Are there Leeds Bradford Airport queues today? Advice on when to arrive, airport hotels and fast track lanes

The last few weeks have seen long queues and security delays at Leeds Bradford Airport, leaving passengers frustrated as their flights are delayed and queuing times extended.

Today (14 June) queues are also still a source of complaint for travellers, with one Twitter user tweeting: "Watch out for the queues @LBIAirport, 90 minute wait to reach security."

Another tweeted: "If flying from @LBIAirport, news stories are semi true. arrived at 5.15 for my 8.10 flight. The queue was outside, but they were calling people out an hour before their flight. By time I got to security no queue outside, only morning flights affected."

However not all passengers have had the same experience at Leeds Bradford Airport, with one user tweeting: "Anyone going to Leeds Bradford airport, this was the queue for security at 4:45am today. Luckily my son got there at 3:15 and was through in 20 mins. #lbi #leedsbradford

Airport officials have already explained that airlines are struggling to deal with the rise in passenger numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels, with a shortage of employees also contributing towards the delays.

"Hi @LBIAirport, we arrived from Poland 30mins ago and we are all stuck on the plane as no one is available to attach the ladder? The cabin crew are not being given any information as when anyone will come and help. Any ideas?"

Earlier this month Leeds Bradford Airport issued a statement asking people to arrive no earlier than three hours before their flight after an influx of people arriving up to five hours ahead of their departure time in an attempt to tackle security queues.

"BE751, 0645, queued for about 45 mins before I went back to check in and had a word, me and 3 other passengers escorted through. Would have missed the flight otherwise. Too many occasional holidayers turning up stupid early!"

What advice is being given to passengers?

Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said he wanted to assure passengers the airport is "working hard to overcome these challenges".

He said the current challenges are "an industry wide problem, caused by the speed of withdrawal of travel restrictions and testing which has led to the rapid recovery of international travel. Airports across the country are being impacted by lead times to recruit and train additional staff".

“While we address these issues, we ask passengers to work with us and help us minimise queues. Please arrive to the airport no earlier than three hours before departure, as arriving earlier will exacerbate queuing issues further. We are working closely with our airline partners to actively manage queues, ensuring that passengers are brought forward if required. Please also follow all rules and procedures through security as per our website listing, signage within the airport and video instructions.

What about fast track lanes?

Fast track lanes are available at Leeds Bradford Airport, allowing passengers to get through security faster and avoid queues at a higher cost.

Leeds Bradford Airport says that its fast track security service is available every day but must be booked online at least one hour before arrival.

Fast track bookings are limited to six passengers aged 12 or over, with children younger than 12 able to join free of charge.

It costs £5 per person if you pre-book online.

Where are the nearest hotels?

The Travelodge on Whitehouse Lane is available for £72 a night and is just an eight minute walk away from the airport.

The Premier Inn Leeds Bradford Airport Hotel is £82 a night but is slightly further away; a four minute drive from the airport.

Other hotels nearby include the Britannia at £48 and the Hollins Hall Hotel at £54.