Jet-set veterans enjoy life in airport fast lane
LEEDS Bradford Airport was named the worst in the country for security queues, with passengers having to wait in line for an average of 35 minutes. A spokesperson said: “We had periods of long queuing due to the rapid resumption of international travel after the lifting of pandemic restrictions. We have significantly reduced queuing.”
By heck, a wait of only 35 minutes?
During air traffic control strikes of the past, holidaymakers heading for Benidorm often spent the first three days at Manchester Airport. Well, it seemed like three days.
“Nice here. They’ve some lovely shops.”
“The restaurants are great. Just like being on the Riviera.”
Hanging overhead like alien stalactites were 17ft Italian blown glass chandeliers, while Formica tables nestled in arbours of potted palm trees.
Riviera exotic indeed.
Terminal 1 was opened in 1962 and retained its glamour through the following decades when thousands of passengers from Huddersfield, Yorkshire and beyond, before Leeds-Bradford offered such diversity, would set off from Manchester on sunshine flights around the globe with a delay often included in the booking fee.
Airport chaos was all part of the holiday, which had started when you left your front door, so most people made the best of the slot machines, bars, TVs, shopping, and the I Hate Work T-shirts on offer.
After all, they were part of a jet set who, before too long, would be on their way through Duty Free with 300 Regal King Size and a bottle of Cinzano as carry-on luggage.
Security changed after 9-11 in 2001 and taking your shoes off became normal.
Covid did disrupt the security process for a time with legendary queues.
But they are hopefully a thing of the past at all airports.
But a 35-minute wait?
That’s nothing for any veteran jet setter of the past.