Research commissioned by London Luton Airport has revealed that passengers are less worried about what they’ll wear to travel because next generation body scanners installed earlier this year mean they can breeze through security without the hassle of removing difficult footwear.
The airport’s research found that over three quarters (77 per cent) of flyers have previously had to remove their shoes in airport security, and a third (37 per cent) have adapted their airport attire to account for security checks. Only 19 per cent of passengers would wear boots at an airport because of the possible need to take them off, but this is now no longer a problem.
Since July 2024, all security lanes at Luton Airport have been equipped with state-of-the-art body scanners and CT scanner technology, meaning passengers can now benefit from quicker security checks.
From cowboy boots to trainers and city-gent brogues, the new technology means that most passengers no longer need to remove their footwear – resulting in faster security processing times, a simpler passenger experience and full fashion freedom for footwear connoisseurs.
The new technology at the airport also means that travellers can leave liquids and electronic items in their bags as they pass through security without having to separate electronics too. Current Government restrictions mean bottles and containers must still be limited to 100ml or less.
A quarter (25 per cent) of travellers cited footwear as the first item of clothing considered when deciding on their airport ‘get up’, rising to 43 per cent for Gen Z and 44 per cent for younger millennial flyers. However, the LLA research reveals that nearly half (46 per cent) of flyers feel excited for a new era of simplified travel.
Neil Thompson, Chief Operations Officer at London Luton Airport, said: “We were delighted to become one of the first major airports in the UK to offer the benefits of next generation security to passengers ahead of what was a busy and successful summer at London Luton Airport. This investment provides LLA with enhanced screening technology, significantly streamlining operations to ensure a simple, friendly airport experience for all our guests.”
Early risers can also now take advantage of Luton Airport’s newly launched Prebook Security initiative, another option designed to make the airport security experience as quick and easy as possible. The free service allows passengers to skip security queues by reserving a 10-minute slot up to four days before travelling.
