LTN man has seen a road hump that is causing a problem. Take it out now. Again LTN man has seen a length of temporary fencing which if was moved would assist traffic flow. Move it now. LLAO to hire from Beds police force officers in full hi vis uniform with loudhailers to control the pedestrian crossings. Hire them now to start at 5am Tuesday morning. LBC to extend the Bus Lane up to the Ibis Roundabout. A line of large cones straight up the middle. They can use their emergency powers to do it now.
To the Board of Directors of LLAO, who I hope are meeting at this very moment to resolve this problem just try the above proposals. They may just work, nothing to loose.
Then review the whole construction programme.
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I can't get up there today but I will be working up there later on in the week before I go away so I will report back as it what is happening.
I am sure the airport management will be as shocked as everyone here is as to the deterioration in the traffic flows since Friday and will no doubt be in urgent talks with the builders this morning to see what can be done in the way of instant fixes.
I am sure the airport management will be as shocked as everyone here is as to the deterioration in the traffic flows since Friday and will no doubt be in urgent talks with the builders this morning to see what can be done in the way of instant fixes.
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Luton Airport setting new records
Screenshot taken at 6:15pm. No idea if this is the peak of the queue or not but it starts on the M1 link road. Many people not even going to the airport have had their commute disrupted. BBC are reporting the traffic on their travel reports.
On the airports website they mention the jams and recommend passengers arrive by train. No mention that passengers will have to walk from the station as all routes to the airport and approach roads to those routes are at a standstill as the shuttle buses have ground to a halt.
On the airports website they mention the jams and recommend passengers arrive by train. No mention that passengers will have to walk from the station as all routes to the airport and approach roads to those routes are at a standstill as the shuttle buses have ground to a halt.
Last edited by LTNman; 25th Jul 2016 at 18:54.
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I arrived at the airport, via Parkway station, on Sunday afternoon for a night stop at the Ibis prior to an early flight this morning. Having read previous postings on this thread, and seen the queue of traffic as the train pulled in to the station, I decided to walk to the hotel (and I certainly got to the top of the hill quicker than anyone in a vehicle!)
I agree that the scenes of hundreds of people bailing out of buses, taxis and cars to walk, or in many cases, run up the hill and through the tunnel does the airport no credit at all. There must be a large number of people missing flights, and an even bigger number who have been caused major stress because they thought they would arrive too late to fly. I saw a very distressed elderly couple, and many families with small children who were amongst those jogging up the hill.
I'm aware that certain phases of the redevelopment have been delayed, but to subject passengers to this sort of chaos in the peak summer season in what is likely to be the airport's busiest ever year is frankly moronic. Many of the people caught up in this mess will vow never to use the airport again, or tell horror stories about their experience to friends and family.
Quite a few of the regulars on this list predicted traffic gridlock, so why couldn't the airport management or those managing the redevelopment project have foreseen it?
The next month will likely see even higher passenger numbers, so goodness knows how the airport will cope unless it takes immediate and decisive steps to alleviate the current shambles.
I agree that the scenes of hundreds of people bailing out of buses, taxis and cars to walk, or in many cases, run up the hill and through the tunnel does the airport no credit at all. There must be a large number of people missing flights, and an even bigger number who have been caused major stress because they thought they would arrive too late to fly. I saw a very distressed elderly couple, and many families with small children who were amongst those jogging up the hill.
I'm aware that certain phases of the redevelopment have been delayed, but to subject passengers to this sort of chaos in the peak summer season in what is likely to be the airport's busiest ever year is frankly moronic. Many of the people caught up in this mess will vow never to use the airport again, or tell horror stories about their experience to friends and family.
Quite a few of the regulars on this list predicted traffic gridlock, so why couldn't the airport management or those managing the redevelopment project have foreseen it?
The next month will likely see even higher passenger numbers, so goodness knows how the airport will cope unless it takes immediate and decisive steps to alleviate the current shambles.
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I was thinking that it was this bad when the airport had its last big snowfall a few years ago. Then it was stuffed in both directions. Even if they tinkle with the crossing it isn't going to fix this issue.
Last edited by LTNman; 25th Jul 2016 at 19:57.
Paxing All Over The World
Friends have a 07:35 this Saturday. They are booking the onsite Long term park. What time should they get to the 'general location'??
