Using Leeds Bradford Airport Questions & Reviews

[Jerry]

Departed from LeedsBradford for the first time since the new extension had been opened. Was also the first time flying KLM from LBA.
I arrived just after 3pm on the 8/9/25 and was flying business class after upgrading on the app at check in and I'm glad I did as the queue for the security was through the front entrance but I was able to use fast track after dropping my checked luggage off. Security was pretty quick, it really is easier leaving everything in the bag and makes the whole thing less stressful and quicker. Walked through to the new extension and there's a noticeable difference between the old part and the new. The new section is brighter and a lot less gloomy and the big windows has some good views of the apron and the runway to watch the planes. The airport in both sections was extremely busy but as I was in the business class I was able to use the lounge. There's 2 lounges at LBA the Six Eight One and the Avro lounge but they're in the same place next to gate 9 in the new section. I used the Six Eight One lounge and found it pretty good, it has a self service buffet which included hot food and a bar which is table service, you have to order through an app after scanning a QR code at your table. Only complaint I have was no apron view (nice for avgeeks) and not many deserts (I have a sweet tooth). Overall the lounge was a nice place to waste some time before my flight and was better than the lounge I used in Madrid Terminal 2 yesterday. Unfortunately my flight was late arriving so was 35 minutes late departing. This maybe me but this seems to happen a lot with my flights from LBA they do always seem to have some sort of delay but I can't complain to much as my flight did depart and as I didn't have a connection like many others on the flight the delay wasn't too bad and thankfully my flight wasn't cancelled. KLM were good as always.
Overall had a really good flight, the new terminal extension is a big improvement and I'm looking forward to seeing what the airport looks like when all the building work is complete and using it in the future.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Departing from LBA today.
Security, queueing up to boarding pass scanners but moved quickly. Only 2 pass scanners open. Seems if all are working it causes congestion in the queue leading up to the luggage scanners. Overheard several disgruntled people unhappy with lack of space after luggage scanners to put on belts etc. Shame theres nothing to indicate that the screening area will be relocating and this is only a temporary situation.

New extension, overall impressive, seating is fairly comfortable. The new additional duty free shop is being built directly in front of the windows so the overall feeling of panoramic views is partially lost.

Tap and brew takes up a huge part of the area.

Unfortunately the aircraft was on Stand 15 so we had to use the 'bus shelter' and the 'portakabin'. A stark, chilly contrast to the terminal. Usual moans from pax of course.

 

[BCFC]

And the lounges don't have any toilets….you have to come out and walk 3-4 mins to the toilets….how odd is that.

 

[B737]

And the lounges don't have any toilets….you have to come out and walk 3-4 mins to the toilets….how odd is that.

The 681 lounge has its own toilet, but the Avro lounge requires the use of the main toilets. I’m intrigued by your 3-4 minute walk to the toilets so I’ll pop to the new extension on my break and time it. I’ll report back shortly.

From the lounge’s entrance to the entrance to the toilets (located between the new Burger King and Tap & Brew) it took me 39 seconds. Also of note was that the previous lounges never had their own toilets. drop!

 

[Len Fish]

The time it takes to get to the toilets depends on how desperate you are!

 

[The Pole]

Or how many pints you've had, how weak your bladder is and your age

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Flight from Bergerac landed 18:00. 6 BF desks open and we went through very quickly. Waited 15 mins until 18:35 for bags to come.

The aircraft parked outside the new extension and had a short walk to the terminal but due to the rain got very wet.

No phone signal in the baggage hall and I couldnt detect any internet.

I asked BF officer when e-gates were coming and he said 2027-2028.

Egress from the new baggage hall is by means of a 'switchback' ramp. Its not covered and we got absolutely soaked again. They need a roof on this ramp asap with winter around the corner.

My first impression of departures and arrivals is that they are much improved in terms of practicality and size but that the overall quality isnt as good as it could have been. Function over form!

 

[White Heather]

Flight from Bergerac landed 18:00. 6 BF desks open and we went through very quickly. Waited 15 mins until 18:35 for bags to come.

The aircraft parked outside the new extension and had a short walk to the terminal but due to the rain got very wet.

No phone signal in the baggage hall and I couldnt detect any internet.

I asked BF officer when e-gates were coming and he said 2027-2028.

