My flight
Where can I find departure and arrival times?
What can I bring in my hand luggage?
Take a look at our security rules for a full list of what you can take through Security. Some airlines will also have different rules on hand luggage, so contact your airline directly for this information before you fly.
How long do I need to check-in before my flight is due to depart?
Check-in times can vary depending on your type of flight, so please arrive with enough spare time to pass through check-in and security. Checking-in times can usually be found on your individual ticket or itinerary, or by contacting your airline directly.
What's the earliest time I can check-in?
This can vary depending on your type of flight, so please contact your airline directly for this information.
I am a transfer passenger. Can I leave the airport?
If you're stopping over between connecting flights, you'll need to leave the airport via passport control, baggage reclaim and customs, then check in as normal in time for your onward flight.
What facilities are there at the airport?
As well as shops and food outlets, we have many different facilities, including:
- Multi-Faith Prayer Room
- Baby change areas
- Family Room
- Accessible Toilets
Where can I smoke at the airport?
You can smoke in designated areas outside the terminal building.
London Stansted is a smoke-free airport and smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminal building (pre-security).
Please note that apart from in this designated area, smoking/vaping is forbidden indoors in any of our buildings.
How do I transfer between terminals?
If you arrive on an international flight, you must go through passport control, regardless of whether your connecting flight is domestic or international.
If you are connecting from a UK domestic flight to an international flight, you will pass through special immigration control points, where you may be asked to show your passport.
Does the airport offer free Wi-Fi?
At London Stansted Airport, free Wi‑Fi is available in terminals and lounges for up to 2 hours within 24 hours.
After that, you’ll need to pay for continued access or wait until the allowance resets.
To access the Wi-Fi, simply connect to the Wi-Fi network.
You can find more information about our Wi-Fi service.
What shops are at the airport?
We have a wide range of shops in the terminal, covering beauty, technology, fashion, and much more. World Duty Free is also available for you to shop world-leading brands at discount prices.
What is my World Duty Free allowance?
Are dogs allowed inside the airport?
The only dogs we allow in our terminal buildings are Assistance Dogs. If you’d like to travel abroad with your pet, find out more about the Pet Travel Scheme.
What restaurants are at the airport?
We have lots of restaurants, cafés and bars located in the terminal. These cater for every need, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food. Whether you want a quick bite to eat at Burger King, or a wholesome family meal at the Sunny Side Café.
Are there breastfeeding facilities at the airport?
We have dedicated baby changing rooms with seating for breastfeeding, located in the main departures lounge, as well as family rooms both before and after security.
Please note that we promote feeding across our site, and don't restrict where this can take place.
Do you provide trolleys at the airport?
Yes - trolleys cost £1, refundable with the return of the trolley.
Do you have post boxes at the airport?
Post boxes can be found at London Stansted Airport in the E check-in area and the arrivals hall near the Bus Tickets and Information Desk. You can also visit the Excess Baggage Company, which provides Post & Fly return services in the main terminal arrivals area (outside security).
Do you have shower facilities at the airport?
We don’t currently offer shower facilities. However, we do offer a wash room for passengers using our Assisted Travel service. This is located in our Changing Places facilities located in Landside Arrivals area and Airside Departure Lounge area. These facilities are operated with a RADAR key.
- Landside Arrivals – Located next to the toilet facilities, next to Burger King
- Airside Departures – Located next to the toilet facilities in the Departure Lounge.
Do you have cash machines at the airport?
Yes, we have a number of cash machines available in the terminal, offering GBP, Euros, and US Dollars.
Where can I find directions to the airport?
Whether you’re traveling by car, train, bus and coach, it’s easy to find London Stansted Airport. Get directions and public transport information.
What time does the airport open?
London Stansted Airport is open 24/7, seven days a week. However, the terminal closes between midnight and 02:00. Therefore, departing passengers travelling on early morning flights should not arrive sooner than their scheduled check-in time.
We do not allow bedding down in the terminal, so please see overnight accommodation options and travel options.
How can I pay for the Express Set Down?
You can pay online via our payment portal, or by phone: 03450 175046.
Payments cannot be made using cash or cheque. Additionally, no payment for our Express Set Down area can be made upon exiting, as there are no payment barriers in this area. If payment is not received by midnight the following day, a £100 Parking Charge Notice will be issued, which will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
How can I pay for the Express Set Down?
You can pay online via our payment portal, or by phone: 03450 175046.
Payments cannot be made using cash or cheque. Additionally, no payment for our Express Set Down area can be made upon exiting, as there are no payment barriers in this area. If payment is not received by midnight the following day, a £100 Parking Charge Notice will be issued, which will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
How do I amend my booking?
