Leeds Bradford: Passenger Reviews, Q&A, and Travel Advice
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I only approved his post in the interests of freedom of speech but it would have been nice if he'd been constructive in his criticism giving details of why he had a bad experience.
LUFC Jonno
Active Member
I've gone from Leeds Bradford numerous time and I don't have many complaints about it. Since the departure lounge was redeveloped, the airport looks great. My only complaint is with passport control. It takes ages to through there. Slightly off topic here but is Leeds Bradford any worser than airports like Corfu?
I have just completed my fourth "trip" of the year and for what it's worth...
Oslo in January (LBA/OSL) (KLM) on time and exactly what it said on the tin.
Guernsey in August (Aurigny) from Ringway. Train trip a drag, Rowdy vibrating aircraft!
Majorca in September (Jet 2) from LBA. Apart from near miss with a certain other plane over France..(well you shouldn't be able to see the Reg details, should you?) Jet2 had "right of way" as it were!
Belfast City (Flybe) last week. Neat 40 min flight, MUCH quieter than Aurigny and on time.
LBA? Security no problem and on the ball. Far more room than before. Although I had expected to walk through the bus shelter from Stand 14, they bussed us in on arrival from Sydneham, and we beat 2 other plane loads through. Landed 1555ish, and on 'bus down to Otley at 1621.
I wish the gentleman who complained would enlighten us all as to why he was so maltreated and why it is LBA's fault!
You gather I like the hut on the hill!
Bhowani
Oslo in January (LBA/OSL) (KLM) on time and exactly what it said on the tin.
Guernsey in August (Aurigny) from Ringway. Train trip a drag, Rowdy vibrating aircraft!
Majorca in September (Jet 2) from LBA. Apart from near miss with a certain other plane over France..(well you shouldn't be able to see the Reg details, should you?) Jet2 had "right of way" as it were!
Belfast City (Flybe) last week. Neat 40 min flight, MUCH quieter than Aurigny and on time.
LBA? Security no problem and on the ball. Far more room than before. Although I had expected to walk through the bus shelter from Stand 14, they bussed us in on arrival from Sydneham, and we beat 2 other plane loads through. Landed 1555ish, and on 'bus down to Otley at 1621.
I wish the gentleman who complained would enlighten us all as to why he was so maltreated and why it is LBA's fault!
You gather I like the hut on the hill!
Bhowani
Tarn Spotter
Well-Known Member
- Nov 5, 2012
- 937
- 113
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
First post so be kind:
Use LBA 4/5 times a year.
Have to give 3 cheers for Terminal improvements. In Sept and Oct flew out arriving 6am or 7am, plenty of seats, (never use the bars), very open walkways, well planned shops, very bright and clean, many flight information boards, excellent gate signs. The upstairs much better then the tatty mess that used to be there.
Loved the new walkway, (does it get cleaned, we walked through so much rubbish).
Can we now have a covered walk from the car park, even if only the mobile ones that the football grounds have, to start with, appreciate not on windy days.
In 2010/11 began to despair about the state of the airport, however, we can now see the benefit of the work put in.
We did still suffer some operational problems, but not for this thread.
First post so be kind:
Use LBA 4/5 times a year.
Have to give 3 cheers for Terminal improvements. In Sept and Oct flew out arriving 6am or 7am, plenty of seats, (never use the bars), very open walkways, well planned shops, very bright and clean, many flight information boards, excellent gate signs. The upstairs much better then the tatty mess that used to be there.
Loved the new walkway, (does it get cleaned, we walked through so much rubbish).
Can we now have a covered walk from the car park, even if only the mobile ones that the football grounds have, to start with, appreciate not on windy days.
In 2010/11 began to despair about the state of the airport, however, we can now see the benefit of the work put in.
We did still suffer some operational problems, but not for this thread.
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
Hi Tarn Spotter, welcome.
RE the covered walkway you ask for from the car park and drop off area, this is something that the Consultative Committee is pressing Bridgepoint to deliver as soon as possible. There has been some resistance to it, principally as its another cost and they don't have a bottomless pit of money. They are, like everyone else, having to prioritise, but it has been made very clear to them that a walk way is very much needed, sooner rather than later.
RE the covered walkway you ask for from the car park and drop off area, this is something that the Consultative Committee is pressing Bridgepoint to deliver as soon as possible. There has been some resistance to it, principally as its another cost and they don't have a bottomless pit of money. They are, like everyone else, having to prioritise, but it has been made very clear to them that a walk way is very much needed, sooner rather than later.