PAXboy - assuming your friends are going on holiday, want reasonable certainty of catching their flight, want a reasonable amount of sleep on Friday night and don't want a high level of stress (passing through Luton's terminal on a Saturday morning in the July peak is already high stress), would they consider staying in one of the hotels near the airport ?
Ibis has a double room available on Friday night for 65 pounds, while the Holiday Inn wants 68 pounds
Ibis has a double room available on Friday night for 65 pounds, while the Holiday Inn wants 68 pounds
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The hotel suggestion is a good idea. The Express by Holiday Inn is the closest and can be walked in around 6 minutes but if they do it on the day whatever direction they are coming from they should avoid the main route into the airport and head for Frank Lester Way via Eaton Green Road and then follow the sign post for the long term car park. This was the airports old access route in the early 90's and will be clear. The route isn't signposted but if they have a sat nav by putting in Eaton Green Road it will miss the airport out. Once on Eaton Green Road they just go up hill, past the Shell petrol station and take the first right into Frank Lester Way.
For a 7:35 departure I would be looking to arrive in the area around 4:35 at the very latest. Leave it an additional 30 minutes and they could hit trouble if they are coming from the M1 as the jams come from nowhere in just minutes. If they want to use the main route in I would be looking at 4:15. They should sale it at that time and wonder what all the fuss was about.
Also by arriving early the long term car park coaches should just about be disruption free. What they don't want to happen is to queue to get into the airport and then queue again to get to the terminal from the car park assuming there is a coach to catch. It is always better to arrival hours early than a minute late.
For a 7:35 departure I would be looking to arrive in the area around 4:35 at the very latest. Leave it an additional 30 minutes and they could hit trouble if they are coming from the M1 as the jams come from nowhere in just minutes. If they want to use the main route in I would be looking at 4:15. They should sale it at that time and wonder what all the fuss was about.
Also by arriving early the long term car park coaches should just about be disruption free. What they don't want to happen is to queue to get into the airport and then queue again to get to the terminal from the car park assuming there is a coach to catch. It is always better to arrival hours early than a minute late.
Paxing All Over The World
Thanks folks. Yes, holiday. They live in Hemel Hempstead, so a short distance and they are a family of four. I'll forward your helpful remarks.
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Ok just did a quick check. At 4:51 the queue started half way down the hill from the airport, by 4:58 it had reached the the bottom of the hill and was just starting to interfere with the main road to Hitchin and by 5:15 it was backed up to the Parkway turn off. The coach route from the long term car park was still just OK for 4:58 with a minimal queue along Percival Way.
I would say that my suggestion of 4:15 for the main route or 4:35 for the back route are accurate.
If using Google map they have to use the drop down menu to get the traffic situation up.
I would say that my suggestion of 4:15 for the main route or 4:35 for the back route are accurate.
If using Google map they have to use the drop down menu to get the traffic situation up.
Last edited by LTNman; 26th Jul 2016 at 04:21.
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A few weeks old but here is a video of the section of bridge that is due to be lifted soon. Another 2 sections need to be installed after a further support column is built.
BBC Three Counties Radio - Roberto Perrone, 06/07/2016, Luton Airport: New bridge arrives
BBC Three Counties Radio - Roberto Perrone, 06/07/2016, Luton Airport: New bridge arrives
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Long time lurker here who has finally decided to get involved in pprune. Every aspect of the airport is a nightmare at the moment. Just getting to work is a challenge with many members of staff missing their shift start times. For terminal staff their car park was moved some time ago to close by the car hire centre where they catch a bus to the terminal. Easyjet office staff ended up in part of the Vauxhall's car park around a mile away and also have to be bused to work.
All well and good when there is a bus to catch but when airport staff have spent a day on their feet the last thing they want to do is walk back to the car park which is becoming the norm on many shifts.
I am not going to go down the path of blaming anyone but it is clear that the work in progress was started two years too late. Last year was bad enough with Luton once again coming bottom of the UK's worst airport but this year it is on a completely new level.
Think Luton in the early 70's with the big tents with passengers being interviewed for the TV about the conditions then. Well at least then they could actually get to the airport but the crowds in the terminal now seem worse than the film clips that are on Youtube.
Many passengers complain online about miserable grumpy staff but it is very hard to lift sprites when every aspect of the job is so bad due to the passenger volumes.
