Standsted queues

[parris]

Has anyone travelled to/from Stansted airport recently? Would appreciate any information on:
Queues at the check-in/security
traffic near the airport in the early hours of the morning
how long before the check-in time should one arrive
where do you collect the flight tickets from upon arrival

Thanks

[ukbod]

Just recently returned from a week in Bergerac - on the outgoing trip Stansted was a nightmare - not enough space for all the waiting people - no one around to advise - insufficient time alloted to check in - our first and last trip with Ryan air - a real cattle truck mentality. The security procedures were very quick considering the problems recently. Returning we waited the best part of an hour for our one bag to appear on the carousel. Our bag was damaged both ways.