Tarn Spotter
Well-Known Member
- Nov 5, 2012
- 937
- 113
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
Is there any plans to increase the number of passport control points on arrival. When we returned in May we were not allowed off the bus as the queue was all the way back to the stairwell. WE arrived with the PIA flight and 3 others, took 75 minutes to clear customs, and they were worried about Heathrow at the time. All the desks were manned, it was a matter of too few desks.
Slightly of subject why is it necessary to scan our passports, they are not scanned going out. Surely when high passenger numbers why cant they just do a visual check?
WE have different queues why not a queue for the over 60's, or for people like me who hold a blue disabled badge, having to stand for 75 minutes is no fun.
Again why do you not have to show a blue badge if you need wheel chair access, some using wheel chairs look far fitter then I do. On our last two trips ( I know I am sad checking), at least one person who had wheel chair assistance at one end, bounded off the plane at the other end, why also does the whole family get the benefit, not just the career.
Is there any plans to increase the number of passport control points on arrival. When we returned in May we were not allowed off the bus as the queue was all the way back to the stairwell. WE arrived with the PIA flight and 3 others, took 75 minutes to clear customs, and they were worried about Heathrow at the time. All the desks were manned, it was a matter of too few desks.
Slightly of subject why is it necessary to scan our passports, they are not scanned going out. Surely when high passenger numbers why cant they just do a visual check?
WE have different queues why not a queue for the over 60's, or for people like me who hold a blue disabled badge, having to stand for 75 minutes is no fun.
Again why do you not have to show a blue badge if you need wheel chair access, some using wheel chairs look far fitter then I do. On our last two trips ( I know I am sad checking), at least one person who had wheel chair assistance at one end, bounded off the plane at the other end, why also does the whole family get the benefit, not just the career.
craigston_tom
Member
- Feb 4, 2009
- 30
- 33
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
I agree with you at times there can be a bit of a wait at immigration however the majority of the time I think that passengers are processed in a reasonable time. Understandably, there will be times when the queue can get quite long and the time spent queuing can become frustrating.
As for doing a visual check of passports during peak busy periods, I can understand your point however, us - the great British public - would be the first to complain if any undesirables managed to clear immigration having not had their documents checked properly. One of them things in life that takes time, so the traveller will have to grin and bear it for years to come.
Passports are not scanned as such on the outbound flights, but all airlines with international travellers require APIS - Advanced Passenger Information. Maybe this has something to do with passports not been checked as thoroughly on the outbound, with it been left to the check-in staff.
I'm sorry, I don't mean to come across as rude, sometimes there is only one way to get a point across and that's plain and simple... BUT a separate queue for the over 60's or disabled travellers? I have never heard something so Ridiculous. No one likes queuing, whether its for 5 minutes or 5 hrs. Having a separate queue for the elderly is discrimination in a sort of way, assuming that because some is in their senior years that their not as able bodied as their younger counterparts. I'm sure other passengers would be understanding...not! How about a queue for families with young children?! If someone is disabled, they can use the PRM service that the airport offers free of charge, this allows them to skip the queue.
Having worked in various airports around the world, it is one of them things with passengers having assistance at one airport but not the other. A lot of the time, passengers with assistance are boarded first, but if they know they have to wait after the majority have boarded / disembarked, then some sort of miracle occurs and they can magically walk to the aircraft / into arrivals.
Tarn Spotter said:
I agree with you at times there can be a bit of a wait at immigration however the majority of the time I think that passengers are processed in a reasonable time. Understandably, there will be times when the queue can get quite long and the time spent queuing can become frustrating.
As for doing a visual check of passports during peak busy periods, I can understand your point however, us - the great British public - would be the first to complain if any undesirables managed to clear immigration having not had their documents checked properly. One of them things in life that takes time, so the traveller will have to grin and bear it for years to come.
Passports are not scanned as such on the outbound flights, but all airlines with international travellers require APIS - Advanced Passenger Information. Maybe this has something to do with passports not been checked as thoroughly on the outbound, with it been left to the check-in staff.
I'm sorry, I don't mean to come across as rude, sometimes there is only one way to get a point across and that's plain and simple... BUT a separate queue for the over 60's or disabled travellers? I have never heard something so Ridiculous. No one likes queuing, whether its for 5 minutes or 5 hrs. Having a separate queue for the elderly is discrimination in a sort of way, assuming that because some is in their senior years that their not as able bodied as their younger counterparts. I'm sure other passengers would be understanding...not! How about a queue for families with young children?! If someone is disabled, they can use the PRM service that the airport offers free of charge, this allows them to skip the queue.
