Meet & Greet Parking at Stansted Airport

Meet and Greet Stansted Airport Parking Specialists

Choose from low cost Park and Ride, or for extra time saving, our award winning Meet and Greet Services. Stansted Meet & Greet Parking; safe, secure and reliable parking at Stansted Airport.

Our Airport Parking At Stansted

We know a thing or two about airport parking and as one of the largest providers of off-site airport parking, you can rest assured, your car is in safe hands. Over the years, we have added more services to our range, so that we’re always on hand with choice and flexibility. You can now find Park and Ride services, as well as our steadfast Meet and Greet services at Stansted Airport, designed especially for families, business travellers and groups.

Meet and Greet

Meet and Greet Parking at the airport is convenient, and stress free. Ace Parking takes the hassle out of airport parking by meeting you at your designated terminal and parking your car for you in our nearby secure carpark, whilst you walk straight to the departure lounge. No fuss parking that is safe, reliable and designed to save you time.

Park and Ride

Airport Park and Ride is the best value airport parking option, yet it’s still just as easy. Make your way to a pre-booked car park and then we’ll park your car for you while you jump on the shuttle bus that is ready and waiting to take you directly to your terminal. Once you land, simply let us know you have arrived and the bus will come and pick you up to reunite you with your car.

Our Car Parks at Stansted

Run in partnership with the British Parking Association’s ‘ParkMark’ initiative and the West Sussex ‘Buy with Confidence’ scheme which guarantees;

  • A specially trained Police Officer has inspected all of  our car parks
  • Security systems such as alarms and/or CCTV are in place
  • Car parks are re-assessed regularly to maintain the Park Mark award.
  • Ace is a direct member of the British parking association, AVPCA and ParkMark

OUR Advice & Guides

Meet and Greet Parking Stansted

Ace Meet and Greet Parking is the cheapest, most convenient way to park at Stansted. It allows you to drive straight to your departure terminal, meet our friendly insured staff, who will then safely whisk your car to our secure Stansted Parking for you. When you land, your car will be waiting at arrivals so you can jump straight in and drive home…Simple.

How it works – 3 easy steps.

Departure

1 – Drive straight to your departure terminal or on-airport hotel.
2 – As arranged, a uniformed ACE/MMP representative at Stansted terminal will meet you, conduct a quick check of your car, and then take your car to one of our super secure car parks.
3 – Then, simply stroll into departures with only your luggage and yourself to worry about.

Return

1 – Call us when you have collected your luggage
2 – Meet your ACE/MMP representative at the approved meeting point to collect your car.
3 – Your car will be ready and waiting for you to jump straight in, and drive home / onto your next destination

More Information

  • Our Meet and Greet parking at Stansted is available 24/7 365 days of the year
  • The car park we use is managed by Maple Manor Parking
  • Our team of uniformed drivers take care of your car, parking it in one of our secure car parks for the duration of your time away.
  • All car parks are safe, secure and fully monitored with secure lighting and security patrols 24/7
  • Collection and return of all cars is just a few steps from Arrivals, within the multi-storey car parks
  • Our drivers will have I.D, are trained, fully insured and we pride ourselves on our punctuality and customer service.
  • Our rates are affordable and when you compare our Meet and Greet parking at Stansted to the cost of airport transfers or the risks of parking at the airport itself, we’re confident we provide the best value for money. See Why Park at Stansted for more info
  • You can leave your car for as little as one day – we believe in treating our customers fairly and have a long list of satisfied clients who use our Meet and Greet every time they fly.
  • Our valet car parking for Stansted is quick to book, easy to activate and gives you complete peace of mind while you’re away on holiday or business.
  • Ace Parking is approved by Trading Standards
  • Ace Airport Parking – managed by MMP parking
  • If you are returning ahead of schedule we must have at least 24 hours notice to ensure that your vehicle is ready for you upon your return
  • On occasion, if the airport require it, our Meeting Point could change on the day. You will be informed when you call if there are any changes that will affect you
  • If your actual stay is longer than your booked stay, any extra days will be charged at £10.00 per day (or part day). No refunds will be issued for part used stays. Payments for extra days must be settled before the vehicle is handed over and if requested a receipt can be sent by email to you.
  • It is the responsibility of the vehicle owner/customer driving to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy, holds a valid MOT certificate and has a valid Road Fund Licence. Vehicles that are not road legal or safe to drive may be refused.
  • No refunds will be given for illegal or unsafe vehicles not stored
  • Height restriction for Meet & Greet is 2.5m

Frequently asked questions:

Distance to Airport:

  • You drive directly to your terminal. Cars are stored off-airport at secure car parks located close to Stansted Airport, but you don’t have to go to / from them.

