Frequently asked questions

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FAQs - Planning your trip


Can you give me advice about travelling with my assistance dog?

Assistance dogs are the only dogs allowed into the terminal buildings except for those animals travelling on flights.

It is important that you make sure your airline is aware that you are travelling with your assistance dog at least 48 hours before you travel so that you are given help at London Luton Airport. When you arrive at the airport please go to our Assisted Travel area, located just before check-in and our Assisted Travel staff, will be happy to help you. 

Any dogs travelling out of the UK must be fully vaccinated and micro-chipped and need to be registered with the European Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and importation rules of other countries outside the EU.

Please feel free to send copies of your assistance dog's pet passport, as well as their proof of being a certified assistance animal, to [email protected]  prior to your entry back into the UK.  Please include in this e-mail your return flight date /time and the destination you are flying in from,  so that we can prepare for your arrival. This may assist with speedier checks upon entry and also help identify if all vaccinations are present for your return. The pet passport pictures we will require are:- the front cover, dog description page, owner details page, passport issue page, microchip page, rabies vaccination page, tapeworm treatment page, and proof of being a certified assistance dog.

More advice about the Pets Travel Scheme and flying with your assistance dog. Find out more or register for the PETS scheme here.

If your assistance dog needs a "Service Animal Spend Area" then please speak to a member of our Assisted Travel team (previously Special Assistance). 

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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Where can I obtain a sunflower lanyard from?

You can pick up a sunflower lanyard from the Assisted Travel desk (previously Special Assistance), located inside the entrance doors of the departures terminal, on your day of travel.

If you have time for a lanyard to be posted to you before your travel date, then please e-mail [email protected] with your name and address so we can post one out to you. 

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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Are blue badge holders exempt from charges in the main drop off area?

No concessions are available for blue badge holders in the main drop off area. However, blue badge holders and those who provide proof of booked assistance get 30 minutes FREE and preferential rates for dropping off in Terminal Car Park 1. See more information here.

In: Dropping Passengers Off | Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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I am travelling with my autistic child, do you have any suitable areas for us to wait for our flight?

Once you’re through Security, and if you are being assisted to the aircraft when boarding time comes, please book into our Assisted Travel Lounge, which is signposted after you pass through security. 

There are a few quieter locations, depending on the time of day, which you can utilise whilst waiting for your flight:

  • The quiet room, located next to departure gate 17
  • Gates 19 - 27 area
  • The lounge seating area at Gate 7 (a children's play area is also available in this area)

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip | Understanding our facilities

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What accessible toilet facilities are available at the airport?

Our Assisted Travel (previously Special Assistance) facilities pages will tell you more about all the available facilities and what to do if you have pre-booked assistance.

London Luton Airport has accessible toilet facilities available in all toilet areas. We also have a changing places facility in our Assisted Travel Lounge, which is signposted after you pass through security. 

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip | Understanding our facilities

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Do I need to provide any proof of disability to receive assistance?

No, be it a visual disability or a non-physical disability, no proof is required or should be asked for.

In: Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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How do I know if I will need assistance?

If you have a condition or disability and you feel that assistance from staff at London Luton Airport would make your journey easier, then we advise you to book assistance. From difficulties with mobility to non-physical disabilities like Alzheimer’s and ADHD, our staff are on hand to help you every step of the way.

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip | Being at LLA

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I have a condition/disability but I don’t want assistance, is that ok?

If you feel you don’t need assistance through the airport, then that is entirely your choice. We do offer a sunflower lanyard for our passengers with non-physical disabilities or disabilities they do not want to share details of.

This will identify you to staff as someone who may need additional support or understanding, and our staff have been trained to recognise the lanyards and act accordingly. Find out more about how to navigate the Departures process with ease.

The lanyards can be obtained from the Assisted Travel desk (previously Special Assistance) near the check-in area.

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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I have a non-physical disability, can I still be independent through the Airport?

If you want to navigate through the Airport independently, our Assisted Travel provider can supply you with a sunflower lanyard. This will discreetly identify you to Airport staff as someone who may require additional support.

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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How do I get assistance from the drop off / pick up area?

We recommend Blue Badge holders and those with booked assistance use Terminal Car Park 1, where you can benefit from reduced rates, including 30 minutes of FREE parking or reduced rates for longer stays up to 24 hours. To take advantage of reduced rates, please take your Blue Badge or confirmation of booked assistance to the Priority Parking reception on the second floor of Terminal Car Park 1.