You may amend your booking up to 72 hours before your car parking commences, either online or by contacting us.
If your booking will change by less than 6 hours (for example if your flight time has changed slightly) there’s no need to contact us to change your booking. You can arrive in the car park up to 6 hours earlier and leave up to 6 hours later without incurring a charge.
Please note, if you have booked Security FastTrack, Passport Control FastTrack or a lounge with your car park booking then your original booking time will still apply to those products.
To amend your booking online, please re-visit the website you used to book and follow the online instructions or click the links below.
Amendments to the dates of stay are subject to the terms and conditions of your booking. Certain promotional products cannot be amended, it will be made clear at the point of booking if this is the case.
Please note if you booked during a sale or at a lower price and that rate is no longer available, the new rate will apply. Where specified in the product details some special offer bookings cannot be amended or cancelled.
How do I cancel my car park booking?
Plans changed? Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your booking when you book directly with London Stansted Airport.
To cancel your booking online, please re-visit the website you used to book and follow the online instructions or click the links below.
Cancellations are subject to the terms and conditions of your booking. Where specified in the product details some special offer bookings cannot be amended or cancelled.
Bookings cancelled within 72 hours of the time and date of arrival will not be refunded (or with booking where other cancellation conditions may apply).
If you chose to purchase the Cancellation Protection as part of your booking, you can cancel your booking up to 1 hour prior to arrival. Bookings cancelled within 1 hour of the car park arrival date will not be refunded.
Bookings made less than 72 hours before departure are non-refundable unless Cancellation Protection was purchased at the time of booking.
Customers who have booked via a third party should contact them directly.
My booking reference isn’t recognised on your website. What should I do?
If you are trying to amend or cancel your booking online, please click on the relevant link below:
If your booking reference has not been recognised, it might be because the booking was made through a third-party site.
Please check your booking confirmation email for information regarding how to amend/cancel your booking or click on the link below for third party contact details:
What happens after I have made my booking?
You will receive an on-screen confirmation which details your booking reference and instructions (please read these carefully). Please print this page for your records, as you will need this information at the airport.
We will send you a booking confirmation email. Please verify that your vehicle registration details are accurate, as they are required for car park access. If you plan to arrive at the airport in a different vehicle than initially planned, you can amend your booking accordingly.
You are responsible for supplying a valid email, and we cannot be held responsible for non-delivery of booking confirmation emails due to transmission failure or incorrect address details.
Not receiving the confirmation email does not affect the validity of your booking; it remains confirmed. Please check your junk or spam folder, as the confirmation email might have been redirected there. If you still cannot find it, your email address may have been entered incorrectly.
Can I make a booking today to park at the airport today?
Yes. Bookings can be made up to at least 2 hours (6 hours for all Meet & Greet bookings) prior to your arrival time at the relevant Airport.
All Car Park bookings are subject to availability and the Airport reserves the right to withdraw availability at its entire discretion for a given date.
My vehicle details have changed. What should I do?
You may amend your vehicle details on your booking up to 24 hours before your car parking commences. To amend your vehicle details on your carpark booking online, please re-visit the website you used to book and follow the online instructions or click the links below.
If you booked with one of our sales agents please get in touch with them directly.
What if I return later than the date/time on the booking?
We want to make your parking experience as smooth as possible. If you find yourself staying longer than planned in our car park, please note that additional charges will apply based on the overstay rate for the car park and airport.
If you’ve booked our Meet & Greet parking service and anticipate a delay, or if you need to pick up your car earlier or stay longer than expected, we kindly ask that you reach out to our Meet & Greet team. The sooner you inform us, the better we can assist you.
You can find the contact details for the Meet & Greet operation on your booking receipt, which you will have received from the receptionist when you dropped off your keys. Just in case, here’s the number for London Stansted Meet & Greet: 07702 966325.
For more information about overstay charges, please refer to the terms and conditions included in your booking confirmation or check out ‘Section 6: Car Park Conditions of Use’.
A quick reminder: Overstay charges only apply if you leave the car park more than 6 hours after your scheduled departure time as indicated in your booking.
What are the differences between our car parks?
All our car parks are on site and are managed locally by the Airport.
However, the price can vary depending on availability, car parking facilities, and distance to the terminals. Explore our full list of car parks.
All our Airport car parks have a tarmac surface, with the exception of our Jet Parks car parks that have a gravel surface. However, please note that all our car parks have the Park Mark® Accreditation.
Are there any height restrictions?
A height restriction of 2.0 metres (6 ft. 6 inches) applies to all Meet & Greet car parks and all multi-storey car parks across all the Airport sites.
Trailers are not permitted in any of our parking facilities.
How safe are the Airport car parks?