Transfers:

  • No transfers are required. Once your car is picked up you can proceed direct to check in / drive home.

Arrival Procedures:

  • Please call ACE Airport Parking on 01279 210 590, 10 minutes before arrival at your terminal destination to reconfirm and let us know you’re on time, early or late.
  • An ACE representative will meet you at the correct terminal.
  • Staff wearing ACE/MMP meet and greet staff uniform, will conduct a brief check of your car, collect your booking confirmation and take the keys, leaving you free to continue into the check in area of the terminal building. Your vehicle will be driven to a secure compound and stored until your return.

Departure Procedures:

  • On entering baggage re-claim and when you have collected ALL your luggage please call 01279 210 590 which will enable ACE Airport Parking to return your car to you when you arrive at the return pick up point.

Car Park Security:

  • Off Airport Parking are secured and monitored.  All our car parks have been awarded the highest level security award ‘Park Mark’.
  • Minimum Charge: 1 day at day rates
  • Minimum Stay: 1 day
  • Maximum Car Size: No mobile Homes, lorries, caravans or trailers are permitted. Max height 2.5m
  • Insurance: All our drivers are insured fully comprehensive to drive your vehicle. As most companies in the motor trade, we use road risk policy insurance cover.

Meeting Points / Directions:

Arrival

  • Leave the M11 by the slip road at Junction 8 Southbound or Junction 8a North Bound
  • At the end of the road follow it round to the left onto A120 Thremhall Avenue
  • You’ll come to a large roundabout – take the 3rd exit onto A120 Thremhall Avenue
  • Continue down this road and keep left towards the Bassingbourn Roundabout and take the 2nd Exit onto Thremhall avenue
  • At the next roundabout Coopers end roundabout take the third exit onto Terminal Road South.
  • Follow signs for “the Set Down Area Zone C” where you will be met by your driver

Return

  • Once you have collected all of your luggage and have cleared passport control call us on 01279 210 590 to let us know.
  • Make your way out to the Express Set Down Pick Up area. Your car will be returned to you here. Your car will be returned in Zone C by the three flag poles. Please look out for your car.
  • Be sure to look out for your vehicle and have your return instructions copy to hand.
  • The driver will need to see your return instructions paperwork to confirm your identity.

Cancellations

  • Cancellations made with at least 24 hrs notice are refunded in full. Within 24 hrs bookings are charged in full.

For more information or to book your Stansted meet and greet car parking, call 01279 210 590 now and one of our team will be happy to help.

We wish you a pleasant trip and hope you will use us again.

ACE AIRPORT PARKING LTD

If you were wondering what makes meet and greet parking with Ace Parking Stansted so essential, compared to normal airport parking, we’ve rounded up 10 reasons.

  • Meet & Greet is convenient – Step straight from your car into the terminal. We′ll make sure you start and end your trip with reliable collection and drop-off at your convenience.
  • Meet & Greet is cost-effective – None of your extra holiday money needs to be spent on transfers, busses, trains to and from the airport (That’s for your enjoyment when you get to your destination!)
  • Meet & Greet is safer – Our Stansted valet parking location is a purposed parking facility that is permanently monitored to ensure complete security of all vehicles stored there. One of the other safety features of meet and greet Stansted valet parking applies to the driver themselves – arriving late at night as a traveller alone, or with children, you don′t have to worry about navigating to your car buried deep in some dark corner of a basement car park. With our valet parking in Stansted your car will be ready, waiting and warm / cool for you to get straight into and drive away
  • Meet & Greet is perfect for those less physically abled – For those with disabled cars, or who need special assistance, Meet & Greet is vital. This is the most convenient way to travel in your own equipped car, and be picked up by it too.
  • Meet & Greet is better for families – Families come with more bags, and more little people. Lugging kids and luggage on public transport or on transfers can start your getaway negatively by causing unneeded stress. Simply drive the whole family to the airport, and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Meet & Greet is quicker – Got out of that meeting late? Stuck in traffic on the way? If you then have to park your car and get transfers, it’s pretty likely that you’re going to miss your flight. For those with little extra time on their hands, meet & greet is the only one for you.
  • Meet & Greet is warmer! – It’s a common story – get off the plane when you touch down in blustery Britain and you wish you hadn’t still got your flip flops and t-shirt on as it’s pouring with rain or snow. How good would it be to come out of the terminal and be met by your own, pre warmed vehicle ready to get home?
  • Meet & Greet is cheaper than you might think – Ace Parking is 2012’s parking website of the year, and our quick and easy quotes come with a price match guarantee. You won’t find cheaper, and if you do, we’ll match it!
  • Meet & Greet is fully insured – Our fully comprehensive insured drivers will take excellent care of your car, with a commitment to provide customers with a consistent, reliable and quality service whether travelling for business, pleasure long or short stays.
  • Meet & Greet is quick and easy to book – The whole process is quick, simple and straightforward – book online in 3 steps or make one call to activate your meet and greet Stansted parking. On your departure day we′ll be there to collect your car from the drop-off point at either the North or South Terminal, and there again when you step out of the airport on your return.

