Top 10 Most Reputable Airports in Great Britain

Most travellers do not enjoy the airport hassle with long check-ins and endless waiting. However, some UK airports do a better job of cheering up the passengers than others. Let's see which British airports offer the most comfort and fun to the grateful travellers.

1. London Gatwick

Gatwick has an extensive array of shops and restaurants such as Apostrophe, Caviar House and Seafood Bar, a Boots outlet, and an All Saint’s store all located on-site. Departure lounges in either Gatwick terminal have coin-operated massage chairs, a family-friendly lounge with shower and TV facilities, and a “Best of the Best” display where you can win a Lamborghini or an Aston Martin. Other Gatwick Airport features include:

• South Terminal’s Frankie and Benny’s and North Terminal’s Red Lion’s Bar.
• Gaming arcade in the departure lounge including table football and computer games.
• Online check-in and self-service kiosks are available.

2. Manchester Airport

With restaurants, pubs, and shops the rating is definitely the highest with the Runway Visitor Park, where you will be mesmerized by the excellent collection of historical aircraft and you can enjoy the panorama of two seemingly endless runways. Other features include:

• Child-friendly facilities: Aviation Education Centre with flight deck replica, play area, and bottle warming station.
• Express Check-in.
• Well-stocked with children’s food including “pick and mix” Globetrotter meals.

3. London Heathrow

Duty-free shopping, luxury lounges, restaurants, shower facilities, and pubs; London Heathrow even has Harrods stores in Terminal 1 as well as Terminals 3 and 4. Terminal 3 has the Jetterz Kids Club Lounge with toys, books, and computer games for children age five to 14 years old. Other features are:

• Customised menus.
• High chairs for young children.
• Self-service kiosks.
• 4D deck lounge spread across two of its floors for a panoramic runway view.
• Complimentary snacks and drinks at the deck lounge.
• Heathrow Express service from Paddington Station to the airport in 15 minutes.

4. East Midlands

Facial recognition is the technology used for the automated gates that “read” the passports at East Midlands Airport. Other than the usual pubs, restaurants, and shops on site, its departure lounge has massage chairs, (the perfect way to start your relaxing holiday), entertainment features and amenities which can be enjoyed all regardless of age or gender such as:

• A gaming arcade, “Sceptre Leisure.”
• An on-site exhibit dubbed Aeropark with 29 classic aircraft.
• A course on “Flying Without Fear.”
• A Boots outlet with baby food and nappies, internet facilities.
• A WH Smith for kiddie books and games.

5. Bristol Airport

Self-service kiosks make checking-in a breeze at this airport and, although small in size, it has features that are unique enough to place it among four best UK airports.

• World Duty Free: purchases can be collected on the way to the airport.
• Bar Zero 9: with Ashton Press Cider and Butcombe Beer.
• Dexters restaurant: with special “kids eat” promotions occasionally.
• Bottle warming facilities.
• An executive lounge without age restriction.
• Pre-booking service for a hen or stag party: you pre-book a host service and table and both are waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the airport.

6. Edinburgh

Experience Scottish hospitality at its best at Edinburgh Airport. A first-floor family area is designated at Food Village as well as changing facilities for children and restaurants that offer high chairs and children’s menus. Gate 3 has an area for play with puzzles and toys for older children, albeit an unsupervised airport area. Here are the rest of what may be enjoyable, convenient, and entertaining for travellers at Edinburgh Airport:

• Online check-in and self-service kiosks.
• Airport Gallery with several all-original Scottish artwork which are frequently changed.

7. Stansted Airport

Fast internet and duty-free shopping are not the only entertainment choices at Stansted Airport. There is Servisair Lounge for a glass of wine and Glorious Britain for souvenirs for Nan. Hamley’s has an on-site store at Stansted and delicious kiddie meals are served at Frankie and Benny’s. Other features at Stansted include:

• Self-service booths for check-in.
• Several parking options.
• Pret-A-Manger coffee shops offer a panoramic view of airplanes taking off.
• Stansted Express gets you to London in 15 minutes.
• Online check-in is available.

8. Blackpool International Airport

Whether you’re a novice or frequent flyer, Blackpool offers several amenities for enjoyment and relaxation. Wi-fi access, the Bar Icon, and an executive lounge allow you to catch up on email, sip pre-flight cocktails, and indulge in complimentary snacks. Other features of Blackpool International Airport include:

• A Duty-Free boutique.
• Changing facilities for infants and young children.
• Books, travel games, and sweets are available from newsagents.
• Rides for older children, a game of air hockey, and box meals are provided at the departure lounge.
• Internet access is available in the executive lounge
• Free parking spots are available to passengers.
• Faster check-in service from 14 check-in desks.
• Reclaim facilities for extra baggage.

9. Leeds Bradford Airport

Café Ritazza and Burger King are available at Leeds Bradford, not to mention a Premium Lounge with a buffet and comfortable armchairs. There is also a Manicure Lounge and a “hot-spot” for wi-fi. Other family-friendly features include a Superdrug outlet and a Food Village restaurant that has children’s menus. Check out these other features:

• The unique Chaplain service is available at Leeds Bradford.
• A first floor play area is available.
• Premium security for fast track accessibility is available.

10. London Luton

The shopping area at London Luton Airport has spirits, books, CD’s, and wines, among other items, and Asian take-away treats at YamYam To Go. Changing facilities for children, Bar des Voyageur for a pint or two, and facilities for drop-and-go airport parking are available at Luton.

Make sure to check out the website of the airport you choose before heading off. Also, take out a proper travel insurance cover to be sure that any unexpected flight delays or lost luggage won't interrupt your holiday plans.