BLACKPOOL INTERNATIONAL GETS TOP SPOT!

The Lancashire and Lake District airport performed best in a survey of 30 UK airports, with an overall customer score of 80% and five star ratings for airport experience, check-in procedures, time spent to clear security and distance from check-in to boarding.

The report will be published in the April edition of Which? Holiday and includes a recommendation for travellers to look to using smaller airports like Blackpool International when planning their holidays.

More than 9000 people participated in the online survey by Which?, the leading independent consumer champion in the UK.  Respondents were asked to rate their satisfaction and the likelihood to recommend a UK airport that they had used in the last 12 months.

Susan Kendrick, customer relations & communications manager for Blackpool International, which is celebrating its centenary in 2009, said: "We are delighted to hear the results of the Which?Holiday survey.  It confirms what we have long believed about the unique benefits of flying from Blackpool International.

"By the nature of our business we are extremely customer focused, spending a lot of time on training and mentoring to ensure our staff provide passengers with the best start to their holidays and this is welcome recognition for their hard work and commitment.

"Blackpool International is dedicated to providing passenges with an easy, hassle-free airport experience.   Together with free passenger car parking and improved terminal facilities, we aim to provide a more enjoyable start to the travelling experience.  As we continue to expand, we will strive to maintain these standards of customer care and become the airport of choice for travellers across Lancashire and the Lake District."

Another regional high-flier in the survey was Exeter International, also owned by Regional & City Airports (RCA), which ranked fourth with a 73% customer score.