Is parking your car at Stansted the cheapest option?

Many might think that airport parking is the most expensive option when deciding how to get to Stansted Airport and in some cases, that’s true. If you simply arrive at Stansted and park without booking, in the Stansted Airport Parking spaces on site, it could end up costing more than your break away!

However, not ALL Stansted parking is expensive, and after working out all the additional costs for public transport, airport transfers or taxis; pre-booking your parking with Ace Parking could actually be the cheapest, and by far the easiest option.

There are many ways to get to Stansted, below we’ll go through them all, and give you rough costing; so you can see just how much you could save yourself.

(All prices and suggestions are from central London, please be sure to add on your additional costs of travel if you live outside of London.)

Getting to Stansted Airport by Train / Rail

For central London trains, see Stansted Express info below, for other connections throughout the UK, Cross Country Trains off long-distance services that link the airport with Cambridgeshire and the Midlands. Connections are also available to the North and Scotland.

  • Hourly daytime service, reduced on Sundays.
  • Journey times (approx): Cambridge 35 min; Leicester 2 hr 30 min; Birmingham 3 hr 25 min.
  • Fares vary, discounts for advance booking.
  • Trains run to Audley End, Cambridge, Ely, Peterborough, Leicester and Birmingham.
  • Trains run between 04:30 and 00:14 from Liverpool Street, and between 06:00 and 00:30 from Stansted.
  • Although efficient if you’re from London, it is quite pricey, especially for groups, or a family.
  • The standard-class single fare is £19. Returns are £32. (Prices may differ if purchasing in advance or last minute)
  • Onward travel prices from London will range massively depending where you are going in London, or the UK. London is famed for its underground tube network, and is somewhat well priced if you have an Oyster card. (Fares from £2-£3) Trains to the rest of London and the South and West of the UK are available from Liverpool street, Euston, Victoria and more, but are often highly priced (when going outside London) especially if not pre-booked.

Stansted Express

Probably the fasted way to get between Stansted Airport and Central London is the Stansted Express.

  • Trains depart every 15 minutes to London Liverpool Street and take 47 minutes.
  • It’s 36 minutes to Tottenham Hale (to connect with the London Underground to the West End), and to Stratford (with change at Tottenham Hale).
  • Train tickets from £8 per person each way if booked 30 days in advance.  Standard prices are from £19
  • Train station is located directly under the airport terminal, just a 2 minute walk from Arrivals with easy access via lifts, escalators and ramps.
  • Early morning 0340 hrs service from London Liverpool Street to the airport on Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings.
  • Train tickets can be purchased online, in Arrivals or at the railway station.
  • Again this may benefit a single traveller with no luggage, but for all other travellers, and if you are outside London, train fares can really add up.

Getting to Stansted by Tube / London Underground

  • Tubes don’t go all the way to the airport, but you can ride the tube to Tottenham Hale or London Liverpool street stations and get a train to Stansted from there.
  • Tube tickets are £5.70 to zone 1 central London one way, or you can get a travel card, giving unlimited travel in Zones 1 – 6, for £17 (Anytime) or £8.90 (off-peak).
  • We would strongly advise against getting the tube with lots of luggage, as they can get packed, and many stations have lots of stairs; not good to drag that 30kg suitcase up!

