9 reasons why I only ever want to fly from East Midlands Airport

We’ve experienced all levels of misery at UK airports over the past six years. We’ve had tears at the check-in desk, tantrums in the queues at security, a wobbly on an airport car park and hours of delays, queues and let-downs thrown on top for good measure. 

Some of these issues dominated the headlines during the summer school holidays as chaos took hold at some of the country’s larger airports.

Now, I haven’t tried ALL of the UK’s airports but we have flown from Birmingham, Bristol, Bradford-Leeds, London airports and Manchester (and Liverpool John Lennon pre-kids). 

You may think it extreme - and maybe dramatic-  but I’ve decided I only ever want to fly from East Midlands Airport in Castle Donington. 

By the way this is by no means a paid for ad in anyway for East Mids - but just the sheer appreciation of a busy mum-of-three who welcomes its calm, smooth and seamless vibe.

We seek out flights from East Midlands for many reasons (see below) and our latest adventure to Majorca proved what we already knew. 

Admittedly, it wasn’t in the main half-term week off school, but the one before (don’t judge me Mum Police, my daughter’s school has a different week off).

The whole travel experience was perfectly finished off with an amazing offer by the Jet2 East Mids team to invite some of the youngsters near the front of the plane for a little look and sit in the cockpit with the pilots. 

So why do we love East Mids so much? 

Here are my top 9 reasons:

1. Easy to get to & easy parking

One of the biggest reasons I love East Midlands Airport is how simple it is to get to. Strategically located between Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, it’s just off the M1, which makes driving there straightforward and, more importantly, stress-free. We live nearer to Birmingham Airport but bypass that for East Mids. For anyone living in the Midlands—or even further out—getting to East Midlands is a breeze compared to the hassle of navigating the routes to Heathrow or Gatwick. And with ample parking (close to the terminal) that doesn’t require a second mortgage, there’s no dread of endless loops.

2. Smooth check-in 

If there’s one thing I don’t miss about big airports, it’s the painfully slow check-in lines. At East Midlands, check-in feels like a breath of fresh air. Unlike some of the major airports, where you can easily spend an hour just getting through the front gates, East Midlands has shorter queues, and the staff are genuinely friendly and efficient.

3. Security that doesn’t make you want to tear your hair out

Security checks are often the bane of any travel experience, but East Midlands somehow manages to make it bearable. At East Midlands, the process feels far less chaotic, which is rare. Plus, there’s a sense that everyone’s working to get you where you need to be quickly.

4. Great facilities 

East Midlands has a surprising range of dining and shopping options, all of which make waiting for our flight a pleasant experience. We were there most recently on a busy Saturday afternoon and even with elevated numbers of travellers, it still doesn’t feel like mayhem. We always head to Frankie & Benny’s and order on the App. 

 5. Many destinations 

Some people might think a regional airport like East Midlands would be limited in where it can take you, but that’s far from the truth. With flights to over 80 destinations across Europe and beyond, East Midlands serves as a hub for both budget airlines and more mainstream carriers.

6.Short queues at passport control & transport to and from the plane 

Anyone who’s ever flown into larger airports knows the frustration of seemingly endless bus times as you wait to disembark. East Midlands, on the other hand, has the advantage of being less congested, which means it’s usually a quick taxi from the runway to the gate. This might sound like a small detail, but after a long flight, every extra minute counts. We won’t spend an extra half-hour just waiting to get off the plane. Then passport control queues are quick and easy, especially for families. 

7. Community feel

There’s something inherently welcoming about East Midlands Airport. It’s big enough to feel like a proper international airport but small enough to avoid that cold, industrial vibe of the larger hubs.

8.  Sustainability efforts

East Midlands Airport is a pioneer when it comes to sustainability. It was the first UK airport to achieve “carbon neutrality” for its ground operations, and it continues to make strides in reducing its carbon footprint.

9. Clean toilets and plenty of seating 

Clean toilets, nice baby changing areas and plenty of seats so you don’t have to sit on the floor - these are vital for families travelling with young children and East Mids has them all.

So, when people ask me why East Midlands Airport is my go-to, it’s simple: it’s hassle-free, comfortable, and reliable. From the easy access to the calm atmosphere and welcoming environment, I know I’ll get where I need to be with minimal fuss. 

Let us know which airport is your favourite and why at [email protected]