London, United Kingdom · Europe
London’s fourth airport done right for LCCs: one clear terminal, CT screening that leaves bags packed (still ≤100 ml), two Priority Pass lounges, and a ~32-minute Express+DART hop from St Pancras — with morning peaks and drop-off fees as the main gotchas.
Editorial 0–10 from comfort, navigation, food, transport, and disruption resilience — not a Google rating.
Passenger airports within about 150 km.
Live airport status
Most important tips
A compact traveler cheat sheet for timing, terminals, food, and disruption checks.
Express + DART from £10 advance / ~32′; DART alone £4.90; coach from ~£7.
Luton Airport Express (East Midlands Railway) St Pancras ↔ Parkway ~22′ then Luton DART ~4′ to the terminal — as little as ~32′ door-to-door. Advance from £10 one-way including DART when you select destination “Luton Airport” (not Parkway). Standalone DART adult single is £4.90 (child 5–15 £2.45; under-5 free); DART runs 24/7. Contactless PAYG to Parkway does not include DART — you still pay £4.90. National Express / Green Line coaches stop at the terminal from ~£7 advance (~40–90′ to Victoria / north London stops). Drop-off/pick-up zone £7 / 10 min (then £1/min, max 30′; pay online by midnight next day or risk £95); Long Stay is free up to 2 hours + free shuttle ~10′.
CT leave-in-bag screening; still ≤100 ml; Fast Track from £4.
All security lanes use CT body/cabin scanners: keep liquids and electronics in your bag (no plastic liquids bag required). Government rules at LTN still limit each cabin liquid container to ≤100 ml — do not assume Heathrow/Gatwick’s 2 L allowance applies here. Fast Track (priority approach to the Security Hall) from £4 online if booked >24h ahead, from £8 at kiosks; service 04:15–20:00; under-2 free. Free Prebook Security reserves a 30-minute window (currently 03:00–15:00, book up to 4 days ahead). easyJet Flexi/Plus often includes Fast Track. Arrive 2–3 hours before departure as your airline advises; Twilight Bag Drop (night before) is available for early easyJet / Wizz / Jet2 flights.
No1 (£38) + My Lounge (£37.99); both on PP — pre-book peaks.
No1 Lounge (by Gate 17) 04:00–20:00 daily; walk-in from £38 adult / £20 child 2–11; entry valid up to 3 hours before departure; Priority Pass / LoungeKey. My Lounge (after Duty Free near Accessorize) 04:00–21:00; from £37.99 adult / £21.49 child 2–11; Priority Pass / LoungeKey / DragonPass; more family-friendly (games room). Both get busy — No1 Lounges recommend cardholder reservations (~£6) because walk-up is capacity-controlled. PP Eat alternatives: Nolito (04:30–21:30) and Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen (04:00–21:30) — £18 dining credit per visit (not a lounge seat).
Free post-security fountains; Sanfords + solid high-street F&B.
Official FAQ: drinking-water fountains just after Security beside the lifts to the Departures Lounge; more refill points in the departure lounge near toilets and by Benitos / Wasabi. Empty bottle through screening. Sanfords (two-floor American diner, opened 2025) is marketed as the largest airside restaurant at any UK airport; landside The Fletton bar/restaurant with terrace; high-street names include Wasabi, Pret, and Starbucks airside. Wi-Fi: join “Luton Airport WIFI” (Virgin WiFi) and accept terms — unlimited free throughout.
PP Eat pub/restaurant (£18 credit); same visit-entitlement rules as Nolito — check your visit fee before redeeming.
Full access guide
More relaxed, family-friendly PP lounge with later close (21:00); still capacity-controlled — reserve if travelling peak summer/weekends.
Full access guide
Premium airside lounge by Gate 17 with hot buffet and tended bar; max stay typically within 3h of departure — pre-book on peak mornings.
Full access guide
Not a lounge — £18 PP dining credit; present card + same-day boarding pass before ordering; poor value if you pay-per-visit above £18.
Full access guide
Live airport status
PP Eat pub/restaurant (£18 credit); same visit-entitlement rules as Nolito — check your visit fee before redeeming.
Full access guide
More relaxed, family-friendly PP lounge with later close (21:00); still capacity-controlled — reserve if travelling peak summer/weekends.
Full access guide
Premium airside lounge by Gate 17 with hot buffet and tended bar; max stay typically within 3h of departure — pre-book on peak mornings.
Full access guide
Not a lounge — £18 PP dining credit; present card + same-day boarding pass before ordering; poor value if you pay-per-visit above £18.
Full access guide
Current security wait information is not available for this airport. Check the airport's official website or app before travel.
No Flighty-reported operational issues for this airport.
Source: Flighty Airports
Status response Sep 6, 11:22 UTC · Confirm live conditions with official sources before travel.