Getting to Stansted Airport by Coach

Although the slowest option, there are three companies that run frequent coaches from London to Stansted Airport.

  • National Express goes between London Victoria or Stratford & London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport every 15/20 minutes
  • Journeys take anything from 45 – 100 minutes and cost from £8 depending when you book.
  • National Express also serve the rest of the UK from Stansted by coach, for destinations please visit www.nationalexpress.com
  • Terravision goes between London Victoria,  Stratford & London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport every 20/30 minutes
  • Journeys take anything from 40 -50 minutes and cost from £9 depending when you book.
  • Easybus goes between London Baker Street or London Old Street to Stansted Airport every 20 minutes
  • Journeys take anything from 60 -75  minutes and cost from £2 if you book in advance.
  • Coaches can be cheap if you live near the London departure and pick up points, but are they reliable in London traffic when you have to catch that flight? What’s more, lugging around all your baggage and children may create a whole lot of stress before you even get to the airport.

Taking a Taxi To Stansted Airport

  • This will by far be the most expensive option, coming in at anything from £100 depending where you are going, and of course how much traffic there is. (We definitely wouldn’t want to be stuck in a black cab running on meter in standstill traffic in central London!)
  • They may be convenient, and there will be an abundance of them waiting just outside arrivals for you; it’s whether you are able to pay such a high price for that convenience.

Driving your car to Stansted

  • We’d probably all agree that packing your suitcases and family / friends into your own car, and driving directly from your homes to the airport is probably the easiest and most convenient way to get to Stansted. You’ll arrive together, excited, and ready for your trip ahead. However, many follow the myth that airport parking prices are the most expensive way to get to the airport.
  • We look at the airport parking below for you.

Stansted’s Airport Parking

Onsite Stansted airport short, mid, long stay and jet parks are available at Stansted from approx. £9 p/d (depending on which car park, peak times or how far in advance you book):

  • Advantages – On site / some spaces could be near to the departure area / internal transfers
  • Disadvantages – More expensive / still have to transfer or walk in the darker hours to your car / hefty charges if flights delayed / handling children & luggage

Offsite airport parking (From £7 p/d):

  • Car Park out of Stansted Airport’s boundaries such as a surrounding hotel.
  • Advantages – Often cheaper than onsite
  • Disadvantages – Safety / Transfer time & cost to the airport / Baggage having to be hauled around / handling children & luggage

Then there’s us, Ace Meet & Greet Valet airport parking.

  • Not only do we have a price match guarantee, so if you beat our price for the same service you get the parking free; but we’re approved by Stansted Airport themselves as a certified Meet and Greet / Valet Parking Service at Stansted.
  • No messing on public transport, no paying extortionate fees in taxis, no wondering around looking for your car in the dark car parks in the middle of the night.
  • Perfect for families, the elderly, those in need of special assistance, business travellers, school & sports groups. It’s the least stressful and easiest way to park at Stansted and believe it or not, one of the cheapest ways too.

Stansted is the UK’s 3rd busiest airport, with over 12 airlines operating from its one terminal. It sees and services around 19 million passengers each year. Stansted airport is located around 40 miles north-east of the city of London, close to Stevenage and Chelmsford and is close to the M11 Motorway.

  • Situated about 40 miles North East of London, Stansted Airport is easily accessible via road, rail, bus, coach and more. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from central London, and much less from surrounding Stevenage and Chelmsford areas.
  • Stansted Airport plays great host to each kind of traveller that passes through it. For the keen shoppers, there is an abundance of duty free shopping on offer, from fashion, to books, to travel accessories to electrical equipment, within its terminal. For the group holidays, try one of the many bars and start your holiday early, or refuel your family at a delicious Stansted Airport restaurant or eatery.
  • For the business travellers & frequent flyers, Stansted has a great airport lounge, to allow you to relax or work, as well as business services, and many hotels nearby too.

Stansted Airport Services

  • Shopping and Leisure

With a huge selection of great shops, for you to purchase those last minute essentials or save on high street brands, all Stansted’s Terminal’s provide you with some wonderful retail therapy, to truly get into the holiday spirit.

