Edinburgh Airport during rush hour

[Prof Prolapse]

Insanely complex railway ticketing aside, Gatwick is my favourite as well. I sometimes pretend I'm Indiana Jones as I nearly get guillotined by the monorail doors.

In my defence it is a long day.

[Ciaranrb5]

For future reference if your driving to Edinburgh from Aberdeen.
Come off at Forfar and go glamis-meigle-Coupar angus- burrelton-scone-Perth as its
far faster and the reason all the lorries go this way.
Lorries aren't an issue as road has huge straights and very rarely cops

[Edinburger]

Biggest delays at EDI are:

i) The roundabout as you come off the A8.
ii) Entering your parking ticket at the barrier for the multi-storey car park.
iii) People who pay for fast track security and are relatively inexperienced travellers so don't know how to quickly go through security without questioning whether the metal studs in their jeans are a problem.
iv) Crappy airlines like FlyMaybe who use coaches to get to the planes.

Other than that, it's a really good and efficient airport. I fly through there once a week.

[tvrolet]

Edinburger said:

Biggest delays at EDI are:
Other than that, it's a really good and efficient airport. I fly through there once a week.

must be a different EDI to the airport I go through every week (and twice this week, which isn't unusual).

Security with far too many loading stations for the length of the unload so you get barked at to use the repacking tables...only they've partitioned them off so you can't actually put a tray and a bag on the table together to actually repack.

I'm on fast track security so the wait isn't usually to bed, for for the normal punters (I was seeing my daughter off the other week) they were having to 'close' access to security periodically to let the lines in the hall clear. And this route that they apply now and again where everyone has to hold their tray back and then everyone pushes forward together - and woe betide anyone that gets it wrong. But I can see why - if you're at the end of the loading area next to the x-ray you've got to muscle your tray in hard or you'll be there all day.

The tortuous route from drop-off to the 'lounge' - 'underneath' the security, and then back upstairs (stairs are quicker then escalators), then back around where you've just come from.

Being forced to walk through duty free and trying to navigate a sea of dawdlers, and there is no shortcut apart from trying to navigate the perfume stands to get past the mass of folks sauntering through.

I had the displeasure of trying to buy something at Smiths - automatic tills that I could manage, but just about no-one else can, especially the foreign travellers when it asks for a boarding pass. And the tills are so close you can't pass folks.

And now we have the BA 767 in the morning on stand 14. Stand 14 and steps for a 767! Jeez it's a route-march from the lounge, and when you get to gates 14+ it's just chaos...and a pretty horrible place to be. And last night the Heathrow flights were being parked on remote stands (and not for the first time - I've even had a few parking at stands at the cargo terminal) so steps and a bus to the terminal.

I'm lucky to have BA lounge access, but pity the poor punters who want to find a quiet seat and haven't worked out there's seats at the 1/2/3 gates.

And again, not a problem if you have lounge access, but what if you want to drop the kids off at the pool? I've stopped by the regular loos just for a pee now and again, but they're always queuing for the traps; there just aren't enough of them for the number of travellers...and usually one or two out of action or flooded too. Then the men's loo behind Wetherspoons - not done an exact count but there's maybe 20 traps, 10 pissers, 20 sinks....and 2 hand-driers (and mostly one broken). Come on guys - 20+ sinks and only 2 flakey hand driers?

And with folks now queuing for flights (didn't used to happen, there was a time folks only got up when called) there's not enough space to get past - the queue to Gate 11 blocks off the eatery/coffee bar thingy beside it.

It's just far too small with not enough capacity in the terminal, and not enough stand capacity. Still, I see they're opening up more shops - saw signs for the new 'Next' yesterday. That will be an improvement Although I support more shops does keep some folks out of the main concourse...

I used to rather like travelling through Edinburgh with the old security hall, and lower passenger numbers. It's all a bit shambolic now.

If I must reminisce on the good old days, the airlines used to do their own security, and the BMI desk was far left of the building right next to the door (where international arrivals are now) and there was access to the wee car park right beside it. A few steps from the car and you were at the BMI check-in desk (no e-tickets in them days); walk 'behind' the desk to BMI 'security' with a single belt/x-ray and scanner (and never a queue, and nothing to be taken out of bags), then upstairs to the departure lounge which was limited to BMI flights only, with an air-bridge out the back. Ah, them were the days when flying was easy...

