Owais Crawford
London City Airport is a small airport, so you don't need to arrive too early before your flight. Sources suggest that arriving 30-45 minutes before your flight is sufficient, even if you have checked luggage. However, some travellers prefer to arrive 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes before their flight to give themselves extra time. London City Airport does not permit passengers to stay at the airport overnight, and there are no lounges, so it is not advisable to arrive too early.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest arrival time | 2 hours before flight departure |
| Bag drop | 4pm-8:30pm the day before, or 2 hours before flight departure |
| Check-in | 2 hours before flight departure |
| Arrival time for hand luggage | 30-45 minutes before departure |
| Transport to/from the airport | DLR trains depart every 8-15 minutes |
| Parking | 30 minutes of free parking for Blue Badge holders |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
London City Airport arrival time for hand luggage
London City Airport is a small airport, and travelling through it is often faster than at other London airports. The airport opens at 5:00 am, and you should not arrive earlier than two hours before your time of departure as the airport will not be able to accept your baggage. If you are travelling with hand baggage only and have already checked in online, you can go straight through security and to the gate. You must pass through security at least 20 minutes before your flight departs and be at the boarding gate at least 15 minutes before departure.
If you are travelling in a group of more than nine people, use one of the kiosks in the corridor to print your boarding card. If you have baggage to check in, you will need a printed boarding card or a downloaded boarding pass on the British Airways app, and you will be directed to a bag drop area. The overnight bag drop is available for flights departing before 10:00 am, and you can check in your bags between 4:00 pm and 8:30 pm the day before.
At London City Airport, you can leave liquids and electronics in your hand baggage when going through security, as long as liquids and gels are in containers no larger than 100ml (3.4 oz). You should check the applicable scanning requirements and restrictions when departing from other airports on your journey. After clearing security, check the information screens at regular intervals to find out how long it will take to get to the gate.
According to travellers, 30-45 minutes before departure is enough time to get through security at London City Airport, even during evening rush hours. However, if you are travelling during peak hours, you may want to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight to allow for potential delays.
US Airport COVID-19 Testing: What's the Protocol?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![London City International Airport [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513PmbrklyL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Check-in time for bigger items
London City Airport is a small airport with just one terminal, making it a quick airport to navigate. The airport opens at 5:00 am, and check-in opens 2 hours before your flight. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 45 minutes to 1 hour before your flight's scheduled departure time. If you are travelling with hand baggage only and have already checked in online, you can go straight through security and to the gate.
If you plan to check in bigger items, such as ski equipment, you should check your airline's guidelines. For example, British Airways and Lufthansa passengers should check in as normal, in line with these airlines' policies. You can check in bigger items at the dedicated self-service bag tag area, just inside the main terminal entrance. After tagging your bag, you can go to one of the Bag Drop desks. The whole process usually takes about a minute.
If you are travelling on a flight departing before 10:00, you can use the overnight Bag Drop service to drop off your bags between 4 pm and 8:30 pm the day before your flight. However, please note that the airport can only accept your bags up to 2 hours before your flight departs. If you have baggage to check in, you must have a printed boarding card or your boarding pass downloaded to the British Airways app, and hosts will direct you to the appropriate bag drop area.
If you are travelling with hand baggage, it is important to note that if your baggage exceeds your allowance, you may need to check it in, and charges may apply. At London City Airport, you can leave liquids and electronics in your hand baggage when going through security. This includes liquids and gels in containers no larger than 100ml, laptops, and other electronic devices such as tablets.
South Carolina's CCW Laws: Airports and Beyond
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Transport to and from the airport
London City Airport is located just 5 miles from London's city centre. The airport opens at 5:00 am, and you can check your bags up to 2 hours before your flight's departure. If you are travelling with hand baggage only and have already checked in, you can go straight through security and to the gate. If your hand baggage exceeds your allowance, you may need to check it in, and charges may apply.
London City Airport is within the Ultra Low Emission Zone, so you may need to pay the ULEZ charge. The airport offers 30 minutes of free parking to Blue Badge holders. If you are being dropped off, head to the Drop Off Area in front of the Terminal building.
The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) serves London City Airport, with trains departing every 4 to 15 minutes, depending on the destination. The DLR station platforms are connected to the main airport terminal by a lift. Trains depart every 8-15 minutes, and it takes less than 7 minutes to reach Canning Town or Woolwich Arsenal, and 17 minutes to reach Stratford International. The DLR is also wheelchair accessible.
The fastest way to get to London City Airport from London is by train, which takes 23 minutes and costs $3-5. The train from Bank DLR Station to London City Airport DLR Station departs every 10 minutes.
If you are travelling by bus, Go Ahead London operates bus services from Cannon Street Station to London City Airport via Canning Town. The journey takes approximately 47 minutes.
Airports and Driver's Licenses: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baggage reclaim and customs
London City Airport is a small airport with just one terminal, making travelling through the airport faster than at other London airports. The airport opens at 5:00 am and check-in opens 2 hours before your flight. You should not arrive earlier than 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
After passport control, follow the signs for 'Arrivals/Baggage Reclaim' and look for your flight on the information screens to see which carousel your bags will arrive on. There are two baggage carousels, clearly signed, with moderate to good lighting and seating available. Once you have your baggage, you may need to pass through Customs. The counter is located to the rear of the baggage area. Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance, but there is step-free level access to the counter. The height of the counter is 118 cm, with a lowered section at 72 cm. There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
After Customs, there are two corridors, one for EU arrivals and one for 'Nothing To Declare', leading to the exit to the Terminal Building. The exit is located at the end of both Customs corridors, containing double automatic doors, 170 cm wide, which open away from you. This exit is 18 metres from the customs exit.
Hamad Airport: Hotels Inside the Terminals?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parking options
London City Airport offers a range of parking options, both on-site and off-site, to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some options to consider:
On-Site Parking:
- Official London City Airport Parking: This option allows you to park within the airport premises. You can book this option online in advance to secure a spot and enjoy cheaper rates. The on-site parking is secure, featuring high perimeter fencing, CCTV cameras, and regular security patrols.
- London City Airport Long Stay Parking: The airport also offers long-stay parking options for those who need to leave their vehicles for extended periods.
- Butterfly Meet and Greet: If you're looking for a more luxurious and convenient option, Butterfly Meet and Greet offers a valet parking service. You can drive directly to the terminal, where a uniformed driver will meet you, take your keys, and park your car for you.
Off-Site Parking:
- JustPark: JustPark provides a diverse range of parking spaces near London City Airport, including private driveways not usually open to the public. They offer flexible options for short-term, overnight, weekday, or weekend stays. You can compare parking prices, check reviews, and reserve your spot in advance using their app or website.
- Purple Parking: Purple Parking also offers off-site parking options for London City Airport and allows you to book airport transfers along with your parking space. They compare trusted transfer providers to offer a range of shared and private resort transfer options at competitive prices.
Remember that it is generally recommended to book your airport parking in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
Dubai Airport Dress Code: Tips for Travelers
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. The check-in desks open two hours before departure, and check-in closes 20 minutes before the flight.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to get through security and reach the departure lounge. However, some travellers recommend arriving at the airport 45 minutes to 1 hour before departure to be safe and allow for potential delays.
There are no hotels suggested on the airport website. However, there are business hotels in Canary Wharf, which is a short taxi ride or train journey from the airport.
It takes approximately 1 hour to travel from Heathrow to London City Airport by taxi or around 1 hour and 20 minutes by train.
