I decided to try out Blackpool Airport to fly to the Isle Of Man. I stayed overnight in the hotel that is a short walk away intending to get an early flight. For some reason I don't recall I had a ticket for the 'First Class Lounge' - which is a bit of an overstatement! I decided to have breakfast in the airport. I arrived nice and early, two hours before take off - and everything was shut. Not even a vending machine. I then realised what a very small amateurish and scruffy little airport I had come to. The check in staff didn't arrive until just 1 hour before schedule take off. I went into security - and they decided to have a bit of fun with my laptop bag. They removed every single item from it, took usb sticks out of containers, removed DVDs and CDs from cases (I am a software engineer - I was carrying things I needed for my job, nothing not cabin safe). Took out every cable and accesory. They spread the contents out over seven, SEVEN plastic trays. I had to remove my belt and shoes and was given a body search. I was carrying a laptop, iPad and kindle. I had placed these all in one tray. They obviously didn't like this and whilst I was being searched someone must have moved these to two other trays, but didn't show me or tell me. There were now too many trays on the belt so they placed the trays on one side, somewhere. The security guy was determined to take something off me, so he confiscated my cable ties on the grounds that they 'could be used as handcuffs' (They were really tiny ones, the sort you could use to fasten your sandwich bag with - easily snapped with the fingers). He then suddenly said 'ok' and just walked off, leaving me alone in the security area. I got dressed, put my shoes on and started repacking all my things. It took ages. In total I was in security 45 minutes. Remember I arrived two hours early, hoping to get breakfast. One hour wasted waiting to check in and 45 mins in security. It is now 15 mins before take off. I walk into the departure lounge - and they immediately call my gate. I didn't even have chance to get a cup of tea. Then, someone taps me on the shoulder and said "are these yours?" It was my iPad and Kindle that they had placed in separate trays. The thing is - there were only three people on this flight, me and two others, so when the security guard walked away leaving me - I was completely alone. Image if there were a few more on the flight? Or another flight? I could easily have lost these. It seems their idea of security is only to play at extreme anti terrorist measures (for a plane with three passengers?) - it didn't include any duty of care to me or my property. I noticed the airport only had two flights that day, the next was early evening. I expect the staff were just extremely bored and decided to liven the day up at my expense. For this privilege, I had to pay £10 - a fee to enter security that acts as some sort of 'improvement fund'. Well... they obviously haven't spent it, yet. The airport is scruffy, dirty and has little or no facilities. I will never fly from there again. About the only good points are the parking was free and there is a travel lodge (or something similar) right next to it. If you do fly from there, don't bother turning up too early, there will be nothing open and no one about - and don't expect to eat or drink at the airport, you may not have time, but there really isn't much there anyway. Although to be fair I must have been on one of the last flights before it closed down. Maybe things might improve when it reopens in April 2015? It needs a few million quid spending on it, though. I wonder what happened to all the £10 fees that were paid?

Pleasant enough airport. For a couple flying the £20 total airport fee is balanced by the free parking. Limited shopping and food options but ok if flight on time. Main problem is security. Having used the airport several times this year I have suffered an average 45 minute queue at security. There are plenty of staff on duty but they seem to be able to work unbelievably slowly. Have flown from many airports around the world and security delays here are the worst. Shame because regional airports are a great idea.

Travelled from Blackpool Airport in June 2007, overall excellent. The customer service is excellent and overall it is a very quick and easy to use airport. In my opinion there are no bad points.

What a superb airport. Well organised, excellent facilities, long stay car parking simple and near to the airport building. Flew to Gerona in August 2007, slight delays going out but dealt with by crew in a clear and efficient manner. Had a breakfast at the airport pastries etc and coffee very nice. Usually fly from Manchester when I can but wanted to go to Gerona so this was my cheapest option. Hopefully it does not get to popular as it may lose its intimacy. I would recommend this airport.