Great High Street Brands such as:

  • Boots
  • Rituals
  • World Duty Free
  • Body Shop

Books, Magazines, Newspapers & More:

  • WHSmith / WHSmith Books

Travel essentials, electronics & souvenirs:

  • Dixons Travel
  • Glorious Britain
  • Boots

Money / Currency Exchange:

  • Money Corp

Eating / Drinking:

A comprehensive guide to all shops and eateries available can be found here: http://www.Stanstedairport.com

 

Duty Free Shopping: From perfumes & cosmetics to giant Toblerone’s & tobacco, fine malt whiskeys to jewellery & watches – The duty free shops have it all, and what’s more – it’s tax free! 

Customs & Allowances: Each country has its own customs rules, prohibited items, and allowances. Check out our Security at Stansted section, and be sure to check on the official Stansted Airport Website what they are before you buy, or fly.

Airport Lounges: For those wishing to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the terminals, the airport lounges on offer at Stansted Airport are not to be missed.

  • The Escape Lounge at Stansted merges serene relaxation with the functional practicalities of an office space, with the provision of a free Wi-Fi catering for any last minute business needs
  • You can eat and drink from superb menus and buffets.
  • The lounge is situated on a mezzanine floor in the main departure lounge area.
  • Your airline may also provide lounges for their customers, so contact them separately.
  • The lounge is open from 4.00am-8.30pm and can be booked on 08713103300 

Special Assistance: London Stansted endeavours to provide for all those travellers who are in need of a little extra help. Whether it’s getting around the terminals, disabled toilet facilities or specially designed, reserved seating available in check-in-areas, the airport has it all on offer.

There are also help points set up in all Terminals, which provide free special assistance getting to and from the car parks, baggage reclaim halls and for routes to terminals requiring long walking periods.

Valet Parking: Ace Parking’s valet car parking is also perfect for those who do not need the extra legwork of getting to and from their Stansted Airport car parking. We’ll simply pick up your car from you, outside departures at the airport, and deliver it straight back to you upon your arrival back to the UK.

Luggage Storage: 

  • The left baggage desk is situated at the Airport services desk, International arrivals landside concourse.
  • There is a charge of £10.00 per item per 24 hours (or part thereof). The luggage service is operated by Bagport details of which can be found here: www.bagport.co.uk
  • For all calls, telephone: +44(0)844 824 3109
  • All email enquiries to : [email protected]

They also provide other services including:

  • A selection of travel accessories
  • Baggage shipping and forwarding
  • UK luggage and baggage delivery
  • Baggage wrapping
  • Unaccompanied baggage
  • Please be aware however, that Stansted Airport does not provide luggage lockers.

Stansted Airport connects around 19 million passengers to the rest of the world each year. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, or a first timer, it can be the quickest and easiest way to get to that holiday of a lifetime, that swift city break, that European festival, or that business meeting which could make or break your career – IF it goes as planned, without any airport hitches. Many things can happen to hinder your trip that are out of your control such as delayed / cancelled flights, and other issues that, without proper preparation, could cause those all too common Airport Hassles.

Whether it’s organising documents, dealing with missed connections, incurring expensive airport parking charges or getting through security, this guide will provide you with top airport tips, to make your trip as stress-free as possible, so you can concentrate on what’s really important – getting to your destination. 

Before you fly

As the scouts say – be prepared. Here’s a check list of things to prepare before your trip

  • Check In online –available with most airlines for up to 4 hours before your flight
  • Check you have correct /adequate travel insurance
  • Visa’s – Use the www.fco.gov.uk official website to check visa / entry requirements as well as any weather / safety warnings.
  • Check www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk for any jabs / medication required for your destination
  • Nearest British embassy details – Keep these in case you encounter any issues whilst away
  • Familiarise yourself with your destination with travel sites such as www.tripadvisor.co.uk or a lonely planet, so you can make the most of your time there.
  • Pack smart & light – proper packing preparation, & checking bagging restrictions with your airline, will ensure you don’t get charged hefty amounts for oversized baggage
  • Check Airport Traffic with Apps like Live traffic Info from the Highway Agency to avoid traffic jams en route to the airport
  • Familiarise yourself with the language with smartphone Apps such as Lonely Planet Translators
  • Check your destinations currency, familiarise yourself with it, and check current conversions on www.xe.com

Airport Parking Stansted

Frustrating, expensive, non-secure, too far from the airport? – All common airport parking hassles. Luckily this is something you will not experience at Stansted Airport, with the marvellous meet & greet service from Ace Parking. It is a simple and efficient service in which a fully insured chauffeur driver will meet you at either Stansted Terminal to collect your car from you at a pre-arranged time that′s determined by YOU.