Having worked in various airports around the world, it is one of them things with passengers having assistance at one airport but not the other. A lot of the time, passengers with assistance are boarded first, but if they know they have to wait after the majority have boarded / disembarked, then some sort of miracle occurs and they can magically walk to the aircraft / into arrivals.
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
Something that I NEVER EVER thought I would see in my lifetime at LBA.....the arrival escalators are working again! I was so pleased I even filmed it: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2481695/Videos/escalator.mov :good:
Something that I NEVER EVER thought I would see in my lifetime at LBA.....the arrival escalators are working again! I was so pleased I even filmed it: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/2481695/Videos/escalator.mov :good:
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
Galaxy, you will find I posted a response from the airport about this following last weeks consultative committee meeting, but they confirmed the escalator does work but cannot be used at peak times due to congestion along the corridor from immigration. This is to prevent people getting on at the bottom and finding nowhere to go when they get to the top - which could be tricky! A good way to keep fit perhaps, but not ideal. Perhaps the fact that the matter was officially raised and they went to the trouble of providing a printed response (which is a first) means that they realise it is a blot on their copybook and they intend to try to keep it going wherever they can?
Galaxy, you will find I posted a response from the airport about this following last weeks consultative committee meeting, but they confirmed the escalator does work but cannot be used at peak times due to congestion along the corridor from immigration. This is to prevent people getting on at the bottom and finding nowhere to go when they get to the top - which could be tricky! A good way to keep fit perhaps, but not ideal. Perhaps the fact that the matter was officially raised and they went to the trouble of providing a printed response (which is a first) means that they realise it is a blot on their copybook and they intend to try to keep it going wherever they can?
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
Thanks for reply Heather, didn't see your earlier post. I have arrived at LBA at all times of day and night previously when it has been busy and quiet, and the escalator has never ever been in operation. I can use the stairs but it's hand luggage also, and in my case arthritis, which is very painful getting joints going after being sat down for 2-3 hours. Yes I know there is one small lift, but I feel guilty using it when there are often more 'deserving' looking elderly and disabled passengers. I hope the escalators remain in use when they can be.
Thanks for reply Heather, didn't see your earlier post. I have arrived at LBA at all times of day and night previously when it has been busy and quiet, and the escalator has never ever been in operation. I can use the stairs but it's hand luggage also, and in my case arthritis, which is very painful getting joints going after being sat down for 2-3 hours. Yes I know there is one small lift, but I feel guilty using it when there are often more 'deserving' looking elderly and disabled passengers. I hope the escalators remain in use when they can be.
SNOWMAN
Active Member
- Jan 12, 2010
- 472
- 163
- 82
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
HI GALAXY
the escalator working must have been and early christmas present,the last time we landed was 22 45 at night and guess what not working,there was no queue as we were the only air craft unloading.did you fly in with jet2,what stand were you parked,did you walk or were you bussed,the reason i am asking these questions my wife has lung problem BUT IS NOT WHEEL CHAIRE CASE but has a problem with steps after a flight,we are led to believe that if you walk from the plane to the terminal there are STEPS ONLY if this is true we will have to re think our travel plans.any correct info will be appreciated.
regards
SM1
HI GALAXY
the escalator working must have been and early christmas present,the last time we landed was 22 45 at night and guess what not working,there was no queue as we were the only air craft unloading.did you fly in with jet2,what stand were you parked,did you walk or were you bussed,the reason i am asking these questions my wife has lung problem BUT IS NOT WHEEL CHAIRE CASE but has a problem with steps after a flight,we are led to believe that if you walk from the plane to the terminal there are STEPS ONLY if this is true we will have to re think our travel plans.any correct info will be appreciated.
regards
SM1
EX9
Active Member
- Oct 19, 2011
- 334
- 113
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
The escalator has always worked. The issue is that as previously mentioned at peak times you would have those traveling up it with a Que at the top, passengers then have no where to go and in the past has caused a serious accident as someone fell back to the bottom.
Therefore the only people who can turn it on is a select few from the airport who hold a key, however they are mostly doing other duties and requires them to stand and watch it until it is turned off again.
So if they don't turn up its not coming on, at the end of the day the building isn't designed to take the amount of passengers it handles. Something that needs to be corrected when they re design the messy arrivals process.
* After watching the video, you will see the feet or for the person who actually filmed it you will recall the member of airport staff stood by the activation point monitoring it and they will have remained there until that flight cleared that area.
* A little breakdown of how you get to arrivals from each stand.