All well and good when there is a bus to catch but when airport staff have spent a day on their feet the last thing they want to do is walk back to the car park which is becoming the norm on many shifts.
I am not going to go down the path of blaming anyone but it is clear that the work in progress was started two years too late. Last year was bad enough with Luton once again coming bottom of the UK's worst airport but this year it is on a completely new level.
Think Luton in the early 70's with the big tents with passengers being interviewed for the TV about the conditions then. Well at least then they could actually get to the airport but the crowds in the terminal now seem worse than the film clips that are on Youtube.
Many passengers complain online about miserable grumpy staff but it is very hard to lift sprites when every aspect of the job is so bad due to the passenger volumes.
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I have just booked a round trip to Turin departing mid August and the price difference between the two was more than double - BlueAir £97 and Meridiana £250 (both return and including one hold bag)
Meridiana does't give you the option of "hand luggage only" so charge for hold baggage whereas BlueAir give you the option.
Anyway you can guess who I booked with !
From LLA FB
Major construction works along with record passenger numbers here at the airport have reduced capacity and increased congestion outside the terminal during peak times.
We are in the process of tackling the issue head on by making a number of changes to the lay out of the temporary Drop-Off / Pick Up Zone and pedestrian crossing points. Unfortunately, due to the scale of the redevelopment works it was not possible to avoid the summer period.
We would like to assure you we will continue to work hard to ensure any further disruption to customers is minimised. Our £110m investment programme will radically improve airport facilities and a new dual carriageway access road, an additional 1000 spaces in our Short Term car park and a doubling in size of the Drop Off / Pick Up area are just part of these improvements.
We will continue to provide updates on all the latest changes at Transforming LLA
Major construction works along with record passenger numbers here at the airport have reduced capacity and increased congestion outside the terminal during peak times.
We are in the process of tackling the issue head on by making a number of changes to the lay out of the temporary Drop-Off / Pick Up Zone and pedestrian crossing points. Unfortunately, due to the scale of the redevelopment works it was not possible to avoid the summer period.
We would like to assure you we will continue to work hard to ensure any further disruption to customers is minimised. Our £110m investment programme will radically improve airport facilities and a new dual carriageway access road, an additional 1000 spaces in our Short Term car park and a doubling in size of the Drop Off / Pick Up area are just part of these improvements.
We will continue to provide updates on all the latest changes at Transforming LLA
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Spanish airport operator Aena, which has a majority stake in London's Luton airport, said on Tuesday it expected only a limited and short-term impact from Britain's vote to leave the European Union on demand from UK passengers.
The company, which also reported a slightly higher-than-expected net profit for the first half of the year, said falls in the pound sterling could cause a slight fall-off in British passengers using its airports.
Aena, which owns 51 percent of Luton, said that so far passenger traffic in Luton was up sharply, rising 20.6 percent in the first six months of 2016 from a year earlier. It added that Luton could also benefit from the Brexit vote if it meant plans to expand other London airports were put on hold.
Aena's net profit for the first half came in at 492 million euros, up nearly 79 percent on last year and slightly above forecasts of 451 million euros.
The company, which also reported a slightly higher-than-expected net profit for the first half of the year, said falls in the pound sterling could cause a slight fall-off in British passengers using its airports.
Aena, which owns 51 percent of Luton, said that so far passenger traffic in Luton was up sharply, rising 20.6 percent in the first six months of 2016 from a year earlier. It added that Luton could also benefit from the Brexit vote if it meant plans to expand other London airports were put on hold.
Aena's net profit for the first half came in at 492 million euros, up nearly 79 percent on last year and slightly above forecasts of 451 million euros.
22 passengers on a 50-seat CRJ 200 for the inaugural flight from Luton to San Sebastian operated by Air Nostrum but marketed under the Iberia brand
Perhaps flights at the weekend will do better, but this is nothing great for flights to a Spanish beach town in late July. I imagine British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair will be seeing significantly higher passenger numbers on their routes from London to nearby Biarritz
Perhaps flights at the weekend will do better, but this is nothing great for flights to a Spanish beach town in late July. I imagine British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair will be seeing significantly higher passenger numbers on their routes from London to nearby Biarritz
Last edited by davidjohnson6; 27th Jul 2016 at 11:46.