  • Drive your own car directly to the airport
  • No need to find us
  • No need to drag cases / children on airport transfers
  • No solo travellers searching huge car parks in the dark hours
  • Get off the plane, walk out the airport & jump straight into your pre-warmed car
  • Completely safe & secure parking, that is monitored around the clock
  • Professional, well-mannered valets
  • Reliable 24/7 Service
  • Cheap Stansted Airport Parking – Price match guarantee.

Organising Documents

  • Make copies of your documents & keep separately / with family in case something is lost.
  • Passport – make sure its valid, not damaged, and has any required visa’s to your destination
  • Visa’s – Use the www.fco.gov.uk official website to check visa requirements and any weather / safety warnings.
  • Itinerary – Check all personal / travel details correct.
  • Special needs – Be sure to arrange all special meals, extra legroom, wheelchairs.
  • Accumulate all your travel itineraries on sites like Tripit – ‘A handy all-in-one app that collates all your holiday and flight confirmation emails into one travel itinerary’

Travelling with children

  • Use Ace Parking’s Meet & Greet service for your Stansted Airport Parking – so you can go straight into the airport, avoiding hauling suitcases & tired children onto airport transfers, or finding your car in the middle of the night
  • There are many travel solutions for children – try sites like Mini Social to find great products to keep your little ones entertained
  • Make sure any food / bottles are 100ml or less to get through airport security
  • Prepare your children for your holiday with some fun tasks like exploring maps, reading books, watching films on the history, animals, food & plant-life of the destination. Or to get them excited, have a countdown chart to the departure day.

Boredom

  • It is essential to arrive at the airport early to avoid any airport hassles that may come up, but when things run smoothly, you may have at least a couple of hours to kill.
  • Stansted airport has a whole host of things to do, eateries and places to shop. You can find these in our Stansted Airport Services section.
  • Give yourself something to do – be it working on your laptop, reading with a Kindle, a book / magazine, or a good old fashion pack of cards!

Missed / Delayed / Cancelled flights

  • Check the status of your flight before you leave for Stansted Airport – This can be on the Stansted airport website, or there are fab apps like Live traffic Info from the Highway Agency.
  • If you miss your flight, or it is cancelled – Search for a new one with the super Skyscanner app.
  • If your flight is delayed / cancelled – check with your airline for any food / hotel vouchers, and new flight bookings

Getting to the airport, Stansted Terminals & navigating around Stansted airport

  • You will find all directions, airport maps, airport services and more travel information for Stansted Airport in our Getting to Stansted section

Stansted Security

  • Security at airports has tightened significantly since the events that took place on 9/11. If you haven’t flown since then, or you’re a first time flyer, it is essential that you are aware of airport security procedures, so you can sail through, and not cause unnecessary delays for yourself and /or your family. We have dedicated a whole page to security at airports, offering dos and don’ts and general security tips.

Security at Stansted

Security at airports has tightened significantly since the events that took place on 9/11. If you haven’t flown since then, or you’re a first time flyer, it is essential that you are aware of airport security procedures, so you can sail through, and not cause unnecessary delays for yourself and /or your family. Please use this as a guide only, and check Stansted Airports website for more information.

  • How much time?
  • Long-haul flights – check in 3 hours prior to departure
  • European flights – check in 2 hours prior to departure
  • Domestic flights – check in 90 minutes prior to departure

General Tips

  • Have your boarding card / documents ready for inspection
  • Understand the baggage restriction rules
  • Place all liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, re-sealable, plastic bag for security staff to x-ray separately
  • Be ready to take off your coat, shoes, belts and hats if asked
  • Take your laptop, tablet or any other large electrical items from your hand luggage for separate screening
  • Security are there to help you – be nice to staff and always follow procedures

Baggage restrictions / restricted items

  • Ensure you check with your airline, and with the airport, what their baggage regulations are. Failure to do so will only slow you down at security, whilst having any prohibited / restricted items confiscated, usually without return or compensation.

