Are there Bristol Airport queues today? Advice on fast track security, airport hotels and airport lounges

Bristol Airport is urging passengers to arrive early and allow extra time to get through security, especially at peak times - as the travel disruption continues following a busy half term holiday period.

Through a series of tweets on social media, the airport has warned people arriving to give more time for traffic, parking and security. It has warned that the terminal will be busier than usual and to prepare in advance for check-in and security.

Today (June 13), more than 100 flights are set to depart the airport - chief operating officer Graeme Gamble said there had been a strong increase in passenger numbers due to a ‘huge pent-up demand’ for air travel.

The increase in passengers, combined with a staffing shortage, has led to queues snaking outside the terminal. Plus there is the issue of flight cancellations due to problems at easyJet - today, three are cancelled so far.

Click here for the latest on the situation and the flights which have been cancelled.

Last week there were more problems with a huge queue outside the terminal. - and although the issue doesn’t seem as bad this week, passengers still report long queues each day at 3am.

Today, people reported the airport was quiet with some saying they saw no queues.

When should I arrive at Bristol Airport?

As the airport is expected to get much busier over the coming weeks, bosses are advising passengers to arrive earlier and allow extra time for security and boarding.

If checking in with baggage, the airport says passengers should be at the check-in desk at least two hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight. And if carrying only cabin luggage, they should arrive at the security gates at least two hours before the flight time.

To help with queues, the airport is also urging people to come prepared for security by having their belt removed and liquids and laptops in separate bags.

How do I buy fast-track security passes for Bristol Airport

People can buy fast-track security passes, which give priority access, in advance by booking them on the airport’s website here from £4.95.

The service is being temporarily operated through a lane within the main security search area, while the dedicated facility remains closed.

Despite customers with Fast Track passes being given priority, the airport does warn that it cannot guarantee a maximum or minimum queue length or time.

All passengers flying out of the airport are subject to the same security procedures and regulations.

Is there a lounge at Bristol Airport?

The Aspire Lounge is open to all passengers and you don’t need a first-class ticket as you can book a space in advance for the facility on the mezzanine floor in the departure lounge here. Users get complimentary drinks as well as a choice of hot snacks.

Users can arrive up to three hours before their scheduled departure time.

Opening hours are from 5am to 12noon. Prices start at £24.99.

Are there hotels at the airport?

Yes, the nearest hotel is Hampton By Hilton, which is a three-star hotel with airconditioned rooms and free WiFi. Prices start at £113 per night. Also nearby is The Cottage and Acorns Old Farm.

Details on the Hampton can be found here.

What has Bristol Airport said?

The airport issued a statement which said: “We are expected to be much busier over the coming weeks and we would advise passengers travelling with cabin bags to arrive early and allow extra time for security and boarding processes.”

Mr Gamble added: “We know there is a huge pent-up demand for travel which has built up over the past two years during the pandemic. The increase in passenger numbers this Easter demonstrates the continued customer confidence in travelling abroad.

“Whilst recruiting new colleagues for the airport can take time, the Bristol Airport team and business partners will be working hard to ensure all customers have a smooth and easy journey through our terminal.

“We strongly advise for all customers to arrive at check-in at least a minimum of 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time.”

The airport says the busiest time is between 6am and 7.30am. It is the passengers responsibility to arrive on time.

The airport has also introduced self-service kiosks to the Silver Zone parking reception. This allows customers to drop their keys off much quicker when checking-in at the car park.