Australian Airports Are a Joke

NotAnAudiophile on 10/03/2018 - 09:44
Last edited 13/03/2018 - 07:11

Fresh from the technical issue meltdown at Sydney airport yesterday, why are our airports such a joke? No seating except at the gates, pitiful food options, no relaxation of any sort, and horrendous public access that cost a bomb.

Everytime i head to 1 of our airports, its to get out fast, unlike asian airports like Singapore or HK, where being in the airport is a pleasurable experience and actually makes me WANT to get their early to enjoy it!

EDIT : I am setting at Qantas domestic in Melb and it is DIRE. It looks like an old American airport straight from the 70s! Drab walls, corridors with just nothing, no facilities, its basically a holding pen.

Travel

Comments

    • NotAnAudiophile on 10/03/2018 - 10:15
      +7

      I have been saying this for ages. Melb international terminal food is a joke. Hungry Jacks? Really?

      • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2018 - 11:22
        +2

        It’s disgusting

      • Gandalf the Thrifty on 10/03/2018 - 14:44
        -5

        From memory Hong Kong had a Burger King, so are you then implying it has crap food too?

        • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2018 - 15:55
          +8

          I doesn’t only have a Burger King. Also your logic is just plain dumb.

        • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2018 - 09:08
          +1

          @Burnertoasty:
          HKG has a hundred or so restaurants/bars/cafes/fast food. Melbourne Int has about half dozen

      • Poolprouk on 13/03/2018 - 12:48
        +1

        If you haven't been through Melbourne International terminal since the end of last year you will find that it has now improved drastically.

        Bar Pulpo (By Movida),
        Brunetti's,
        Baxa,
        Urban Provodore

        are all new additions.

        Hungry Jacks is also an ozbargain favourite (Vouchers), how dare you aim derogatory comments their way…… :-)

        • lainey13 on 14/03/2018 - 00:53

          Think the vouchers are not valid at the airport HJs.

        • Poolprouk on 14/03/2018 - 08:35

          @lainey13: I can't speak for the airside hungry jacks but with respect to the hungry jacks in T2 landside (i.e. before security) on the departures level then i can 100% confirm that hungry jacks vouchers are accepted there. I've used them multiple times.

        • HungryJacksAus on 14/03/2018 - 10:51

          Hi @Poolprouk can we please grab a few more details here: http://www.hungryjacks.com.au/contact-us/feedback?

        • Poolprouk on 14/03/2018 - 12:09

          @HungryJacksAus: What details are you after? I'm promoting your brand on here somewhat with my comments I would have said so i'm hoping you want to provide me with a lucrative reward :-)

          or are you a Russian agent?

    • capslock on 10/03/2018 - 10:44
      +1

      I am guessing you haven't used the international terminal recently. The duty free store in the circular departure area has been converted to several restaurants. There's even a pub there which seems to get really busy just before a flight to Bali.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2018 - 11:23
        +4

        Yeah I was there. It was shit. The amount of vests and tattoos I saw at that pub was disturbing.

    • try2bhelpful on 10/03/2018 - 11:44
      +4

      Sorry I have to disagree about Melbourne International airport. There is a Vue de Monde cafe, a Movida offshoot bar, Brunetti, etc.

      https://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/the-best-melbo…

      I had more trouble finding somewhere decent to eat at the airport in LA than I did in Melbourne.

      The burgers at Cafe Vue were expensive but very nice, especially for airport food.

      Also there was some nice seating places in alcoves tucked around the building, we even found some toilets that had shower cubicles in them.

      We got stuck for 8 hours at Melbourne airport, thank-you Jetstar, and it was not wonderful but the toilets were clean and lots of them, lots of water dispenser areas and the food options were not bad.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/03/2018 - 12:02
        +1

        You are taking about Terminal 4. We are talking about international.

        • try2bhelpful on 10/03/2018 - 14:02

          sorry, misread.