Hand baggage rules

  • Generally it is advised, by Stansted Airport, to keep hand baggage at the minimum, and although it is important to check individual baggage rules with your airline / carrier, they do offer these general guidelines;
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to be screened at security. They cannot rush through this important point, just because you are running late.
  • One piece of hand luggage only, which generally should not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. You may or may not be allowed to carry a handbag also, please double check with your airline.
  • Place all liquids, gels, creams and pastes in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear, re-sealable, plastic bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) for security staff to x-ray separately.
  • Please check below, or on the Stansted Airport website, for a full list of restricted, and fully prohibited items such as sharp items.

Hold baggage / Check In baggage rules

  • Stansted advises & recommends that its passengers place most items in their hold baggage so that getting through security is quicker, and easier. You are also allowed to take many restricted items such as razors in your hold baggage, which is checked – in, that you are unable to take in your hand luggage. Please see lists of restricted / prohibited items below, whilst also checking with your airline.

Medicines

  • Please check allowances for medical equipment such as syringes for diabetes, and other medication you need to travel with. You may need to phone your airline carrier or airport to check, and may need to provide proof of the medical condition you have.
  • Always have your prescription / medical note with you
  • There is a 100ml maximum with medicines also, and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.
  • There’s no limit for powder or pills, but it is advised that you check with the airline, and get their approval.

Baby Food

  • Following the events of 9/11, there are now tight rules around the carrying of baby foods / liquids.
  • It is advised you only bring the amount that you need for the journey.
  • Powdered milk foods, and baby wipes are accepted
  • Any milk or food in liquid, gel or paste form may need to be tasted by yourself. This can sometimes be up to 50% of the contents.
  • Boots offer a great service, where you can pre-order, and collect baby milk from the departure lounge, to avoid an issue at security.

Restricted Items

Common restricted items include, but are not limited to;

  • Scissors
  • Razor blades
  • Knives with
  • Household cutlery
  • Party poppers
  • Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons)
  • Tools
  • Catapults/slingshots
  • Toy or replica guns (Inc. water pistols)
  • Sporting bats and clubs
  • Billiard, snooker or pool cues
  • Darts

Prohibited Items

Common prohibited items include, but are not limited to;

  • Flammable liquids and solids
  • Oxidisers – such as bleaching powders
  • Organic peroxides
  • Gas cylinders
  • Tear gas cylinders
  • Infectious substances – live virus materials
  • Wet car cell batteries
  • Instruments containing magnets
  • Instruments containing mercury
  • Magnetrons
  • Fireworks
  • Non-safety matches, fire-lighters, lighter fuel
  • Paints, thinners
  • Vehicle fuel system parts which have contained fuel.
  • Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weed killer
  • Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
  • Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper
  • Radioactive materials

Security assistance lanes

  • Stansted Airport has introduced assistance lanes for those with reduced mobility, or who may be travelling with young children, to help get through security easily, and more conveniently. Be sure to look out for the assistance lane signs.

Body Scanners

  • You may be required to be screened using body scanning equipment. These Body Scanners are there to provide you with an extra layer of security, and are completely safe to passengers.
  • They have been accepted by the Government and introduced to, not only Stansted Airport, but most airports around the UK.

Passport control

  • Passport Control is the first step for all passengers upon arriving at Stansted Airport, unless you have a connecting flight.
  • You must get into the correct queues for either:
  • European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), British nationals and Swiss nationals – (If you hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport)
  • Other nationalities – (Non EU/Non EEA passport holders)
  • Please have your passport ready on the page that bears the photograph
  • Please ensure that all Visa, and entry cards are filled out correctly
  • You will be met at the passport desk by a UK Border Agency officer, who will need to be shown your passport, and any other supporting travel documents.
  • Please remember that your passport must be within date, and must not expire during your visit.
  • If you are on an international connecting flight, you will not need to clear passport control / customs
  • If you are on an international to UK / IRE connecting flight, you will need to clear passport control / customs
  • Please visit the UK Border Agency Website, for full details and more information on entry requirements.
  • e-Passports
  • Stansted has the facilities, within both the North & South Terminals, to accept the new chipped EU Passports. If you hold one of these chipped Passports, are 18 years old or over, you may use the e-passport gates where you simply scan your passport upon arrival.

