Airport Named Worst in the UK for Third Consecutive Year
New research conducted by Which? revealed the best and worst airports in the UK based on feedback from 5,000 travelers. The study evaluated 11 different aspects of airport experiences, including seating quality, staff interactions, bathroom facilities, and efficiency of check-in and security processes. Customer satisfaction and likelihood of recommending the airport were used to determine the final scores.
Smaller airports were favored by passengers for providing shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger terminals. Manchester Airport Terminal 3 claimed the undesirable title of the worst airport in the UK for the third year in a row, scoring only 37 percent in customer satisfaction. The terminal received low ratings across various categories such as seating, staff approachability, security queue lengths, and shop range and pricing.
Travelers expressed frustration with Manchester T3, describing the experience as overcrowded and chaotic. Despite the criticism, airport representatives defended the terminal’s efficiency statistics and ongoing renovation efforts. Manchester Airport Terminal 1, set for closure next year, scored slightly higher at 40 percent in customer satisfaction.
Other airports on the list of the top 10 worst UK airports include Belfast International, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester T2, London Heathrow T4, Bristol, London Heathrow T3, and London Gatwick South. Liverpool John Lennon Airport stood out with an impressive 81 percent customer satisfaction rate, ranking as one of the top five best UK airports.
Editor of Which? Travel, Rory Boland, emphasized the importance of choosing airports wisely to ensure a smooth start to one’s journey. He highlighted the drawbacks of large airports focusing on commercial spaces rather than essential services like seating and toilets. Smaller airports, while lacking in amenities, excelled in providing efficient and hassle-free experiences for travelers.
Next time you book a flight, consider not just the airline but also the airport you’ll be departing from. A favorable airport experience can make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of your trip.
- Manchester T3 – 37 percent
- Manchester T1 – 40 percent
- Belfast International – 44 percent
- London Luton – 47 percent
- London Stansted – 50 percent
- Manchester T2 – 51 percent
- London Heathrow T4 – 51 percent
- Bristol – 53 percent
- London Heathrow T3 – 54 percent
- London Gatwick South – 55 percent
The findings from this research shed light on the importance of airport quality in enhancing travelers’ overall experiences and serve as a valuable resource for anyone planning their next trip.