        • Poolprouk on 13/03/2018 - 12:50

          Those cafe's mentioned by try2bhelpful have all recently opened in the international terminal (air side ) too.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2018 - 15:42

          @Poolprouk: They weren’t there
          In December

        • Poolprouk on 13/03/2018 - 17:17

          @Burnertoasty: They opened in Mid December when the new luxury precinct was fully launched.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2018 - 17:53

          @Poolprouk: I was there on Dec 23rd and I was deeply unimpressed by the food selection. Is that before security?

        • Poolprouk on 13/03/2018 - 23:21

          @Burnertoasty: all these good new places are after security.

          Before security = hungry jacks + vouchers 😀

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2018 - 23:42

          @Poolprouk: Hungry Jacks is after security?

        • Poolprouk on 14/03/2018 - 08:32

          @Burnertoasty: Both, there is a hungry jacks before security on the way through to T1 (Just past Nando's on the left hand side) and there is a hungry jacks airside after the luxury duty free precinct.

    • Donaldhump on 10/03/2018 - 15:26
      +16

      Who from ozbargain on their own coin eats at an airport, surely your inner self cops the hunger pain, until your SO demands a bottle of water and sand which for 28 bucks then you goto the toilet and scream

      • Archi on 10/03/2018 - 21:25
        +1

        Not if you a priority pass owner. You get free meals

      • reactor-au on 13/03/2018 - 01:44

        Scream about the cost of the grub or the cost of the parking? Nvm, I'm sure both.

    • chriskq on 15/03/2018 - 11:11

      Not too bad - i travel monthly down from Syd usually returning same evening and i'll usually change it up between Nandos, Sushi and a pub burger with beer.

    • callum9999 on 10/03/2018 - 10:54
      -1

      I'd be pretty irritated if my tax money was being spent on making MEL/SYD etc. like Singapore and Hong Kong. A complete waste of money.

      • whooah1979 on 10/03/2018 - 12:08

        You’ll be happy to hear that the federal government is investing $5b to build wsa.
        http://budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/glossies/jobs-growth/ht…

        • callum9999 on 10/03/2018 - 13:20

          Interesting point - that's not something I actually disagree with given Sydney needs a bigger airport. If that money was being invested just to make the passenger experience better on the other hand I'd be a bit annoyed.

        • SydStrand on 11/03/2018 - 23:22

          @callum9999: Kingsford Smith also has that flight curfew so a new airport was desperately needed.

    • Baysew on 10/03/2018 - 13:18
      +2

      The communists don't have a candidate in my electorate.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 10/03/2018 - 13:24
      +3

      Is "let rich people do whatever they want by (profanity) everyone else" - Neoliberalism - getting old yet or are you going to vote in the same parties and continue to enjoy shittier and shitter services at higher and higher prices?

      I hear Pyongyang has a lovely arrivals lounge, not so sure about departures though…

      • freakatronic on 11/03/2018 - 22:18

        You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.

        Guitar solo

        • Scrooge McDuck on 11/03/2018 - 22:46
          +4

          Welcome to the Hermit State of Asia
          Such a hungry place (such a hungry place)
          Such a hungry race.
          Not enough food in the Hermit State of Asia
          Any time of year (any time of year) you can't find it here…

    • greatlamp on 11/03/2018 - 14:57

      If there was another major party they would also be "corrupt". The source of corruption is outside the political system - hence why it is called corruption

  • altomic on 10/03/2018 - 10:45
    +148

    Hi,

    I'm a Doctor

    Sounds like you're sick of being in airports.

    you probably have a Terminal illness

    • pegaxs on 10/03/2018 - 11:02
      +9

      "Bah-dum tish!" +one for the early Saturday morning dad joke :D

    • gimli on 11/03/2018 - 21:26
      +4

      roflcopter

      That's just plane silly

  • ronnknee on 10/03/2018 - 11:37
    +5

    No seating except at the gates

    Not true. There are seats at the food courts.

