Glasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA):
The pros:
1) Parking is a doddle - we're 100 yards from the front door.
2) Light, airy main hall (although dated).
3) Friendly staff.
4) Departure area clean.
5) The toilets are modern and clean.
The cons:
1) it's in the middle of nowhere: for us it's a 2 hour trip (each way).
2) The facilities are extremely limited. The main hall has one shop - a WH Smith and one bar that was closed when we visited.
3) The duty free area is small and dated.
4) The departure lounge is tiny: I'd hate to be here when there are multiple flights leaving at the same time (I'm writing this from this lounge).
5) There's only one shop in the lounge: a WH Smith and two bars but one is shut.
6) The restaurant/ bar that is open (KITCHEN) is a bit hopeless: they screwed up our order and I'm still waiting for my bacon roll (it just appeared as I wrote that - took 25 minutes and is cold and anaemic. £8 for a tiny cold bacon roll). Also we ordered croissants with jam: got told there's no jam (Tuesday at 10:40 am) and still charged the same price (for a stone cold croissant). Cash only as well, which is a pita.
Overall GPA is OK, but it's dated: it's like the set of Thunderbirds, it looked modern in its day but looks and feels dated now.
Time for a refresh?
I have been using Prestwick for many years as it is my local airport and I am always keen to support local wherever I can. It is small, quite quiet and old, indeed it is in need of refurbishment in many areas. It is however, also very efficient. The staff are generally good humoured (despite the ridiculously early times in most occasions) and even the passport desk team can raise the occasional smile. I just wanted to say that in recent months I have seen an improvement in how it all comes together. From the car park (one of the best priced despite the fact it’s an airport) to the check in and much improved duty free it all seems to have taken a step up, a bit more professional and all works. The cafe area is better run and even when busy it is much more efficient with decent coffee and a nice bacon roll to send you on your way. Maybe it’s not normal to review an airport but just wanted to let them and all the prospective customers know that, in my experience it is punching above its weight and, despite the fact that the building does need some investment, they are making the very best of the resources they have.
Easy access particularly by public transport, never busy, however watch availability if arriving late, or very early. Quick, easy check-in and security. Down side is lack of dependability on shop/ pub on non-airside and limited choice airside, but sufficient. Quick easy boarding, and fast on arrival
Small low frills airport, just like the carriers that fly from it. Very limited units inside of it, so lacks choice. The airport is not in Glasgow, so be careful when considering transport options. Good connections during the day from Glasgow Central & Ayr. Landing times at night can be problematic if dependant on public transport. Staff were nice, friendly, and helpful. £3.50 charge for drop off and pick up. This charge allows you 60 minutes.
I’m not one to leave bad reviews but this needs to be addressed. Me and my friend travelled 4 hours & 30 minutes to this ghost town airport, as flight times were better only to have more than half of our toiletries removed and to be told that it didn’t comply with rules, I always fly from Edinburgh Airport and I have never had this issue. Not to mention the rude security staff who showed absolutely no remorse/respect so best believe they did receive absolutely none back. Also the lack of food/drink facilities is shocking, not exactly what you expect from an airport especially at 6 in the morning. This airport is in serious need of refurbishment/more facilities and polite staff and definitely does not set the standard service of other Scotland Airports such as Edinburgh/Glasgow International. So just a tip for any other travellers planning the route from this airport, don’t bother as I do wish now we had just taken the slightly less better flight times on the chin and flew from Edinburgh. Don’t make the same mistake we did!
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Craig Melville
a week agoGlasgow Prestwick Airport (GPA): The pros: 1) Parking is a doddle - we're 100 yards from the front door. 2) Light, airy main hall (although dated). 3) Friendly staff. 4) Departure area clean. 5) The toilets are modern and clean. The cons: 1) it's in the middle of nowhere: for us it's a 2 hour trip (each way). 2) The facilities are extremely limited. The main hall has one shop - a WH Smith and one bar that was closed when we visited. 3) The duty free area is small and dated. 4) The departure lounge is tiny: I'd hate to be here when there are multiple flights leaving at the same time (I'm writing this from this lounge). 5) There's only one shop in the lounge: a WH Smith and two bars but one is shut. 6) The restaurant/ bar that is open (KITCHEN) is a bit hopeless: they screwed up our order and I'm still waiting for my bacon roll (it just appeared as I wrote that - took 25 minutes and is cold and anaemic. £8 for a tiny cold bacon roll). Also we ordered croissants with jam: got told there's no jam (Tuesday at 10:40 am) and still charged the same price (for a stone cold croissant). Cash only as well, which is a pita. Overall GPA is OK, but it's dated: it's like the set of Thunderbirds, it looked modern in its day but looks and feels dated now. Time for a refresh?
Martin Welsh
2 months agoI have been using Prestwick for many years as it is my local airport and I am always keen to support local wherever I can. It is small, quite quiet and old, indeed it is in need of refurbishment in many areas. It is however, also very efficient. The staff are generally good humoured (despite the ridiculously early times in most occasions) and even the passport desk team can raise the occasional smile. I just wanted to say that in recent months I have seen an improvement in how it all comes together. From the car park (one of the best priced despite the fact it’s an airport) to the check in and much improved duty free it all seems to have taken a step up, a bit more professional and all works. The cafe area is better run and even when busy it is much more efficient with decent coffee and a nice bacon roll to send you on your way. Maybe it’s not normal to review an airport but just wanted to let them and all the prospective customers know that, in my experience it is punching above its weight and, despite the fact that the building does need some investment, they are making the very best of the resources they have.
Alan Cardwell
2 months agoEasy access particularly by public transport, never busy, however watch availability if arriving late, or very early. Quick, easy check-in and security. Down side is lack of dependability on shop/ pub on non-airside and limited choice airside, but sufficient. Quick easy boarding, and fast on arrival
craig patrick
a year agoSmall low frills airport, just like the carriers that fly from it. Very limited units inside of it, so lacks choice. The airport is not in Glasgow, so be careful when considering transport options. Good connections during the day from Glasgow Central & Ayr. Landing times at night can be problematic if dependant on public transport. Staff were nice, friendly, and helpful. £3.50 charge for drop off and pick up. This charge allows you 60 minutes.
Jenna Sutherland
2 months agoI’m not one to leave bad reviews but this needs to be addressed. Me and my friend travelled 4 hours & 30 minutes to this ghost town airport, as flight times were better only to have more than half of our toiletries removed and to be told that it didn’t comply with rules, I always fly from Edinburgh Airport and I have never had this issue. Not to mention the rude security staff who showed absolutely no remorse/respect so best believe they did receive absolutely none back. Also the lack of food/drink facilities is shocking, not exactly what you expect from an airport especially at 6 in the morning. This airport is in serious need of refurbishment/more facilities and polite staff and definitely does not set the standard service of other Scotland Airports such as Edinburgh/Glasgow International. So just a tip for any other travellers planning the route from this airport, don’t bother as I do wish now we had just taken the slightly less better flight times on the chin and flew from Edinburgh. Don’t make the same mistake we did!