In: Parking | Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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Can you pay on the day when parking in the Mid Stay car park?

 Yes, you can turn up and pay on the day when using our Mid Stay Car Park. Turn up and pay pricing can be found below:
  • Up to 60 minutes - £15.00
  • Each subsequent day & part of a day - £35.00

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Traveling in a large group or with a motorised wheelchair? See more

Passengers travelling in large groups or with a motorised wheelchair should contact our Car Park operator 0345 3037397 or email [email protected]

In: Parking | Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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Is there any help I can get when I travel to the airport?

Most public transport operators have arrangements for passengers who need assistance and information about these services can be found on our public transport pages. 

There are Blue Badge spaces and extra help on hand in our airport car parks if you’re arriving at the airport by car.

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Organising your transport | Planning your trip | Parking

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Will I still be able to stay with my family or group through security if I have Assisted Travel booked (previously Special Assistance)?

If you have Assisted Travel booked and are unable to travel through the airport without a carer or companion, we will ensure that they can accompany you throughout the entire journey.

If you are travelling in a larger group then it would be best to nominate one person to stay with you. Companions may be asked to vacate our mobility equipment should it be required for Assisted Travel passengers.

In: Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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Will I continue to get assistance throughout my flight?

Yes. To get assistance throughout your airport journey you need to book assisted travel through your airline so they will be aware of your needs. Your assistance will continue for as long as you need it throughout the Airport.
If you have not pre-booked an Assisted Travel service through your airline, please make yourself known to one of our Assited Travel desks within the airport.

Please note the term 'Special Assistance' is no longer used at London Luton Airport and has been replaced by 'Assisted Travel'.

In: Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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Do I need to pre-book assistance?

Yes, if you have a disability or you experience mobility difficulties and need help to get to your flight, you should contact your airline at least 48 hours before you fly to let them know you need assistance. Inform Your airline.

If you arrive at the airport without booking Assisted Travel (previously Special Assistance), please go to one of our Assisted Travel desks and we will try to help as best we can, but we do give priority to passengers who have booked in advance.

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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Can I travel with my own mobility aid?

You are welcome to travel with your mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters or walkers, but please do advise your airline in advance.

Departing from London Luton Airport

If you are flying from London Luton Airport with your equipment you can take it right up to the aircraft, to then hand it over to the ground staff for loading into the hold. Please make sure your airline knows in advance that you'll be travelling with your equipment.

Once you're through Security, please go immediately to the Assisted Travel desk located in the Departure Lounge.

Depending on which gate your flight departs from, it may be necessary for our assistance team to escort you to the aircraft via an alternative route. Please book in with the Assisted Travel desk (previously Special Assistance), once you have passed through security (located next to gate 20) so they can advise you on this.

If you are travelling with an electric wheelchair or mobility scooter, staff will meet you at the Assisted Travel located next to departure gate 20 to help you make sure your scooter is safely turned off for the flight or your wheelchair is folded. It helps us keep delays to a minimum if you know how your device works in advance.

Arriving at London Luton Airport

When you arrive at London Luton Airport, your wheelchair or mobility aid should be there as you disembark the aircraft.

Don't forget to advise your airline / Assisted Travel service providers (previously Special Assistance) that you have your own equipment so that ground staff can get it back to you more quickly.

Ground Staff will unload your wheelchair or scooter from the hold as they unload the other luggage and cargo that's carried in the hold. Once this has been unloaded it will be passed over to the Assisted Travel team so it can be repatriated with you upon disembarkation.

In the unlikely event that your mobility aid is lost or damaged during the flight, then please report this immediately to the airline. You will need to complete a report with your airline and you will get a reference number. London Luton Airport will lend you a wheelchair or walker until yours is returned or repaired. Please speak to the Assisted Travel Service provider (previously Special Assistance) staff should this be required.

In: Seeking Assisted Travel | Planning your trip

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Do I need a Visa for a short stay?

No, but you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, if you are staying for less than 6 months (depending on the reason for your visit).

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.

You’ll need an ETA to:

All eligible non-European nationals will require and Electric Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to or transit through the UK. Eligible Europeans will be able to apply from the 5th of March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK from the 2nd April 2025.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

 

In: Travelling for business | Planning your trip

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How do I get from Tbilisi airport to the city centre?