    • Kangal on 11/03/2018 - 10:27
      -2

      Technically all midgets are seats :\

      • BartholemewH on 11/03/2018 - 11:37
        +3

        They prefer the term little people.

  • AusGP on 10/03/2018 - 12:33

    I don't really worry too much about how the airport looks but more speed is an issue. Sometimes wait so long for luggage whereas even in 2012 in Tokyo, it took me only 30-40 min to collect my luggage and transfer to a different terminal and airline and be boarding…

  • BuyoTheCat on 10/03/2018 - 13:57
    +2

    indian airports rank highly on my list of terrible airports because of how non flexible everything is.

    • boomramada on 10/03/2018 - 19:02
      +3

      Op should try out the Chennai airport first LOL

    • knasty on 11/03/2018 - 08:25
      +1

      Yep 4 different checkpoints all checking the same thing…just keeping people employed?

      • GS83 on 11/03/2018 - 21:08
        +1

        I have used multiple airports in India and I've never come across this. Which airport are you referring to?

        • knasty on 12/03/2018 - 17:43

          Mumbai. Had passport checked at 4 different points.

        • GS83 on 13/03/2018 - 01:05
          +1

          @knasty: That' really odd, I've never encountered this. Apart from check-in and immigration, no one has any business to check passport.

        • dogee on 13/03/2018 - 20:11

          @GS83: At Delhi airport they checked my passport when I was entering the terminal

        • GS83 on 13/03/2018 - 22:09

          @dogee: Checking for passport and ticket is standard practice, they don't want non traveller inside the terminal. Did you notice the crowd outside the gates who have come to see off their family and friends, they all will be inside the terminal otherwise.

    • ego22 on 11/03/2018 - 10:32
      -5

      and also, because its full of indians!………………….. :D

      • GS83 on 11/03/2018 - 21:11
        +1

        They are terrible because they are full of Indians, seriously. Get well soon.

        • ego22 on 11/03/2018 - 21:13
          -3

          ehhhh… sarcasm is very prevalent in what i said, you fs^t&#%+!!! …… :D

        • GS83 on 12/03/2018 - 02:06

          @ego2spare: Didn't realize that was your sarcasm font. And now your use of veiled expletive is sarcasm too? No thanks, keep it to yourself.

    • GS83 on 11/03/2018 - 21:07
      +1

      With the amount of traffic they are dealing with and security concerns they have. I bet flexibility is least of there priority. Can you elaborate on any specific incident?

    • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 20:51
      +1

      Have been to Mumbai and Delhi airports that have been renovated within last 7-8 yrs or so. I was amazed by the variety of food options they have and food quality in general - multi cuisine restaurants, high end sweets shops/ bakeries, stores selling premium snacks, etc and all this at much reasonable prices even in the local currency. Pretty bland food is what you expect at the airports but I was proven wrong. Also, the airports give a very premium feel with their high-end interior decor.. Luggage trolleys are free everywhere. A lot of airport staff to help with literally anything. I had much better experience than airports in Europe.

      • GS83 on 13/03/2018 - 01:07

        I'll say food is over priced but you're spot on with the variety available and other comments.

  • Hardlyworkin on 10/03/2018 - 14:08
    +1

    Terrible first world problems/ conditions we have to put up with in Australian airports. My next ticket will be one way!

  • spychiatrist on 10/03/2018 - 14:25
    +7

    You've been to each Australian airport or just Sydney? You've been to Denpasar airport? You've been to JFK where the security queue can take up to 3 hours?

    In Perth domestic, rellies are allowed even at the boarding gate. That is impressive.

    • belongsinforums on 10/03/2018 - 15:57

      Had a good experience at Denpasar last year. In and out. Got stuck at Sydney airport last year when their "computers went down", according to the airline staff. Nobody could check in for 3 hours. It was a clusterfuk.

    • Pinchy on 11/03/2018 - 18:10
      +6

      Anyone can go to the boarding gate at any domestic airport in Australia without a ticket.

