Southend Airport
Southend Airport general information
Flying from London Southend Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information, including check-in, security procedures, shops, restaurants, free WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport options.
Find useful information to help you plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.
Southend Airport parking
If you're driving to London Southend Airport, APH offers airport parking options to suit different travel requirements.
Compare available parking services based on location, walking distance, security features and price.
Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options.
Visit our dedicated Southend Airport parking page to compare availability and book online.
View airport parkingAll about Southend Airport
London Southend Airport (SEN) is located in Essex, approximately 40 miles east of central London and close to Southend-on-Sea.
The airport's history dates back to the First World War, with commercial aviation developing over the following decades.
London Southend Airport operates from a single passenger terminal, serving a range of European holiday destinations and city-break routes.
Passenger facilities include check-in desks, security screening, shops, restaurants, cafés, free WiFi and accessible travel services.
The airport has its own railway station, located a short walk from the terminal, with direct connections to London Liverpool Street and Stratford.
Our guide brings together useful information about Southend Airport's facilities, services and transport connections to help you prepare for your journey.
Getting There
London Southend Airport is located in Essex and can be reached by train, car, bus and taxi.
By train: Southend Airport railway station is located just a short walk from the terminal. Direct rail services connect the airport with London Liverpool Street, Stratford and stations across Essex.
By car: The airport is accessible via the A127, with connections to the M25 motorway at Junction 29.
By bus: Local bus services operate from a stop near the Holiday Inn, approximately seven minutes' walk from the terminal.
By taxi: Taxis and private hire vehicles provide transport between the airport, Southend-on-Sea and surrounding destinations.
Check current public transport timetables and traffic conditions before travelling.
Check-in information
Check-in times at London Southend Airport vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage.
The terminal is not open 24 hours a day. It generally opens three hours before scheduled departures and remains open until one hour after arrivals, including flight delays.
Passengers should follow the arrival time recommended by their airline and check baggage drop-off deadlines before travelling.
Many airlines offer online check-in and digital boarding passes, although arrangements vary by carrier.
Check your airline's latest requirements and the airport's current opening arrangements before departure.
Destinations
London Southend Airport offers flights to a selection of European holiday destinations and city-break locations.
Routes and flight schedules vary throughout the year, with additional seasonal services available during popular travel periods.
Visit London Southend Airport's official destinations directory for the latest routes, airlines and flight information.
Disabled Passenger Details
London Southend Airport provides Special Assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.
Passengers requiring assistance should inform their airline at least 48 hours before departure, where possible.
Assistance may include help with check-in, security screening, moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.
The airport provides accessible toilets and support for passengers with hidden disabilities.
A Special Assistance desk is located opposite the terminal entrance.
For more information, visit London Southend Airport's official Special Assistance pages before travelling.
Fast-Track security lane
London Southend Airport offers a Security Fast Track service for passengers who want to use a dedicated route through airport security.
The service can be booked in advance, subject to availability.
Fast Track may help reduce waiting times during busy periods, although all passengers must still complete the required security screening procedures.
Check London Southend Airport's official website for current prices, opening hours and booking arrangements before travelling.
Security and hand luggage
London Southend Airport uses upgraded C3 security screening equipment to make the passenger screening process more convenient.
Passengers departing from Southend can carry liquids and gels in containers of up to two litres through security. These items can remain inside cabin baggage during screening.
Laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices can also remain inside hand luggage.
Liquids may still be subject to additional checks, and passengers should follow instructions from security staff.
Security rules at your return airport may be different, including restrictions on liquids over 100ml.
Check London Southend Airport's latest security and hand luggage guidance before travelling.
Family Assisted Lanes
Families travelling with children aged five and under can use the Fast Track entrance lane when presenting their boarding passes at London Southend Airport.
After passing through the entrance, families join the normal security queue.
Children under one metre tall are screened using a brief manual search rather than the body scanner.
Parents and carers should follow instructions from security staff when travelling with babies, pushchairs or other children's equipment.
Baby milk and food are permitted through security, subject to the airport's current screening requirements.
Shopping
London Southend Airport offers a selection of shops where passengers can purchase travel essentials, gifts, snacks, reading materials and duty-free products.
Retailers include World Duty Free and WHSmith.
World Duty Free offers fragrances, cosmetics, gifts and other duty-free products, with a Reserve & Collect service for selected items.
WHSmith provides books, magazines, food, drinks, travel accessories and everyday essentials.
Shop locations and opening hours may vary depending on flight schedules.
Check the airport's official shopping directory for the latest information.
Where to Eat
London Southend Airport offers a selection of cafés and restaurants for passengers looking for food and drink before departure.
After security, The Navigator serves meals, snacks and refreshments in a relaxed setting.
SKYCAFÉ offers coffee, tea, sandwiches, pastries and other light refreshments.
Food and drink options are also available within the airport's SKYLIFE Lounge, which is operated separately from APH.
Restaurant opening hours vary according to flight schedules.
Check the airport's official eating and drinking directory for the latest information. Here's a full list of places to eat at Southend Airport.
Wi-Fi access
London Southend Airport provides free WiFi throughout the passenger terminal.
To connect, select London Southend Airport Free WiFi from the available networks on your phone, tablet or laptop.
Follow the on-screen registration instructions to access the service.
Passengers can use the connection to check flight information, access digital boarding passes and stay connected before departure.
Mobile Devices
London Southend Airport provides charging facilities at selected food and drink outlets in the departure lounge.
Passengers can use available power sockets to charge mobile phones, tablets and other electronic devices before departure.
Bring a suitable charging cable or portable power bank and check your airline's rules for carrying spare lithium batteries.
Charging point availability may vary depending on the outlet and seating area.
Baby Changing
London Southend Airport provides baby changing facilities before and after security, as well as in the baggage arrivals area.
Accessible toilets and family facilities are available throughout the passenger terminal.
Passengers travelling with babies should check the airport's latest security guidance for information about carrying baby milk, food and other essential items.
Ask airport staff for directions to the nearest baby changing facilities if required.
Luggage Trolleys
Luggage trolleys are available at London Southend Airport to help passengers transport their bags.
Trolleys require a £1 or €1 coin and can be found in the airport car parks and baggage arrivals area.
Trolley return bays are available near check-in and within the car parks.
Check the airport's official facilities information for any changes to trolley arrangements. Trolleys are available, for all the essential information on how much, click here.
Pharmacies
London Southend Airport does not currently list a dedicated pharmacy among its passenger facilities.
WHSmith sells selected health and beauty essentials, toiletries and travel products, although availability may be limited.
Passengers requiring prescription medication should arrange this before travelling rather than relying on airport retailers.
Keep essential medicines in your hand luggage and check security guidance when carrying liquid medication or medical equipment.
Showers
Public shower facilities are not currently available at Southend Airport.
Chapel
London Southend Airport provides a quiet room for passengers of all faiths and those seeking a peaceful space for reflection.
The room is located next to the ticket desk in the check-in area, before security.
Passengers can use the space for prayer, meditation or quiet reflection before travelling.
Ask airport staff for directions if required.
Airport map
London Southend Airport, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6YF