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

      • cockneylondoner on 11/03/2018 - 01:15

        Many thanks for your great advice, which I shall bear in mind, but I'm usually met, and taken back to, the airport. We have been doing the run from London to Australia (and visa versa) on a regular basis for over 10 years now so I know the score with Brisbane airport (and Sydney and Melbourne as well). I was just making a general comment on the airport 'facilities'
        On my next visit to Australia, my 'chauffeur' won't need to worry about the airport runs because Emirates will be providing the transport, which will give me a chance to check-out Dubai airport a little better and their lounges at LGW, DBX and BNE (which I hope will be better than what Etihad provided at BNE, which I think was actually the Air New Zealand lounge).
        I gather that at Brisbane International Arrivals it's no longer possible to be met at the door by a private individual in a car - perhaps another money making scheme on the part of the airport - lol

      • cockneylondoner on 11/03/2018 - 08:35

        I've had a look at the timetable for trains from Toombul and the last weekday train on the Cleveland Line is scheduled at 11.31pm. Cathay Pacific, which is the only airline that flies into BNE with a Premium Economy Class cabin (purely as a matter of interest) has a reasonable departure time in HKG of 12.45pm but an arrival time at BNE of 11.15pm so clearly the route via Toombul is no better should one be on that flight. Obviously, there are other Cathay (for example) flights at other times, the foregoing is just an example.
        As you probably know, airlines schedule their flights around arrival and departure times at their hub(s) aiming to keep layover times between flights to the minimum and I'm surprised that BNE Airport doesn't recognise that it is at the end of an airline route and should keep reasonable facilities, like public transport, available.

        I have found the following YouTube video explaining the new international passenger collection arrangements:
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qwYBZPbeD4
        Isn't it wonderful that the passenger has now got to go down one floor and at some time walk along the uncovered walkway risking the chance of savouring the Qld inclement weather! And god help anyone who may be confined to a wheelchair!!!

        • Levathian on 12/03/2018 - 12:28

          Wtf didn't they have a pickup zone? That walk would be 'lovely' for a first time visitor, especially in the burning hot and humid summer.

        • cockneylondoner on 12/03/2018 - 18:59

          @Lad92:

          Or during one of the many storms.

          There is an undercover pickup zone right outside the Arrivals Hall that now, and you have to search hard for the information, is solely for use by disabled passengers. You would see from the airport reply to the comment made under the above video there is no information about any provision for disabled passengers.
          I gather that there is no charge to drop off passengers at International Departures and as this is undercover it might be worth exploring the possibility of being picked up from there.
          Whilst it has never been necessary for me to use one, I believe that the use of trolley's at the International Terminal is free, but at the Domestic Terminal are chargeable, which begs the questions of whether they are going to charge for all trolleys now and who is going to collect the trolleys, which would be at least 120 metres away from the terminal!

          It seems to me that the Disney Organisation now owns Brisbane Airport and they've got Mickey Mouse and Goofy running the place.

        • Levathian on 13/03/2018 - 11:27

          @cockneylondoner: yeah they've stuffed around so much with the pickup/drop off arrangements at both BNE terminals i'm not sure anyone knows the 'official' procedures anymore…

        • cockneylondoner on 20/03/2018 - 08:01

          @Lad92:

          I think you're right because the driver working for Emirates who collected me at the airport the other day wasn't even aware that collection arrangements had changed.

    • ninetyNineCents on 11/03/2018 - 17:19
      +4

      Of course Australia is a hub, to the megapolises like Christchurch and Hobart.

      • cockneylondoner on 11/03/2018 - 20:50

        Very funny

      • papachris on 11/03/2018 - 21:45
        +1

        Hobart is part of Australia. Well it was last time I was there…

  • NeoBeum on 10/03/2018 - 22:01

    There

  • papachris on 10/03/2018 - 22:15
    +1

    Don't compare privately-owned Australian airports to the government owned giants of the communist & totalitarian worlds. China and Singapore have bottomless pits of money to pore into their entry/exit points to leave a lasting impression.

    Our problem was privatising the main airports in the first place, guaranteeing that money only gets spent to make a profit…

    • altomic on 11/03/2018 - 01:45
      -1

      only by privatising them did we make them more competitive!