There is a range of ways to get into Tbilisi-

  • Arrange a taxi to pick you up from the airport and straight to your location, use the service Bolt for ease.
  • Hop on the 337 bus, the bus directly operates between Tbilisi airport and the city centre.
  • Airport shuttle / private transfer, many hotels and travel agencies offer airport transfer services. To book you must arrange in advance when booking your trip.
  • A train now also runs between Tbilisi airport and the main train station, please be aware that the train runs twice daily (usually early morning and evening).

In: Planning your trip


What is the weather like in Tbilisi?

Weather varies in Tbilisi, it has lovely hot summers and mild winters.

In: Planning your trip


What are the top attractions in Tbilisi?

Popular attractions include the Old Town, Narikala Fortress, sulfur baths, the Bridge of Peace, and Mtatsminda Park.

In: Planning your trip


Do I need a visa to travel to Georgia?

UK citizens can visit Georgia visa-free for up to one year. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.

In: Planning your trip


What is the time difference between Luton and Georgia?

Georgia is 4 hours ahead of the UK.

In: Planning your trip


What is the capital of Georgia?

The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi, located in the eastern part of Georgia and is known for its historic Old Town, vibrant arts scene, and rich history.

In: Planning your trip


How long is a flight to Georgia?

From London Luton Airport a flight to Georgia takes around 5 hours

In: Planning your trip


How long does it take from landing to leaving the Airport?

On average, it takes around 40-50 minutes from landing to reclaiming your luggage, but it depends on the time of day and the busyness of the Airport.

In: Planning your trip

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Help! My passport has expired/been lost/stolen. Who do I contact?

If you’re a UK citizen or passport holder and your passport has expired, been lost or stolen in the UK, go to the UK Passport Agency website for help on what to do next.

If you’re a UK citizen or passport holder and you lost your passport while overseas, you should report the loss immediately to the local police and the relevant British consulate, embassy or high commission. A list of these can be found at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

Foreign nationals who lose their passport while in the UK should inform the local police and contact their relevant consulate or embassy.

In: Planning your trip


What are my customs allowances?

For up-to-date information on your customs allowance, head to the HM Revenue & Customs website.

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What are the UK entry requirements?

There are different requirements for entry into the UK, depending on your nationality, country of residence, country of departure and the reason and duration of your visit.

Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website for more information.

Please make sure you have the necessary documents or permissions before you travel, or you could be refused entry into the UK.

In: Planning your trip


Where can I learn about the safety of travel to foreign countries?

Your surest source of information is the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

In: Planning your trip


What is Advance Passenger Information (API)?

The new Advance Passenger Information (API) policy means that, if you’re travelling to Spain, your airline is required to collect the following compulsory information about you:

  • full name
  • nationality
  • date of birth
  • passport number

You’ll be asked for this on the airline’s website, through your travel agent or at Check-in.

Spain is the first European country to require collection of API for visitors, but the policy is due to be introduced in other EU member countries over the next 12 months.

If you need more information, it’s best to contact your airline or travel agent directly.

In: Planning your trip


Will I be subject to checks when I land in the country I am traveling to?

Passengers will need to follow latest travel advice both here in the UK and in the country of travel.

In some countries, entry may be restricted to those with permanent residency rights.

Click here for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office country specific travel advice.
Click here for the latest UK Government guidelines.

In: Planning your trip


Do I need a passport to travel between the UK and Ireland?

If you are a UK citizen and are planning to travel to Ireland, you won’t need a passport, but you will need a valid form of ID to prove your nationality, such as a driving licence. View our page about the Common Travel Area for more information.

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What tips are there for hiring a car at London Luton Airport?

Use our fast and friendly, 24hr bus service to and from the terminal building. This bus goes from bus Bay C outside the terminal building and stops right outside the Car Hire Centre which is located just a short distance away. Book direct to take advantage of the best rates.

In: Planning your trip | Organising your transport | Car Hire Center

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What documentation do you need to rent a car at London Luton Airport?

The documentation you’re required to provide for hiring a car at London Luton Airport is as follows:
  • UK customer: Proof of address is required, valid driving license (DVLA check code may be required), utility bill, bank statement and a debit/credit card in the driver’s name.
  • Overseas Customer: Valid Driving license, passport, credit/debit card in your name, flight details will be required for relevant checks.

In: Car Hire Center | Organising your transport | Planning your trip

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What are the age requirements for hiring a rental car at London Luton Airport?