[Halmyre]

We flewout of Edinbhrgh on Friday and it was mostly OK, but the system at security is terrible; stand on a marked spot then step forward when the person in front is finished. Fine except the person in front and on either side hasn't a fking clue and dithers around like Benny from Crossroads. In my wife's case, she couldn't get her tray on the belt because of a log jam and the security bod wasn't interested in helping clear it.
And, for fk's sake, arrive at security PREPARED! Put your belt, watch, wallet and loose change in your jacket pocket and take your bloody jacket off ready to put in the fking tray, it's not rocket science.

[Prof Prolapse]

Here for probably the 200th time this motning.

Busy. Took 3 minutes from roundabout to terminal parking. 5 minutes to bag drop. 5 minutes security.

I really dom't know what time some of you guys fly but red eye is not an issue at this airport regardless of high volume people.

Currently sat in the remote part of the terminal having a quiet coffee.

[woodysnr]

Recently flew out with Jet2 to join a cruise ship to Venice at 6am .Bag drop/check in at their stand superb all off 5 mins .Then it fell apart security even at that time was a farce disorganised . Passport control was ok and swift .But trying to buy a bottle of water in WHS is joke self scan check outs (men don't do self scan ) and showing a boarding pass what's all this about?

[Edinburger]

tvrolet said:

Edinburger said:

Biggest delays at EDI are:
Other than that, it's a really good and efficient airport. I fly through there once a week.

must be a different EDI to the airport I go through every week (and twice this week, which isn't unusual).

Security with far too many loading stations for the length of the unload so you get barked at to use the repacking tables...only they've partitioned them off so you can't actually put a tray and a bag on the table together to actually repack.

I'm on fast track security so the wait isn't usually to bed, for for the normal punters (I was seeing my daughter off the other week) they were having to 'close' access to security periodically to let the lines in the hall clear. And this route that they apply now and again where everyone has to hold their tray back and then everyone pushes forward together - and woe betide anyone that gets it wrong. But I can see why - if you're at the end of the loading area next to the x-ray you've got to muscle your tray in hard or you'll be there all day.

The tortuous route from drop-off to the 'lounge' - 'underneath' the security, and then back upstairs (stairs are quicker then escalators), then back around where you've just come from.

Being forced to walk through duty free and trying to navigate a sea of dawdlers, and there is no shortcut apart from trying to navigate the perfume stands to get past the mass of folks sauntering through.

I had the displeasure of trying to buy something at Smiths - automatic tills that I could manage, but just about no-one else can, especially the foreign travellers when it asks for a boarding pass. And the tills are so close you can't pass folks.

And now we have the BA 767 in the morning on stand 14. Stand 14 and steps for a 767! Jeez it's a route-march from the lounge, and when you get to gates 14+ it's just chaos...and a pretty horrible place to be. And last night the Heathrow flights were being parked on remote stands (and not for the first time - I've even had a few parking at stands at the cargo terminal) so steps and a bus to the terminal.

I'm lucky to have BA lounge access, but pity the poor punters who want to find a quiet seat and haven't worked out there's seats at the 1/2/3 gates.

And again, not a problem if you have lounge access, but what if you want to drop the kids off at the pool? I've stopped by the regular loos just for a pee now and again, but they're always queuing for the traps; there just aren't enough of them for the number of travellers...and usually one or two out of action or flooded too. Then the men's loo behind Wetherspoons - not done an exact count but there's maybe 20 traps, 10 pissers, 20 sinks....and 2 hand-driers (and mostly one broken). Come on guys - 20+ sinks and only 2 flakey hand driers?

And with folks now queuing for flights (didn't used to happen, there was a time folks only got up when called) there's not enough space to get past - the queue to Gate 11 blocks off the eatery/coffee bar thingy beside it.

It's just far too small with not enough capacity in the terminal, and not enough stand capacity. Still, I see they're opening up more shops - saw signs for the new 'Next' yesterday. That will be an improvement Although I support more shops does keep some folks out of the main concourse...

I used to rather like travelling through Edinburgh with the old security hall, and lower passenger numbers. It's all a bit shambolic now.

If I must reminisce on the good old days, the airlines used to do their own security, and the BMI desk was far left of the building right next to the door (where international arrivals are now) and there was access to the wee car park right beside it. A few steps from the car and you were at the BMI check-in desk (no e-tickets in them days); walk 'behind' the desk to BMI 'security' with a single belt/x-ray and scanner (and never a queue, and nothing to be taken out of bags), then upstairs to the departure lounge which was limited to BMI flights only, with an air-bridge out the back. Ah, them were the days when flying was easy...

