Leeds Bradford Airport: Managing High Passenger Traffic

Leeds Bradford Airport is one of the UK's busiest airports, with a high volume of passenger traffic and a wide range of departing and arriving flights. The airport has recently implemented ''Next-Generation' security machines to streamline the passenger experience, and passengers can now leave liquids in containers up to 100ml in their hand baggage during security screening. The airport recommends arriving 2-3 hours before a flight to allow sufficient time for check-in and security processing, with peak times occurring from June to August.

Security wait times

Leeds Bradford Airport recommends that passengers arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for check-in and security processing. However, the actual time it takes to get through security can vary depending on several factors.

The time of day and the number of concurrent departing and arriving flights can significantly impact security wait times. Early morning flights tend to be associated with shorter wait times, with some passengers reporting clearing check-in and security within 20 minutes during these periods. In contrast, peak hours can result in longer queues, with passengers reporting queues extending across the airport and outside.

To expedite the security screening process, Leeds Bradford Airport has introduced "Next-Generation" security machines in its security search area. These machines allow passengers to keep liquids in containers up to 100ml and electrical items in their hand baggage. Nevertheless, passengers are advised to place as many liquids as possible in their hold baggage to facilitate a smoother screening process.

To ensure a seamless security experience, passengers are advised to follow standard security protocols. This includes having their boarding pass ready, either on paper or a mobile device, and ensuring it is readable by the scanners. Additionally, passengers should empty their pockets of loose items, remove belts, and place liquids, electronics, and other personal belongings in their hand baggage before proceeding to the search area.

While the airport suggests arriving 2-3 hours early, some passengers have shared their experiences, indicating that this might be excessive. One passenger who flew out of Leeds Bradford Airport around 7 am reported a queue that stretched across the airport and outside but still only took about an hour to get through. Another passenger who flew in the evening experienced a smooth and quick departure process with no issues.

Peak season

Leeds Bradford Airport is Yorkshire's airport, and it can get extremely busy during the peak season. The peak season for the airport is from June to August, with high numbers of passengers travelling during the summer holiday period.

During peak times, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security processing. While the airport has implemented 'Next-Generation' security machines to streamline the passenger experience, long queues can still form during peak hours. For example, passengers have reported queues across the whole airport and back outside, although the wait time is usually around an hour.

The airport's security procedures require passengers to have their boarding passes ready, either on paper or mobile devices, before approaching the security entrance. Passengers are also advised to empty their pockets of loose items, remove belts, and place liquids, electronics, and other personal items in their hand baggage. Liquids in containers up to 100ml are permitted and do not need to be placed in a plastic bag. However, essential medicines with a prescription and food and drink for infants in containers larger than 100ml must be screened separately.

To optimise your time and have a stress-free experience at Leeds Bradford Airport during peak season, it is advisable to check the latest security wait times and plan your arrival accordingly. Additionally, paying attention to the queue is essential, as the airport staff may prioritise passengers based on their departure time.

Liquids and electronics

Leeds Bradford Airport has recently implemented ''Next-Generation' security machines within its security search area. This means that passengers can now leave liquids and electronics in their hand baggage during security screening.

Liquids

Liquids in containers up to 100ml are permitted through security in hand baggage. There is no specified limit to the number of 100ml liquid containers that may be carried. Liquids over 100ml may be permitted if they are essential medicines with a prescription or food and drink for infants. In this case, they will need to be screened separately. Frozen breast milk is not permitted.

Passengers are advised to pack as many liquids as possible in their hold baggage and only carry what is required for the flight in their hand baggage. Drinks and food up to 100ml must be kept inside hand luggage. Passengers can always buy food and drinks for the flight once they have passed through security.

Electronics

Previously, passengers were required to remove all electrical items from their cabin baggage to be screened separately. However, with the new security measures, electronics can now be left in hand baggage. Large electrical items, such as laptops and hairdryers, may still need to be removed and screened separately.

Passengers are advised to check the latest guidelines provided by Leeds Bradford Airport and their airline before travelling to ensure a smooth security experience.

Fast Track access

Leeds Bradford Airport can be very busy, especially during peak season, which is June to August. The time of day also plays a role in how busy the airport is, with early mornings being particularly busy.

One way to avoid the crowds and long queues at security is to purchase a Fast Track pass. This gives you access to a dedicated lane, allowing you to reach departures sooner and relax before your flight. Here is everything you need to know about the Fast Track service at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Purchasing and Booking

Fast Track passes can be purchased for as little as £5 per person and can be bought online in advance or on the day of arrival. When booking, you will need to provide your dates of travel and the number of people in your party. You will then receive a confirmation email. It is recommended that you book at least one hour before your arrival. You can amend your booking up to 24 hours before the entry time, but cancellations are not permitted, and refunds will not be given.

Using Fast Track

The Fast Track lane is located in the right-hand walkway when accessing passenger security on the ground floor of the terminal. You will need to show your Fast Track confirmation and boarding card at the boarding card checking terminal. Please note that children over 2 years old must purchase a Fast Track ticket, while infants under 2 can access Fast Track for free with a paying adult.

Additional Benefits

When pre-booking parking online, you can add discounted Fast Track tickets and lounge access as part of the "Travel Extras." This discount is only available when booking directly with Leeds Bradford Airport. Additionally, certain airlines have designated ticket types that include access to Fast Track, and Premium Short Stay car park customers can use the Fast Track lane for up to four people for free.

Security Procedures

Leeds Bradford Airport has implemented "Next-Generation" security machines to streamline the passenger experience. Passengers can now leave liquids in containers up to 100ml and electrical items in their hand baggage during screening. However, essential medicines with a prescription and food and drink for infants in containers over 100ml must be screened separately. Before entering security, ensure you have your boarding card ready and remove all loose items, such as money, wallets, phones, and passports, placing them in your hand baggage.

Check-in and security

Leeds Bradford Airport recommends that passengers arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for check-in and security processing. The airport has introduced 'Next-Generation' security machines to enhance security and streamline the passenger experience.

Passengers are advised to refer to their airline's guidelines regarding check-in and baggage allowances, as these may vary between airlines and tour operators. It is also important to note that security screening closes in line with the scheduled departure time. For a more relaxed pre-flight experience, passengers can opt for Fast Track access to security for a small fee.

To ensure a smooth security screening process, passengers should follow the below instructions:

• Have your boarding pass ready, either on a mobile device or in paper form, ensuring it is readable by the scanners.
• Before entering the security area, remove all loose items from your pockets, including money, wallets, phones, and passports. Take off belts and place any liquids, electronics, and personal items in your hand baggage. Liquids up to 100ml are permitted and do not need to be placed in a plastic bag or removed from your bag during screening.
• Upon reaching the search area, pull out a tray from underneath the lane and place it on top. Put any coats, jackets, or outerwear in the tray, along with removable items from your hand baggage.
• Pushchairs and buggies can be taken through security, but infants must be removed temporarily, and the pushchair should not be folded. Security personnel will perform the necessary checks.
• Essential medicines with a prescription and food and drink for infants in containers larger than 100ml must be removed from baggage and screened separately.
• Alcohol purchased at the airport can only be consumed in designated restaurant or bar areas. Alcohol brought through security or bought duty-free cannot be consumed anywhere within the airport.

The airport's busyness varies depending on the time of day and the number of departing and arriving flights. Generally, the early morning tends to be less crowded, with passengers reporting that they can get through check-in and security within 20 minutes during these times. However, during peak travel seasons, such as June to August, the airport can experience high volumes of traffic, resulting in longer wait times. It is always advisable to check the number of flights arriving and departing around your scheduled time and plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions