LONDON'S AIRPORTS ◆ Luton BEDFORDSHIRE Officially inaugurated in 1938, Luton Airport is one of the oldest in the UK. As the airport continues to serve more passengers, it is expanding its route network to cater to business and leisure travel. Twenty-two new routes have been added, with the airport now offering more than 130 destinations. To meet continued demand from passengers, Luton is currently investing £150million in a redevelopment project which will increase annual capacity to 18 million passengers by 2020. B E S T F O R : Access to north London Stansted TOTA L PAS S E N G E R S 14.5m D O N ' T M I S S : Bliss Spa for last-minute pampering. G E T T H E R E : National Express Coaches pick up and drop off at many locations across the country from Luton Airport. One-way tickets start from £5. ESSEX IN 2016: On the case Don't forget you can take two 20kg suitcases and one item of hand luggage per person on National Express Coaches. But be sure to check your flight allowance with your airline before you pack. The UK's fourth busiest airport is home to one terminal and 20 airlines serving more than 140 destinations. It started life in 1942 as a USAAF bomber base during WW2. During the package holiday explosion in the 60s, Stansted grew to become known as London's third major airport. In 1969 it was further developed by the British Airports Authority, who extended it in 1972. The growth continued and in 1984 Stansted gained approval for expansion to accommodate a larger number of passengers. The main terminal opened in 1991. Stansted won Best London Airport at the London Transport Awards in 2016 thanks to its improvements to the security hall and departure lounge. B E S T F O R : Budget flights to Europe TOTA L PAS S E N G E R S IN 2016: 24m Lovers of fashion will be spoiled for choice with shops including Reiss and Monsoon. G E T T H E R E : National Express Coaches run to Stansted Airport from different locations across the UK. Fares start from as little as £5 one-way when bought in advance. DON'T MISS: 51