This can vary depending on the operator. For Europe Car you can drive one of our cars from the age of 22, however a Young Drivers Fee will apply per day up to the age of 26. For Enterprise the minimum age to drive a standard car is 25, however you have to be a minimum of 30 years+ to hire a premium car, 4x4 or 7-seater and above. For Avis you can hire a car from the age of 23.

In: Car Hire Center | Organising your transport | Planning your trip

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Can I pick up my rental car at London Luton Airport and return it to another location?

Yes, most car rental companies allow you to drop off at any location, however, this may affect the price and will depend on the location and the car rental company.

In: Planning your trip | Car Hire Center | Organising your transport

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Is the prayer room open?

The Landside prayer room is open from 04:00 until 23:00.
The Airside Prayer Room is open 24/7

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Are there any flight connecting facilities?

Sorry, no, there aren’t any connecting facilities at LLA. You’ll need to collect your lugggage after landing then Check-in for your next flight and head to Security.

In: Planning your trip

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Can pets enter the terminal building?

Only Assistance dogs are permitted inside the terminal building

In: Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel | Being at LLA

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Can unaccompanied children (minors) fly into or out of LLA?

We don’t provide an escort service for unaccompanied children at the Airport. Contact your airline to learn about any restrictions they may have.

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What if I want to change my travel plans?

If you need to change your flights, or your flight has been cancelled, please speak to your airline directly. Please see our dedicated airline information page for their contact details.

You may also wish to seek advice from your travel insurance provider.

If you need assistance with a lounge booking or Fast Track Security booking, please contact [email protected] and our customer team will be pleased to assist.

If you need assistance with a car park booking you may be able to amend this yourself online.

In: Planning your trip

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What time do I have to arrive at LLA if I’ve already checked in online?

The boarding gate for your flight will close approximately 40 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.

Remember that you need to factor in time to get through Security and find your gate. We strongly advise that you leave plenty of time to make your way through the airport. If you’re late, your flight won’t wait for you

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When should I arrive at the airport for my flight?

Check in desks / bag drop facilities will open 2 hours prior to flight time and your airline will close the boarding gate approximately 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

We recommend you arrive in good time to drop any bags or check in and clear Security.  

In: Planning your trip | Going through security

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My airline has cancelled my flight. Can I get a refund for my parking?

Car park bookings

If you need assistance with a car park booking you may be able to amend this yourself online.
  1. Log into your account here using login details or if you haven't created an account use your booking email and reference on Manage My Booking
  2. Locate your booking under ‘Current bookings’
  3. Select ‘View’ on the booking you wish to amend/cancel
  4. Use the options available to change or cancel your booking. This is not possible for Economy Parking products.
If you are unable to amend your booking online please email: [email protected] or call 0345 303 7397  (9am - 8pm)

Lounge & Fast Track bookings

For lounge bookings or Fast Track Security, please contact [email protected] and our customer team will be pleased to assist.

Please note that due to the current circumstances and a high volume of enquiries, it may take us longer to respond than usual.

If you need to change your flight, please speak to your airline.

In: Planning your trip | Going through security

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Can sunflower lanyards be used from other locations or must I wear the London Luton Lanyard?

All sunflower lanyards are recognised and can be used when travelling through London Luton Airport.

In: Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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I have a cochlear implant, am I ok to go through the x-ray machines?

Metal detectors and security scanners should not damage the implant or sound processor. However, when passing through security metal detectors and scanners the alarm may activate. If the alarm is activated, security may then use a handheld wand to screen you. The wand will not harm your cochlear implant, but it will beep when it passes over your sound processor. It is a good idea to let security staff know that you have an implanted medical device for hearing and carry your 'Patient Identification Card'.

You may hear a distorted sound caused by the magnetic field around the security scanner door or hand-held scanning wand. Turning the sound processor volume down (or switching it off) before passing through security screening will ensure that those sounds, if they occur, are not too loud or uncomfortable.

In: Going through security | Planning your trip | Seeking Assisted Travel

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What is the Luton Airport Express and Luton DART?

The Luton Airport Express is a quick and simple rail service from London St Pancras International to London Luton Airport, taking just 22 minutes, and departing every 30 minutes.
You'll then connect onto the Luton DART shuttle which is a speedy 4 minutes directly to the front of the terminal. 

In: Luton Airport Express | Planning your trip

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