You can be confident in knowing that all our car parks have been awarded a Park Mark® Accreditation.
This means you're visiting a safe parking area, that has been vetted by the British Parking Association (BPA). We have measures in place to create a safe environment for both you and your vehicle.
I have a Satellite Navigation System, are co-ordinates available for the car parks?
Yes, you’ll find the coordinates on your email booking confirmation. These will direct you to the car park entrance.
What is the minimum length of time I can park?
There is no minimum stay duration for our Short Stay car parks. However, the following car parks have the following minimum stay criteria:
- Mid Stay - from 3 days
- Long Stay - from 5 days
- JetParks - from 7 days
- Meet and Greet - 5 days
Please note, these stay durations are subject to change due to car park availability.
What if I have pre-booked any my vehicle is not recognised by ANPR?
When you arrive at the car park, please allow 30 seconds for the ANPR to recognise your vehicle. If your vehicle has not been recognised by our automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, please don’t take a token. Instead, press the intercom assistance button on the entry column, and a member of staff will then assist you.
Taking a token will disable the ANPR system linked to your booking, meaning when you exit the car park you may be double charged.
What is Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition is used for pre-book customers only.
If you have pre-booked your parking, drive up to the barrier, and once the ANPR cameras have recognised your vehicle registration, the barrier will raise for you to enter the car park. Please allow 30 seconds for the ANPR to recognise your vehicle.
If for any reason the ANPR cameras don’t recognise your vehicle registration plate (if the vehicle plate is obscured by dirt/snow etc.), the barrier won’t lift. In this case, please don’t take a token. Instead, press the intercom assistance button on the entry column, and a member of staff will then help you.
Taking a token will disable the ANPR system linked to your booking, meaning when you exit the car park you may be double charged.
What payment methods are accepted for pre-booking?
Payment must be made in advance and online. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards and PayPal for pre-booking.
We reserve the right not to fulfil your booking if:
- Your card is declined for any reason
- The payment card has been used fraudulently or without the cardholder's permission
- You are under the age of 18
How do I know my payment details are secure?
Your privacy and security are important to us. Our website uses SSL encryption software, the industry standard, to protect your details.
You’ll know you’re in a secure area of our website when the website address is preceded by “https://” and a padlock symbol appears in the frame of your browser.
I have booked parking in advance. What do I need to bring to the airport?
All you need is your booking confirmation e-mail!
The booking confirmation will help direct you to the correct car park, and also states your booking reference number. It’s good to have it to hand in case you need to speak to a member of staff.
I have booked parking in advance. At the car park, what should I do?
As you approach the barrier, our smart ANPR cameras will scan your registration number and check it against your booking details. The barrier should then open automatically. Please be patient, as this may take up to 30 seconds to happen.
If your vehicle hasn’t been recognised by our ANPR cameras, please scan the QR code on your booking confirmation (this should be a printed copy).
If the QR code isn’t recognised, or you don’t have one to hand, please don’t take a token. Instead, press the intercom assistance button on the entry column, and a member of staff will be on hand to help.
Taking a token will disable the ANPR system linked to your booking, meaning when you exit the car park you may be double charged.
What process do I follow if I pre-booked Long Stay, Mid Stay or Short Stay parking?
If you've pre-booked Meet & Greet, approach the entry barrier and your name will appear on the screen. Parking instructions will appear on the screen, and the barrier will lift so you can drive through.
Please remember to:
- Hand your keys into the office or use our self-service kiosks
- Have your return flight details available - the Meet & Greet driver will make a note of these to make sure your car is ready for your return
When you return, the Meet & Greet operatives will direct you to your car, and let you know the exit procedure.
I have a blue badge disabled parking permit. Where should I park?
For security reasons the Blue Badge scheme does not operate on the London Stansted Airport road system. Unattended vehicles will be towed away by the police and a fine must be paid in order to retrieve such vehicles.
However, Blue Badge parking bays are available in each of the following car parks: Short Stay Car Park, Long Stay Car Park, Mid Stay Car Park and Express Set Down.
Jet Parks Customers (Pre-Booked Only): please ensure that at time of booking you make your requirements known and you will be upgraded automatically into Long Stay.
You will find additional details in regards to Blue Badge parking at the Airport.
Please note, under no circumstances can we reserve a space for Blue Badge holders.
Why is there no availability for the dates I am trying to book?
Lack of car park availability could be due to:
- The car park is fully booked for all or part of your stay
- The booking conditions for the car parking product are not being met
- If you’re trying to book for less than the minimum stay
Try adjusting your selection or choose another car park. For Meet & Greet bookings, please make sure you’ve entered the correct arrival time.
