London Stansted Airport is the place where your travel adventures begin. Sure, you might know that it’s an airport, but did you also know it has some fun and quirky secrets? Well, get ready for a jolly good time as we uncover “10 Things You Didn’t Know About London Stansted Airport.”
1. Stansted’s Not in London
Hold on, don’t drop your tea. Contrary to what you might think, London Stansted Airport isn’t actually in London. It’s like your cousin claiming to be a royal when they’re not. Stansted is in Essex, a bit of a train ride from the Big Smoke. So, next time someone tells you they’re flying into London, they might be pulling a Stansted on you.
2. Pianos in Departures
Feeling musically inclined before your flight? Well, you’re in luck. Stansted’s got pianos in the departure lounge. You can show off your Chopin skills or just plunk around while waiting for your gate to be called. Just don’t blame us if you accidentally serenade a whole terminal.
3. Stansted is Environmentally Friendly
Stansted isn’t just about planes, it’s also pretty eco-friendly. They’ve got a zero-waste-to-landfill policy, which basically means they’re really good at recycling. They even have a fancy recycling robot named ‘Stanley’ who helps sort the trash. No, he doesn’t do magic tricks, but he’s still pretty cool.
4. Stansted’s History is Mind-Boggling
Stansted has been through quite the transformation over the years. It used to be a military airfield, then a base for the US Air Force during World War II. Now it’s an airport, proving that it’s never too late for a career change. Talk about a glow-up.
5. Love Poppin’ Bubbles? Stansted Does Too.
Ever been in a bubble? Well, if you visit Stansted, you can. There’s a bubble wall in the departure lounge that’s as Instagrammable as it gets. Pop a bubble and make a wish – maybe your wish will be for an on-time flight.
6. Magical Mystery Bus Tour
You’ve heard of the Magical Mystery Tour, right? Well, Stansted has its own magical tour. You can jump on a bus to explore the airport apron and see planes up close. No yellow submarine, but you might spot a few red ones.
7. Stansted’s the King of Budget Airlines
Stansted is the go-to place for budget travelers. It’s the main hub for airlines like Ryanair and easyJet. So if you’re all about saving those pounds, Stansted’s your golden ticket.
8. “Stansted Express” Isn’t Just a Train
“Stansted Express” isn’t a magician’s spell – it’s a speedy train that zips you into central London. If only it were as magical as it sounds, making the M25 disappear during rush hour.
9. There’s a Stansted Duck
Stansted has a mascot, and it’s a duck. Not just any duck, though. It’s a rubber duck. Named ‘Stanley the Duck,’ he’s the unofficial mascot and the airport’s little symbol of quirky charm.
10. Haunted Stansted? Boo.
Last but not least, they say Stansted might be haunted. Some travelers claim to have seen ghostly apparitions around the terminal. Maybe the spirits are just trying to catch a flight to the afterlife. Who knows?
So there you have it, 10 Stansted surprises that are bound to make your next journey through this not-quite-London airport a bit more entertaining. Just remember, if you run into Stanley the Duck, don’t ask for his autograph – he’s a bit of a shy celebrity.