      • spaij on 12/03/2018 - 20:39
        -1

        But it's impressive you can do it in Perth.

  • Bonsaichop on 10/03/2018 - 14:47
    +9

    You could always build your own airport and show them how it's done?

    • smartazz104 on 10/03/2018 - 20:10
      +2

      It's easier to whinge anonymously on the internet.

    • mickotron on 10/03/2018 - 23:05
      +4

      With blackjack and hookers?

      • Donaldhump on 10/03/2018 - 23:57
        +2

        Some airports in South America have hookers at the entrance

        • Kangal on 11/03/2018 - 10:28
          +3

          Finally!
          Need somewhere to put those heavy jackets that I don't pack into my weighed luggage

        • Donaldhump on 11/03/2018 - 13:15
          +2

          @Kangal: use lost property at the airport , and pick up later when you need to

    • knasty on 11/03/2018 - 08:27

      Have a crack at Badgerys. Lots of false starts there.

    • billy77 on 12/03/2018 - 11:39

      Yeah, with blackjack and h**kers, too.

  • GrackFields on 10/03/2018 - 16:59
    +2

    All of Australia's airports are privately owned, Sydney in particular is a money making machine for Macquarie Bank.

    • Mg on 10/03/2018 - 17:58
      +4

      It's amazing that people still think Macquarie Bank owns Sydney Airport. They sold their stake back in 2013. Get with the times!

      • altomic on 11/03/2018 - 01:44
        +1

        gets in time machine and goes back to to 2012 - "Hey Mg, Still owned by Macquarie Bank"

        • Mg on 11/03/2018 - 10:57
          +2

          Haha well played

    • Bmann999 on 12/03/2018 - 14:25

      It is an important point to make that AUS airports are all privately owned while most US airports are privately owned. Parking/concessions are massive money makers for Aussie airports. Why create extra free seating when that space can be used for a wine tasting booth or another McDonalds.

      It cost me $29 to park for just over an hour at Melbourne Airport short-term. Last year, I got picked up at LAX and 1 hour of short was ~ $4.

  • idonotknowwhy on 10/03/2018 - 18:03
    +2

    and horrendous public access that cost a bomb.

    At least you have a train to the airpot. Before Uber, Melbourne airport was just overpriced taxis, airport parking or Skybus.
    Notice all 3 of those groups are particularly good at lobbying the government?
    https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/sinhalese/en/article/201…
    1.6 billion is a lot!

    Everytime i head to 1 of our airports, its to get out fast

    And it can still take hours when eg. the baggage track gets blocked up

    unlike asian airports like Singapore or HK, where being in the airport is a pleasurable experience

    Yep, 2 of my favorite airpots. Excellent food in HK, excellent lounges in SG

    and actually makes me WANT to get their early to enjoy it!

    +1

  • OzzyOzbourne on 10/03/2018 - 18:36

    Yup

  • davidmwilliams on 10/03/2018 - 19:09
    +7

    How often do you travel? Enough to get lounge access with an airline? If so, plenty of nice seating and food there. If not that often, then is it really this complaint-worthy?

  • neonlight on 10/03/2018 - 19:27
    +4

    Agree with you. The airport here makes you want to leave asap. Shocking quality, also paying for luggage trolley (first I heard of ever anywhere that apparently it's a bargain with being AMEX card holder for… Ridiculous) , lack of good public facilities, wifi doesn't work at the time. Even the Qantas lounge isn't good enough even when you pay to be a member. It's a joke really and you see that's the general impression tourist get as soon as their arrive.

    We have third world public transport and so is the airport.

    People rather shop and eat elsewhere. That tells you a lot.

    Most tourists buy stuff from overseas airports rather than here.

    If you think Sydney airport is good then you haven't travelled at all. Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan they are all better than here. So much more stuff you can enjoy

    Opening a second airport is not the solution. Waste of taxpayers money.

    Fix the existing infrastructure.

    • Donaldhump on 10/03/2018 - 21:51

      The airport is opening due to time slot exhaustion at Sydney airport.