1 - Always a BUS (Small a/c up to Dash 8 size)
3 - Walk (Small a/c only)
5 - Walk (short walk into the arrivals door above stand)
6 - Walk (As above)
7 - Air bridge (Walk if small a/c)
8 - Air bridge (walk if small a/c)
9 - Walk (use first entrance to covered walkway) (Walk down internal corridors to the western end)
10 - Walk (covered walkway)
11 - Walk (covered walkway)
12 - Walk (covered walkway) (From here it starts to become a long walk)
13 - Walk (covered walkway)
14 - Walk (covered walkway)
15 - Bus to arrivals at stand 5
Anything onwards from here is a bus to the arrivals at stand 5.
Any other stand is also subject to bussing should it need it.
The escalator has always worked. The issue is that as previously mentioned at peak times you would have those traveling up it with a Que at the top, passengers then have no where to go and in the past has caused a serious accident as someone fell back to the bottom.
Therefore the only people who can turn it on is a select few from the airport who hold a key, however they are mostly doing other duties and requires them to stand and watch it until it is turned off again.
So if they don't turn up its not coming on, at the end of the day the building isn't designed to take the amount of passengers it handles. Something that needs to be corrected when they re design the messy arrivals process.
* After watching the video, you will see the feet or for the person who actually filmed it you will recall the member of airport staff stood by the activation point monitoring it and they will have remained there until that flight cleared that area.
* A little breakdown of how you get to arrivals from each stand.
1 - Always a BUS (Small a/c up to Dash 8 size)
3 - Walk (Small a/c only)
5 - Walk (short walk into the arrivals door above stand)
6 - Walk (As above)
7 - Air bridge (Walk if small a/c)
8 - Air bridge (walk if small a/c)
9 - Walk (use first entrance to covered walkway) (Walk down internal corridors to the western end)
10 - Walk (covered walkway)
11 - Walk (covered walkway)
12 - Walk (covered walkway) (From here it starts to become a long walk)
13 - Walk (covered walkway)
14 - Walk (covered walkway)
15 - Bus to arrivals at stand 5
Anything onwards from here is a bus to the arrivals at stand 5.
Any other stand is also subject to bussing should it need it.
- Moderator
- #158
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
I promised to let you know of my experience thro' the airport on the last 2 Fridays.
14th - the problem was getting to LBA as i have commented in the access thread. When walking thro' Duty Free there were 2 merchandising units in the walkway - bad. Not much time due to late arrival, no time for a sit down. It was raining heavy and the Tom B757 was parked on 10 (I think) and we walked down the new walkway, fine and were held under shelter until we could walk up the stairs to the aircraft.
21st - late arrival, cleared Border Control ok but had to wait for luggage to arrive. Ryanair flight arrived after us but luggage came through quicker. I normally travel hand luggage so don't have to wait, but 30 mins to retrieve luggage does seem a long time - anyone disagree?
I promised to let you know of my experience thro' the airport on the last 2 Fridays.
14th - the problem was getting to LBA as i have commented in the access thread. When walking thro' Duty Free there were 2 merchandising units in the walkway - bad. Not much time due to late arrival, no time for a sit down. It was raining heavy and the Tom B757 was parked on 10 (I think) and we walked down the new walkway, fine and were held under shelter until we could walk up the stairs to the aircraft.
21st - late arrival, cleared Border Control ok but had to wait for luggage to arrive. Ryanair flight arrived after us but luggage came through quicker. I normally travel hand luggage so don't have to wait, but 30 mins to retrieve luggage does seem a long time - anyone disagree?
White Heather
Elite Pro-Member
Re: Leeds Bradford Infrastructure & Developments
It does seem a long time, but to be fair I have waited a lot longer than that over at MAN before now. Quite often at LBA, if there are no immigration delays, you get from the aircraft to the carousels quicker than you would at many airports, and as a result the wait for the luggage seems a bit longer than it would otherwise. Not sure what the merchandising stands were all about in the walkway as they were not there when I looked around in there. Friday was actually the official opening of the terminal, and the launch day for Monarch too, so perhaps they were connected with one of those events and just a one off. I would be suprised if they were a permanant feature but perhaps an airport employee on here can confirm one way or the other.
It does seem a long time, but to be fair I have waited a lot longer than that over at MAN before now. Quite often at LBA, if there are no immigration delays, you get from the aircraft to the carousels quicker than you would at many airports, and as a result the wait for the luggage seems a bit longer than it would otherwise. Not sure what the merchandising stands were all about in the walkway as they were not there when I looked around in there. Friday was actually the official opening of the terminal, and the launch day for Monarch too, so perhaps they were connected with one of those events and just a one off. I would be suprised if they were a permanant feature but perhaps an airport employee on here can confirm one way or the other.
