Europe's worst airport?
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Try Ben Gurion for security, that really is hard work (although in this instance understandable).
Someone told the folks in Dublin they were doing a bad job and now the security there has gone the other way and is absolutely ridiculous!
Flew AMS-DET-BDL, had to collect and recheck bags in Detroit - I still cannot believe how stupid the US folks are...it is policy that you leave your bags UNLOCKED in order to facilitate their need to go thru' them! Quite apart from the security threat of unlocked baggage going all the way from check in to the cargo hold, what about possible tea leafs?
That was with KLM/NW, I noticed on a subsequent flight with Virgin that their ticket outlines US policy and states clearly that they do not support it.
As for other interesting airport experiences - try Nairobi sometime: that is a real eye opener!!!
Someone told the folks in Dublin they were doing a bad job and now the security there has gone the other way and is absolutely ridiculous!
Flew AMS-DET-BDL, had to collect and recheck bags in Detroit - I still cannot believe how stupid the US folks are...it is policy that you leave your bags UNLOCKED in order to facilitate their need to go thru' them! Quite apart from the security threat of unlocked baggage going all the way from check in to the cargo hold, what about possible tea leafs?
That was with KLM/NW, I noticed on a subsequent flight with Virgin that their ticket outlines US policy and states clearly that they do not support it.
As for other interesting airport experiences - try Nairobi sometime: that is a real eye opener!!!
Join Date: Nov 2004
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I'm with radeng on this.
Flew back from Marco Polo "airport " on 16 Sept.
Was almost the same - except the security delays were even longer. When the queue reached the outside of the terminal (kid you not) they opened a 3rd check point
The driving airside was definately "Italian" so nothing would surprise me there........
Apart from the capucino in the checkin area bar, I cant think of a good word to say about the place.
Flew back from Marco Polo "airport " on 16 Sept.
Was almost the same - except the security delays were even longer. When the queue reached the outside of the terminal (kid you not) they opened a 3rd check point
The driving airside was definately "Italian" so nothing would surprise me there........
Apart from the capucino in the checkin area bar, I cant think of a good word to say about the place.
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Marco Polo may leave a lot to be desired in terms of facilities (though not a lot worse than, say, Linate in my experience), but it offers the most romantic mode of transport to your final destination in the form of the water taxi to/from Venice.
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Wub Wrote:
Thanks! I don't know if you noticed on these pictures, but the side door of the theatre is ajar. 
I've heard the old base is attracting a lot of squatters. Doesn't surprise me, actually the buildings look in remarkably good shape.
If I ever go back there again, I'll take pictures too. I was completely
I've heard the old base is attracting a lot of squatters. Doesn't surprise me, actually the buildings look in remarkably good shape.
If I ever go back there again, I'll take pictures too. I was completely
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Dublin airport
Not the worst but I believe it to be the only place in Europe where you have to take your shoes off at the security check. And your passport is not checked after you have checked in, speaking of a security breach.
Not the worst but I believe it to be the only place in Europe where you have to take your shoes off at the security check. And your passport is not checked after you have checked in, speaking of a security breach.
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Skyreadycom....
Although I agree with you about Dublin Airport being the pits, why do you say that not checking passports is a major security lapse???? I cant remember the last time my passport or photo ID was checked leaving Heathrow except by the gate staff as they do in Dublin, even on UK/Dom flights within Ireland where only photo ID is required if you have an eticket. Infact, I cant remember the last time my passport was checked leaving the United States by anyone other than the check-in agent!!! Some european countries do check passports but correct me if I am wrong but is this not only for passengers leaving a shengan state?????
And if you are flying to the states from Dublin you will have your passport and visas checked by US Immigration before departure, surely this is safer than most other airports with transatlantic services?
Although I agree with you about Dublin Airport being the pits, why do you say that not checking passports is a major security lapse???? I cant remember the last time my passport or photo ID was checked leaving Heathrow except by the gate staff as they do in Dublin, even on UK/Dom flights within Ireland where only photo ID is required if you have an eticket. Infact, I cant remember the last time my passport was checked leaving the United States by anyone other than the check-in agent!!! Some european countries do check passports but correct me if I am wrong but is this not only for passengers leaving a shengan state?????
And if you are flying to the states from Dublin you will have your passport and visas checked by US Immigration before departure, surely this is safer than most other airports with transatlantic services?
I guess even Airports in africa have A/C ....... Join Date: Jun 2005
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It's certainly not "the worst" but for maximising the amount of walking, stair-climbing (and time) required to pass through a relatively small terminal the "new, improved" Luton must take some beating.
One can only wonder at the plans that were rejected before this masterpiece was accepted.
Arriving is bad enough (although at least by the time you get through Immigration your luggage is normally waiting) but the departure side is poor for able-bodied passengers and must be a real challenge for anyone who finds walking and standing difficult.
I've been lucky enough to avoid it when it's really busy but it looks as though the post-security central lounge area will be much too small even if the airport is only closed for an hour for fog etc.
One can only wonder at the plans that were rejected before this masterpiece was accepted.
Arriving is bad enough (although at least by the time you get through Immigration your luggage is normally waiting) but the departure side is poor for able-bodied passengers and must be a real challenge for anyone who finds walking and standing difficult.
I've been lucky enough to avoid it when it's really busy but it looks as though the post-security central lounge area will be much too small even if the airport is only closed for an hour for fog etc.