Egress from the new baggage hall is by means of a 'switchback' ramp. Its not covered and we got absolutely soaked again. They need a roof on this ramp asap with winter around the corner.

My first impression of departures and arrivals is that they are much improved in terms of practicality and size but that the overall quality isnt as good as it could have been. Function over form!

Quality comes at a cost. Increased quality or more stands? There is a budget to stay within. Functionality is the most important.

 

[SNOWMAN]

lbayorkie
i agree with you,the walk way needs a roof its no fun having a 1hr drive home in wet clothes,and this could put people off from using lba.
sm

 

[BCFC]

A man fainted on a luggage carousel at LBA. The latest is that he's slowly coming round.

 

[JRP]

So flew out of LBA this morning on Ryanair.
Parked in long stay car park and walked to terminal, I would have got the shuttle bus but it was so full it left people in the car park, that’s my on gripe with the airport, got to security and the Q was nearly to Greggs and I though oh no, but credit due I think I was through in less than 15 mins so that’s a big well done, all lanes were open and the staff were really good and helpful
Paid for a window seat on Ryanair and they did a aircraft swap at LBA so got to fly on a MAX for the first time , but unfortunately my new seat was back row and a aisle seat, so that out a damper on it, and been tall the leg room is poor, glad it was just 45mins flight
Anyway am say in Dublin airport waiting my return flight home which already has an hour delay on it, so first time I used Ryanair for a good number of years and it’s not been the greatest of experiences, but and I say but it’s what you pay for £14.99 each way plus paying for a window seat so can’t really complain ha ha

 

[SierraHotel]

Hoards of disgruntled pax this afternoon complaining about the baggage reclaim wait times and the lack of information about which carousel to stand by. I appreciate that there are only currently 3 of 5 carousels but there is no excuse for lack of communication.LBA needs to up its game.

 

[LBAYORKIE]

Hoards of disgruntled pax this afternoon complaining about the baggage reclaim wait times and the lack of information about which carousel to stand by. I appreciate that there are only currently 3 of 5 carousels but there is no excuse for lack of communication.LBA needs to up its game.

You would think the airport could have one of their Customer Service people in the hall to assist pax and react as soon as problems become evident.

 

[rmack]

I sympathise, I have had similar experiences at Madrid ( all directed to wrong baggage hall) Palma, wrong carousel several times, Bristol and Newcastle. Poor or no information, no personnel to advise ! Plus Gatwick --no Dept gate shown or advised.

 

[White Heather]

Hoards of disgruntled pax this afternoon complaining about the baggage reclaim wait times and the lack of information about which carousel to stand by. I appreciate that there are only currently 3 of 5 carousels but there is no excuse for lack of communication.LBA needs to up its game.

Surely, that's the fault of either Jet2s own baggage handlers, or Swissport, or both? Not the airport. Admittedly the public wont realise the difference and will just blame the airport. But its the baggage handlers that put the baggage on the belts and presumably do what's needed to ensure the correct belt for each flight is identified on the screens.

 

[SierraHotel]

What matters is that large numbers of inbound pax this afternoon now associate LBA arrivals with chaos. Many said to me they would be avoiding LBA in future. Whether there is any sincerity to this remains to be seen.

 

[Aviador]

Some people make my blood boil. I bet they only waited just over half an hour but they expect their bags to be waiting for them on the belt.

 

[The Pole]

Patience is lacking in this day and age

 

[White Heather]

What matters is that large numbers of inbound pax this afternoon now associate LBA arrivals with chaos. Many said to me they would be avoiding LBA in future. Whether there is any sincerity to this remains to be seen.

It's pathetic. The airport is clearly undergoing massive change which is bound to bring about some issues and because these precious folk have to wait a while for their bags they're moaning and threatening to avoid LBA. The reality is they will almost certainly wait much longer for their bags at many other airports. Im unsure what it is with today's society but I'm with Aviador. These people make my blood boil too.

 

[HX3]

Airports tend to be high stress places for some people and often people arrive knackered, all that leads to people being more tetchy. I’ve arrived at multiple places before and said I’m not flying from there again (mainly because my partner goes off on one- I’m fairly relaxed). Will I use those airports again, yep, because everyone calms down after the event, but if I was called pathetic for moaning, that would be very dangerous territory