Using Leeds Bradford Airport Questions & Reviews

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Review: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
I flew out of Leeds Bradford Airport yesterday, and it’s clear the site is still currently a tale of two halves. If you haven’t visited for a while, the ongoing transformation makes for a bit of a mixed bag, though there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel.

Arrival and "The Walk"
We opted for the Free Drop-off Area, which is a great cost-saving shout and it allows you to stretch your legs prior to the wait in departures. The walk itself is short and manageable, but the location of the free parking feels rather awkward tucked away in a spot that feels a bit disconnected from the main flow, making the initial approach to the terminal feel slightly clunky.

Check-in and Security
As we were travelling light with cabin bags only, we bypassed the check-in desks entirely. From a quick glance, however, the concourse didn't look overly congested, and the queues appeared to be moving at a decent clip.
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for security. The queue stretched right back toward the entrance, and it took a solid 40 minutes to clear the scanners and reach the departure lounge. It’s certainly worth arriving with plenty of time to spare, as this remains a significant bottleneck.

The Departure Experience
Once through, the layout is currently a bit of a "rabbit warren." Due to the extensive construction work, navigating your way to the newer facilities requires a fair bit of winding through temporary corridors.
However, once you reach the new extension, the atmosphere changes completely.
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Space: It feels far more modern and airy.
Facilities: A significant step up from the cramped conditions of the old terminal building.

Ambience: It actually feels like a 21st-century travel hub.

Final Thoughts
The new extension is a huge improvement and offers a glimpse of what LBA could become. The real test will be seeing how the airport management manages to "tie up" this sleek new addition with the older parts of the building once they’ve completed the renovations. For now, pack your patience for the security queue and enjoy the new lounge once you finally find it!View attachment 33305

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Thanks

Did you find that the gates aren't large enough for the amount of passengers on one plane? I found it crazy this purpose built terminal can't handle a plane load of people at each gate. Can't imagine wide body!!