Ooh, we're verging on flyertalk.com territory here!

Your post made me laugh as I agree with much of your points. Some thoughts from me...

I have mixed views about the new security hall. Sometimes its quick and efficient. I'm usually fast track but they're eroding be benefit of fast track by opening it to budget airlines for the once a year crew. At peak hours at least most business people are knowledgeable, prepared, quick and efficient. Tip - time yourself for place 5 or 6 as you're first Through the scanner and first out.

I agree the trip through the new duty free is a pain especially when leather solders shoes slip on the new shiny floor!

Gates 13+ are usually for FlyMaybe and it's a hike from their so-called lounge. They call the flight and it'll be final boarding by the time you arrive. I've only ever flown BA gates 4-12 (I fly to LCY once a week) but the lounge call is made and usually boarding has started at the gate so no priority boarding for people in the lounge - grrrr

You're right toilets are an issue but why not use the ones in the BA lounge?

The Gate 11 queue is a problem in the mornings to LHR, even the priority queue Is slow and lengthy.

I agree with your BMI memories too - happy days!

To be fair though, EDI is growing exponentially and they do well to accommodate the sheer numbers flowing through. It's still one of my favourite domestic airports.

You can get from short stay car park second floor to BA lounge in four or five mins if the security queues are in our favour, and that's on the red eye to LCY with just hand luggage.

How many other airports can do that?













I use the BA lounge too so why don't you use the toilets there rather than using the ones behind Wetherspoons?

[Edinburger]

Prof Prolapse said:

Here for probably the 200th time this motning.

Busy. Took 3 minutes from roundabout to terminal parking. 5 minutes to bag drop. 5 minutes security.

I really dom't know what time some of you guys fly but red eye is not an issue at this airport regardless of high volume people.

Currently sat in the remote part of the terminal having a quiet coffee.

Well said.

[Edinburger]

This will be of interest to many of you - Edinburgh Airport are seeking and welcoming feedback on proposed flight path changes and airport expansion - www.letsgofurther.com.

[GuinnessMK]

First time I've ever been to Edinburgh Airport today. Dropping our eldest off at the airport as he headed off on his first holiday on his own.

Dropping off wasn't really any more chaotic than any other airport, but spent 45 minutes trying to get out of the car park. Truckfest was on at the local show ground, and seemed to just gridlock the car park.

Have to go back next week to collect him, and seriously considering parking up at Ingliston and using the tram just to avoid the car parks.

[simoid]

GuinnessMK said:

First time I've ever been to Edinburgh Airport today. Dropping our eldest off at the airport as he headed off on his first holiday on his own.

Dropping off wasn't really any more chaotic than any other airport, but spent 45 minutes trying to get out of the car park. Truckfest was on at the local show ground, and seemed to just gridlock the car park.

Have to go back next week to collect him, and seriously considering parking up at Ingliston and using the tram just to avoid the car parks.

What day/time? As long as there's nothing on at Ingliston, and it's not weekday between 0730-0900 and 1630-1800 traffic should be perfectly bearable.

[ruggedscotty]

The main problem with Edinburgh is one way in.

Ive been working at the gyle for a few years now and the traffic is horrendous before 6 every week day. Traffic queuing both side of the A8 to get into the car park areas. Times ive used the airport Ive gotten there very early just to get through the shambles before getting on a plane. its a nightmare indeed.

[GuinnessMK]

simoid said:

GuinnessMK said:

First time I've ever been to Edinburgh Airport today. Dropping our eldest off at the airport as he headed off on his first holiday on his own.

Dropping off wasn't really any more chaotic than any other airport, but spent 45 minutes trying to get out of the car park. Truckfest was on at the local show ground, and seemed to just gridlock the car park.

Have to go back next week to collect him, and seriously considering parking up at Ingliston and using the tram just to avoid the car parks.

What day/time? As long as there's nothing on at Ingliston, and it's not weekday between 0730-0900 and 1630-1800 traffic should be perfectly bearable.

Heading back there tomorrow afternoon.

[simoid]

GuinnessMK said:

Heading back there tomorrow afternoon.

Should be grand. Just check traffic before you leave