Liverpool Airport Terminal
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Introduction and Historical Background
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is the main international gateway for the Liverpool region, located about 7.5 miles southeast of the city centre. Originally opened as Speke Airport in 1933, it played a crucial role during World War II as RAF Speke before transitioning to civilian use. The airport was renamed in 2002 in honour of the legendary Beatle, John Lennon, reflecting Liverpool’s rich musical heritage. The current terminal building, inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002, is a modern facility designed for both domestic and international travel5.
Terminal Layout and Zones
Liverpool Airport has a single, user-friendly terminal spread across three levels:
- Ground Floor: Arrivals, check-in desks, baggage reclaim, car hire booths, information desk, and access to transport.
- First & Second Levels: Departures, security, departure gates, shops, restaurants, Aspire Lounge, prayer room, and children’s play area.
The compact design means walking distances are short, making connections and navigation easy for all travelers.
Shops, Restaurants, and VIP Lounges
Shopping:
The terminal features a variety of shops, including:
- Duty Free (World Duty Free)
- WHSmith (news, books, travel essentials)
- Boots (pharmacy and travel goods)
- JD Sports (clothing)
- With Love from Liverpool (souvenirs)
Dining:
Passengers can enjoy a range of food and beverage outlets:
- Upper Crust (sandwiches and snacks)
- Starbucks (coffee and pastries)
- Frankie & Benny’s (Italian-American dining)
- Burger King (fast food)
- Food Village (variety of hot/cold meals)
- Café Ritazza (light bites and drinks)
Most restaurants and shops are located after security, so consider passing through security early to enjoy the full selection.
VIP Lounges:
The Aspire Lounge offers a quieter, more exclusive environment with complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and workspaces. It is located airside in the departures area and can be pre-booked for a fee.
Facilities and Services
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi: Passengers can enjoy up to 4 hours of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal by connecting to the “LJLA-Free-WiFi” network. For those needing faster speeds or longer sessions, premium Wi-Fi packages are available starting from £5 per session.
- Mobile Charging: Charging points are available throughout the terminal for phones and electronic devices.
If you need to work or stream, consider the premium Wi-Fi for a faster, more stable connection.
Banking and Currency Services
- ATMs: Multiple cash machines are located both landside and airside for easy access to cash.
- Currency Exchange: Travelex counters offer currency exchange services on both levels of the terminal, allowing you to buy or sell foreign currency before or after your flight.
Luggage Services
- Left Luggage: Secure luggage storage is available through ABM. Prices start at £15 per item per day, with discounts for longer periods. There is no limit on how long you can store your items.
- Luggage Wrapping: Protective wrapping services are offered for extra security and peace of mind.
- Lost Property: Lost items are managed by the same provider; report missing items at the information desk or via the airport’s website as soon as possible.
If you’re traveling with valuable or fragile items, use the wrapping service for added protection.
Information and Assistance
- Information Desk: Located on the ground floor opposite the check-in desks, the information desk is your go-to spot for any queries about flights, facilities, or services.
- Help Points: 34 bright yellow Help Points with orange buttons are positioned throughout the terminal. Pressing the button connects you directly to the assistance desk for immediate help.
Family and Accessibility Services
- Baby Changing: Facilities are available in all accessible toilets and dedicated baby care rooms, including in the departures lounge near Subway.
- Pushchairs: You can take pushchairs through security, but be prepared to remove your child while the pushchair is screened.
- Baby Milk & Food: More than 100ml of baby food or milk is allowed through security if needed for your journey.
- Children’s Play Area: Located in the departures lounge, this area provides entertainment for young travelers.
- Special Assistance:
- Wheelchair access, ambulifts, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and sunflower lanyards for hidden disabilities are available throughout the terminal.
- Pre-travel visits and Autism Awareness Vouchers can be arranged for passengers with autism or ASD.
- The airport is Ostomy Friendly and provides Changing Places facilities on request.
- Contact your airline at least 48 hours in advance to ensure all assistance needs are met.
Book special assistance ahead of time and use the Help Points if you need support during your journey.
Lounges and Rest Areas
Aspire Lounge: Located airside just past duty-free, the Aspire Lounge offers a quiet, comfortable space with complimentary snacks, drinks, free Wi-Fi, charging points, and entertainment. Access starts at £41.99 for up to two hours; pre-booking is recommended to guarantee your spot.
Rest Areas: Comfortable seating is available throughout the terminal, and overnight travelers often use couches or window sills for rest.
Security, Baggage, and Check-In
Liverpool John Lennon Airport offers a streamlined experience for security, baggage, and check-in, designed for efficiency and convenience.
Security
Security screening is standard, with a dedicated Fast Track option available for a fee. Passengers can book Fast Track online in advance to save money and avoid queues, which is particularly useful during busy periods. The airport has invested in modern scanners and security processes, resulting in generally quick processing times. Arriving at least 2 hours before your flight is recommended, especially if you have checked baggage. Check-in desks close 40 minutes before departure, so allow enough time to complete all procedures.
Baggage
Baggage drop and reclaim are located on the ground floor, making it easy to navigate. The airport offers luggage wrapping services for added security and protection, and luggage storage is available for those needing to leave bags for a short period. While the baggage handling is generally reliable, occasional delays have been reported during peak travel times, so it’s advisable to allow extra time if you are connecting or traveling with tight schedules.
Check-In & Boarding
Check-in counters are situated on the ground floor, directly opposite the main entrance, providing easy access for arriving passengers. Self-service kiosks are also available for many airlines, allowing for quicker check-in if you are traveling with only hand luggage. Boarding typically begins 45 minutes before departure, with announcements made in the departure lounge. The compact terminal layout means that passengers can reach the gates quickly after passing through security.
Overall, Liverpool John Lennon Airport prioritizes speed and ease for passengers, with clear signage and a well-organized layout. However, it’s important to note that parking and drop-off charges are relatively high, and some facilities may feel limited compared to larger airports.
Prepare your liquids and electronics before reaching security to speed up the process. Consider Fast Track for a smoother experience.
Popular Flights: Destinations, Duration & Airlines
Below is a summary table of Liverpool’s most popular flight routes, typical durations, and main airlines:
Additional Tips for Travellers
- Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time for check-in and security, especially during peak hours.
- Travel Money: Two Travelex counters are available for currency exchange—plan ahead for better rates.
- Parking: Pre-book parking online for the best rates and guaranteed space.
- Hotel & Car Hire: On-site and nearby hotels are available for early flights, and car hire can be booked in advance for convenience.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s efficient single-terminal design, modern facilities, and strong focus on accessibility and family services ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.