A step-by-step guide to help you feel prepared and confident, whilst travelling through Glasgow Prestwick Airport. This story highlights what you may see and hear at each stage of your journey.
When you arrive by train, you’ll see platforms with yellow lines to keep you safe, as well as waiting areas, signs and information screens. You’ll find lifts, stairs and escalators to help you get around. Listen for safety announcements and the sounds of the station environment.
There is a covered walkway from the station to the terminal that crosses over the busy road below. The walkway is enclosed, but it has glass windows along the sides so you can see everything around you while staying protected from the weather and traffic. At the end of the walkway, there are automatic doors. From here, you can choose how to get down to the check-in area — either use the escalators straight ahead, or turn left and follow the corridor to find a lift or stairs.
As you arrive by car, you’ll enter the car park through a barrier. If you need help, press the button to speak to staff. You’ll see other people, vehicles, and luggage trolleys you can use. Zebra crossings help you get safely from the car park to the terminal. You may hear nearby traffic or aircraft.
The terminal can be busy and a little noisy. You’ll drop off your luggage at the check-in desks, where your bag will get a tag and travel on the belt behind the counter. You can visit the shop or sit down in one of the seating areas. There is also an Information Centre if you need help from staff.
Before boarding, you’ll go through Security. Place your belongings in a tray, including coats or sometimes shoes, then walk through a scanner. You will be asked to stand like the image on the scanner and you may be searched by a security officer. The officer will inform you what they are doing and why they needs to do this. You’ll get your items back once they have been screened in the x-ray. If queues are difficult, ask staff for assistance.
After Security, you enter the Departure Lounge. You can walk through the Duty Free shop or take a quieter route marked with a sunflower symbol. In the Duty Free, you might notice the strong smells of perfumes and aftershaves. As you move further into the lounge, you may smell food being cooked and served from the nearby bar and restaurant. The lounge has seating, shops, and snack options, as well as a quieter Assistance Area at the top if you need a more peaceful space.
This is the final step before boarding the plane. Staff will check your passport and boarding pass. If queues are tricky, ask a staff member – you might be able to board early or later, when it’s quieter. Once you’re through the gate, it’s time to board your flight!
If you need help during your journey, just ask a member of our friendly team. We’re here to make your trip comfortable and stress-free.