If you are still experiencing problems, please contact our Customer Contact Centre on the following free phone numbers:
London Stansted Airport queries: 02081 638001 or JetParks queries: 08081 697029.
They can help suggest a different car park for you.
How are parking charges calculated on this website?
Car parks are priced per calendar day or part thereof. Prices are subject to change, and quotes are valid at the time of booking only. The number of days charged is calculated depending on the dates and times you select at the time of booking.
For example, if you are travelling on a Monday and returning the following Monday you will be charged for 8 days.
All prices shown are in GBP and include VAT at 20%.
Car parking charges will also vary according to:
- The time of year
- Location of car park in relation to the terminal
- How far you book in advance
Where do I park if I'm collecting or dropping someone off?
We have a number of options available when picking up or dropping off at the airport, allowing you to choose what works best for you.
- The Express Set Down is for dropping-off friends or loved ones;
- If you are looking to pick-up or head in to the terminal then you should use either our Short Stay car parks (Orange or Green zones); or
- Park for free for up to 1 hour in our Mid Stay car park. Just follow signs for 'Free Set Down'.
Please note that turn-up car parking tariff charges will apply to the Express Set Down Drop Off and Short Stay car park.
You will find more details of our multiple Pick Up & Drop Off options, depending on how long you’ll take.
Why does the airport charge for drop off and pick up?
Although only some passengers will be affected by this charge, the revenue generated helps to make sure that we are able to keep investing. More investment = flying to more destinations!
Other regional airports around the country have also introduced a range of charges for drop off/pick up.
I have a car park question that’s not listed. Who do I contact?
If you can’t see the answer to your question above, or for any other general enquires, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 08081 697031.
Our team are ready to help with your booking Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00 (closed on Bank Holidays).
What foods can I bring into the UK?
How can I take my pet abroad?
The Pet Travel Scheme, offered by DEFRA allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports, without the need for quarantine.
What are the Visa requirements for entry into the UK?
Find out more about Visas and immigration requirements.
The UK Government have introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme as part of their transformation and digitisation of the UK border.
The ETA scheme is open to Qatari nationals, who can now apply and will require an ETA to travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023. Other nationalities do not need to apply yet.
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK over two years or until the holder’s passport expires whichever is sooner.
Explore GOV.UK for more information and regular updates on ETAs.
My passport has expired/been lost/stolen. Who do I contact?
Where can I fly to from London Stansted Airport?
You can fly to over 150 amazing places from London Stansted Airport. For a full list, visit our Destinations page.
What is the current airport tax imposed on passengers?
Air Passenger Duty is charged per passenger based on the rate for their final destination. Find out more details about guidance and forms covering Air Passenger Duty.
What happens if my flight is late?
If you are delayed we cannot guarantee that you will be able to use the Passport Control FastTrack lane. This will be at the airport’s discretion and will depend on whether the total number of passengers for that hour has been exceeded.
What time is FastTrack open?
Security FastTrack is open from 04:00 until 20:00. Passport Control FastTrack is open 24/7.
Can I book FastTrack on the day of departure or arrival?
Yes you can subject to availability, however as this is a popular service, we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Security FastTrack - book up to 1 hour prior to departure.
Passport Control FastTrack - book anytime before arrival.
Can I amend or cancel FastTrack?
Both Passport Control FastTrack and Security FastTrack are non-refundable and non-amendable if booked as standalone products.
If you've booked Passport Control FastTrack or Security FastTrack as part of a car park booking, you can amend your FastTrack booking when you also amend your car park booking. The amendment fee is £7.50.
The amendment fee is waived if you purchased Cancellation Protection when you made your car park booking.
I'm travelling with my family, can we all use the service?
Security and Passport Control FastTrack are great time savers for families. For each service, every passenger will need to purchase a pass, including children.
Please note that these services are not suitable for infants under three years old - you'll be automatically directed to the assistance lane at Security so do not need to book a Security FastTrack pass.
Why use FastTrack?
If you want the shortest wait time at Passport Control and Security, then this service is for you. London Stansted Airport FastTrack is ideal for business travellers, long weekend holiday makers and those travelling without checked-in luggage.
Find out more about Security FastTrack and Passport Control FastTrack.
How far in advance am I able to book?
You can book FastTrack up to 12 months in advance, subject to availability.
Is this service ever cancelled?
There may be exceptional operational circumstances that mean we have to cancel the service, and in this case we will give you a full refund.
How do I know that my booking has been accepted?
Once you’ve completed the booking process, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If you don’t receive it in your inbox, it’s worth double checking your junk folder.
Can I amend/cancel my booking?
If you booked with one of our sales agents, please get in touch with them in the same way you had before. For bookings made through a third party, you’ll need to get in contact with them.
What are the lounge opening times?
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