Pilot of the Airwaves
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jack-essex
Your comments on security an Malaga are out of date.
New security company employed and system changed to something more rigid.
As Boss Raptor says, you have to go a long way to be worse than Heathrow, although Manchester will get there if it continues down the current path.
Also the sooner the new terminal opens at Barajas the better.
Your comments on security an Malaga are out of date.
New security company employed and system changed to something more rigid.
As Boss Raptor says, you have to go a long way to be worse than Heathrow, although Manchester will get there if it continues down the current path.
Also the sooner the new terminal opens at Barajas the better.
Join Date: Jun 2004
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I have always been lucky going out of MAN, no problems, but coming back is something else.
Last year waited 30 mins and 45 mins just to get the disembarking gate connected. Both times the handling agent said it was because we had arrived too early!!
The wait for baggage has to be one of the worst of all major airports, often been in the only group waiting for baggage in T2 and it still takes more than an hour..
Last year waited 30 mins and 45 mins just to get the disembarking gate connected. Both times the handling agent said it was because we had arrived too early!!
The wait for baggage has to be one of the worst of all major airports, often been in the only group waiting for baggage in T2 and it still takes more than an hour..
Join Date: Apr 2003
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Europe's worst airport?
Has to be Paris CDG!!!
.....just followed by Thiefrow, whose only redeaming feature is T4.....without it, it would be the worst.
Mrs SD thought I was being anti-French when I would berate CDG after enduring it on the way home....right up until she had to go through the ordeal one time too.
Luckily I can avoid LHR, but unfortunately dont have that luxury with regards to CDG.....one of the only pitfalls of living in France.
Regards, SD.
Has to be Paris CDG!!!
.....just followed by Thiefrow, whose only redeaming feature is T4.....without it, it would be the worst.
Mrs SD thought I was being anti-French when I would berate CDG after enduring it on the way home....right up until she had to go through the ordeal one time too.
Luckily I can avoid LHR, but unfortunately dont have that luxury with regards to CDG.....one of the only pitfalls of living in France.
Regards, SD.
Join Date: Jul 2004
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for security geezers with attitude - Stansted (you can't take 2 pieces of hand baggage mate - I think I can .. shows C class ticket ...jobsworth sends F3G back to check in, airline duty manager comes back with F3G and bollocks jobsworth, jobsworths supervisor bollocks airline manager, huge row develops, F3G watches in amazement and is finally allowed through (the C class fare was worth paying just to watch the catfight)
Join Date: Jun 2002
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St. Petersburg the worst
Dublin 2nd worst. Cattle all the way. And they don't even tell you to take off your shoes [ no sign ] unless you try and go throught with them on.
Dublin 2nd worst. Cattle all the way. And they don't even tell you to take off your shoes [ no sign ] unless you try and go throught with them on.
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I'm sorry folks but all this stuff is relative. No offence but most of you sound like cosseted C-Class whingers. Try Sheremetyevo's Domestic Terminal in Winter or frankly lots of airports outside the 'first world' - you would swop any of the places you've mentioned above immediately. Try Podgorica where the roof leaks on your head when queing up for passport control. Entry to SVO from the icy blast requires you to queue up OUTSIDE so that you can go through security. As for Africa.......an AK47 in the ribs is the welcome you get to some places!!!! How about being blackmailed at airports in Central America....you pay me extra tax for exit visa or you miss your flight......
You don't know when you're well off.
You don't know when you're well off.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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VHF,
Yes, I know there are some real S:@t holes out there in Africa etc, Ive had the dubious pleasure of visiting them too...
BUT, we are talking about Europe here......where you sort of expect a bit more....
Regards, SD..
Yes, I know there are some real S:@t holes out there in Africa etc, Ive had the dubious pleasure of visiting them too...
BUT, we are talking about Europe here......where you sort of expect a bit more....
Regards, SD..
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Fair enough SD
OK then just Europe........
Well Russia, West of the Urals is in Europe and I reckon you could fill the entire Top10 Worst from Russia alone.
My worst European hellholes as follows:
Samara - Russia just vile - lung cancer is one of the many hazards here
Sheremetyevo Domestic (compounded by the real prospect of impending death in a 40 year old TU 134) And by the way the Intl Terminal is really not that bad.
Podgorica - Montenegro the only non Russian airport with a true flair for awfulness.
Worst Western European Airport?? Probably a toss up between CDG and LHR can't make my mind up.
OK then just Europe........
Well Russia, West of the Urals is in Europe and I reckon you could fill the entire Top10 Worst from Russia alone.
My worst European hellholes as follows:
Samara - Russia
just vile - lung cancer is one of the many hazards hereSheremetyevo Domestic
(compounded by the real prospect of impending death in a 40 year old TU 134) And by the way the Intl Terminal is really not that bad.Podgorica - Montenegro
the only non Russian airport with a true flair for awfulness.Worst Western European Airport?? Probably a toss up between CDG and LHR can't make my mind up.
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quote
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Worst Western European Airport?? Probably a toss up between CDG and LHR can't make my mind up.
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I commuted twice a week for just under 2 years between those two. And would have to agree with one proviso.
T4 at Heathrow is ok.
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Worst Western European Airport?? Probably a toss up between CDG and LHR can't make my mind up.
------------------------------------------------
I commuted twice a week for just under 2 years between those two. And would have to agree with one proviso.
T4 at Heathrow is ok.