London City Airport

London City Airport is the smallest and most central airport in London, located in the Docklands, East London. It flies to about 30 European destinations. This was my first time travelling from and to and I was delighted at how accessible and easy it was due to its compact size. It was also my first time going abroad/ flying in 4 years as I had shielded during covid and was nervous about flying again, and it turned out to be a really good choice. I loved it, as it took a lot of stress out of flying compared to larger airports.

I love this airport for London access, but it has a few challenges. It's a very small airport with 5 or so check in desks downstairs and departure area upstairs. Distances are very small for an airport, the lift to departures is mere feet from the check in area and the upstairs not that much larger. You can stay independent right to the gate if you prefer to do that, just ask at the bag drop for a tag, let them know you will go through on your own, then meet them at the gate. Here's the big downside - they don't have a lift, they have a stairclimber. That's why I knocked off two stars. You go down in a lift with the assistance staff, then you have to transfer at the bottom of the steps, and two members of staff will bump you painfully up the steps on an electric stair climber, which ratchets up one step at a time.