Duty Free / Customs

Every passenger arriving in the UK has to clear Customs. Three general rules from Stansted Airport are;

  • Never carry anything into the UK for somebody else
  • Never bring prohibited goods into the UK. If in doubt, ask at the Customs information point.
  • If you are unsure about your duty/tax free entitlement, go to the Customs information point.
  • There are three different channels at customs;
  • Red – For all passengers with goods to declare
  • Green – If your journey began in a country outside the EU, and you have nothing to declare. Your hold baggage will / may have a white tag.
  • Blue – If your journey started in an EU country, and you have nothing to declare. .
  • For more information please visit the HM Revenue & Customs website.

Customs allowances

  • Each country has different Duty Free Allowances. It is very important that you check what they are before flying, if you intend to bring back cigarettes, perfumes, alcohol and more – If you exceed the allowances outlined, customs officers have the right to confiscate items, without return or compensation, and you may even face a fine.
  • Know your rights.
  • There are many policies lay out by the airport, and your airline, but please be aware you do have your own rights as a traveller too. If you feel you have been violated in any way, visit the Civil Aviation Authority website who offer consumer protection information for the air passenger, whilst also offering full advice on your legal rights whilst flying.

Finally – Be nice to your airline staff at Stansted Airport.

It is very easy to get frustrated at the airline, cabin, security and counter staff at the airport if things go wrong like cancelled flights. Please remember that all these airport staff are doing their jobs, and are there to help you, and are people just like you. In stressful airport situations, try and be as understanding as possible – This will not only help things get resolved, but the staff will notice, and appreciate your manner, and be far more willing to help. So be nice!

There are numerous ways to get to Stansted Airport. We by far favour driving, and parking with Ace, as you will see from our Why Park at Stansted section. It’s the cheapest and most convenient for business travellers, the disabled, elderly, families and more. Please find below, all the info you need for getting to Stansted, as well as getting around when you arrive.

By Car and Motorbike

London Stansted is conveniently situated just off the M11 motorway – use Junction 8a if approaching from the London direction or Junction 8 from the Cambridge side, then follow signs for the airport.

The postcode for your satnav is:

  • CM24 1QW

Petrol:

A 24 hr Petrol station is available 1.5 miles from the terminal, BP service station at Southgate, postcode CM24 1AA, telephone +44 (0)1279 692 25.

By Train

  • Although it can be an expensive option, The Stansted Express is the fastest rail link between London and the Airport. There are fast non-stop trains running between London Liverpool street every 15 minutes. Taking approximately 50mins during the week, and slightly longer at weekends. Book tickets at www.stanstedexpress.com
  • There are also national services to London and the rest of the UK. For all rail enquiries and other services running nationwide check: www.nationalrail.co.uk

By Coach

  • Although it will take longer, is less reliable, and is much more of an effort, you can get to and from Stansted Airport by coach from many UK towns and cities including Central London, Brighton, Birmingham, Oxford, Norwich and Cambridge.
  • National Express is the largest UK based coach company providing a frequent services to and from the airport, including Stansted, Luton, Stansted, London and nearby Brighton.  Book in advance on www.nationalexpress.com for the lowest fares or call +44 (0)871 781 8181
  • easyBus provides a low cost service running from  Central London running directly to Stansted Airport terminals. Taking approximately 60-70 mins with low fares if booked in advance. Book at http://www.easybus.co.uk/london-Stansted or in the Arrival areas of both the North and South Terminal.
  • Terravision also have cheap coach services from central London to Stansted Airport. Again prices may vary. Please see www.terravision.eu for more info.

Hotels near the airport

  • There is a wide selection of places to rest your head near the airport including some within the terminal buildings. Some provide shuttle services, others requiring short travel by car or train.

Just a small list of Hotels near Stansted Airport are:

  • The Hilton
  • Days Inn
  • Ramada Hotel
  • Radisson Blue
  • Holiday Inn
  • De Salis Hotel
  • Premier Inn
  • Warmans Barn Hotel

Terminals

Stansted Airport has just one terminal.

Terminal Services

Whether you’re arriving, departing, welcoming family or bidding farewell to friends, there are many services available before, and after, security at each Stansted terminal. From airport lounges to lost property, Wi-Fi, printing and VAT refunds, as well as many food and drink outlets, book shops, duty free savings, currency exchange, souvenirs & more. Stansted airport has everything you need to make you comfortable while you wait.

For further details, and specific shops within each terminal, use the store locater