    • idonotknowwhy on 10/03/2018 - 23:10

      Be careful criticizing Australia too much on here. OzBargainers get very patriotic lol.
      Problem is I like to (profanity) off to another country as soon as I have a lazy 7 grand, and have to deal with the airport each time :(

      • Donaldhump on 10/03/2018 - 23:52

        Go on a cruise

        • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 20:56

          Will you get me a free luggage trolley and working wi-fi there? No cruise otherwise. Let's fix the airport facilities first and then get cruising.

    • Donaldhump on 10/03/2018 - 23:54
      +2

      Why would you ever want to stay an airport once you have landed, unless transitting

    • twww on 11/03/2018 - 04:53
      +2

      Re: trolleys

      Why pay? When you arrive (specifically Syd T2), go up to arrivals and pick up a discarded trolley, bring back down to reclaim:)

      Driving out of Syd T2/T3 is a joke! Whose idea was it to make cars merge from multiple lanes?

      • knasty on 11/03/2018 - 08:29

        Exiting T3 carpark in the right lane and trying to get across to the left lane before the lights is like a game of.frogger where you hope you don't get taken out.

      • neonlight on 11/03/2018 - 09:11

        Thats just a workaround. It's because of them being greedy hence doing it on purpose to make it free is sort of defeating the purpose of convenience

    • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2018 - 01:23

      you have no idea about 3rd world mate. I lived in one for 30 years. You live in one of the best cities in the world. If you think this is bad, think about how bad is the rest of the world. I have family in over 10 countries including Germany and Japan. Absolutely all of them complain (massively) about where they live.

      Yeah, the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, or is it? Get over it made and make peace with reality.

      • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 20:58
        +1

        Grass could be greener on either side, but free trolleys and good wi-fi are norms in any decent airports, even in the third world. Not sure if you were in 3rd or the alien world ;). Tell me food options at airports here are better in terms of quality and price than those airports. Yeh? Be honest to yourself.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2018 - 16:58

          FYI, I've moved in Australia (Melbourne) 5 years ago. Travel on regular basis back in Europe where my sister and parents are.

          Food prices here are on pair with a poor country, value per product not absolut value(time worked per product). Not sure if it's that much more better here, I guess average or just above.

          If you like it so much more somewhere else, why don't you move there?

        • virhlpool on 13/03/2018 - 19:05

          @zapy:

          My point was strictly about airports' comparison. People don't move to countries just because other countries have better airports. Let's be logical, mate. Too easy to think and not so much to actually move even if someone wanted to.

        • [Deactivated] on 13/03/2018 - 19:28

          @virhlpool: sorry, got carried away. You are right.

  • Powershopz on 10/03/2018 - 19:47
    +9

    The people complaining about Melbourne or Sydney airports have probably barely been to more than 5 airports There are a so many major airports that are significantly worse.

    • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 21:01

      Anything worse than no free trolleys, no working wi-fi and not clean toilets, mate?

  • cockneylondoner on 10/03/2018 - 21:33

    Do you mean Brisbane as an example! - lol
    This airport 'dies' at 10 pm. If you're on a late arriving flight and want to catch the train (even if you're prepared to pay the excessive 'access fee') you'll be disappointed and have to wait until the morning to take one, and good luck finding somewhere to wait in the International Terminal Arrivals Hall.
    Due to its geographical position, Australia could not be classed as having 'hub' airports unless you feel that transiting your international flight to a domestic one constitutes them as having one.
    As mentioned above, the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong do provide excellent facilities but then they are geared to promoting their country and making the 'in transit' traveller feel welcome, unlike our Heathrow Airport where I'm only too pleased to get out of the place.
    But to be fair to my local Airport, they don't charge to use a trolley at any of the Terminals!

    • Donaldhump on 10/03/2018 - 21:52
      +4

      Brisbane airport - take an uber to toomball station. 10 bucks and then the train is cheaper and runs later

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