      • papachris on 11/03/2018 - 21:20
        +3

        Competitive with what? Our international railway stations?

        The whole problem with privatisation is that it is only a good idea where there IS actually competition. GIO & Qantas - GOOD (well, sort of), telecommunications & transport networks (read "hardware") - BAD…

      • ninetyNineCents on 11/03/2018 - 22:34
        +1

        how can the only airport in town be competitive ?

      • wildstone on 12/03/2018 - 10:28
        +1

        @altomic
        As said, competitive to what? Unless there are two airports in the one city then privatizing can promote competition. If not, privatizing will only make it a monopoly. Think about it, no matter how crap that airport is, you would still fly and land there if you need to go to that city, so why would they want to improve the infrastructure if it is not making any money? If there are two airports and people get to choose which one to fly to, then they would invest and make the facility better.

        • altomic on 12/03/2018 - 10:35

          well, dur.

    • billy12345 on 02/05/2018 - 09:53

      I will never understand Australian Gov.. at least in Sydney no proper roads even toll roads with 2 lines trust me when you travel to other countries roads with 6 lines are free and plenty of options of highway to go just one direction. trains are suck over all transport is bad. Aus Gov loves contractors companies they just want them to do everything and then take money from public. I get so pissed bcoz all our money goes to us some local Aussies they don't want to work. apart from that where does the Gov spend tax money ?

  • DingoBilly on 10/03/2018 - 22:59
    +9

    You're a moron if you think Australian airports are bad.

    Having recently been to the Middle East and had some absolutely horrific experiences, I am extremely thankful for what we have. We don't have to deal with:
    - Customers getting angry at airlines - and so they openly yell at them/freak out with no repurcussions for them
    - Armed guards walking around with machine guns
    - Places not accepting the local currency of the country because it's pretty trash so no-one wants it. So you can't actually buy food with the country's own local currency
    - Such bad security protocols you end up walking in circles around certain places (i.e., you have no stamp in passport, have to go to this area. This area has no staff, come to this area. Someone threw up in this area, let's go somewhere else).

    The places here are a dream in comparison, you need to pull your head out of your arse.

    • KaTst3R on 10/03/2018 - 23:25

      Obviously OP hasnt been to many countries. Australia airports are not great, but I wont consider them absolutely horrible. At least there is food (Hungry Jacks), some airports I have been to doesnt even have food!

      • neonlight on 10/03/2018 - 23:59

        I was in Hawaii and their airport is obviously very dated. Can't be compared really. But I guess OP is comparing to other major Asia countries. I do think though we should have better airports, for international cities

        • KaTst3R on 11/03/2018 - 00:31
          +2

          2 major differences compared to other airports

          1) Most major asian airport is controlled by the government or a state owned entity. Our major airports are private or PPP. They are running it like a private company, minimise expenses and maximising margins. Changi airport blows cash even on things like a butterfly garden. It is totally unnecessary but the SG government is cash rich. However, they only need to spend on and worry about 4 terminals, Australia has so many airports to consider.

          2) We just dont have that sort of volume of traffic (passenger and cargo) to even compare to HK, SG, Shanghai or even Toyko. It makes any sort of upgrade harder to justify.

        • neonlight on 11/03/2018 - 09:17

          Point 1 taken.

          However point 2, if you want tourists to have a good lasting impression money has to be spent. If you don't build anything that will never be enough traffic for anyone to return.

        • BudgetAce on 11/03/2018 - 13:10

          @KaTst3R:

          Point 1 is correct. AU airports are privately owned and as such. The focus is on squeezing the max amount of profit with the least or even no amount of investment. If investment is needed the private firms start asking the govt for handouts so their own profits are not affected. Even though Asian airports are govt owned. They are still profitable despite the lavish setup as the model is earning revenue through commercial rental to global retail food, shopping and hotel chains. AU private firms aren't keen to invest in the same setup as they are more short-sighted and believe they should not have to put out that type of investment unless the govt chips in instead. There is too much of a taxpayer handout mentality even for AU firms.

          Point 2 - There is still significant volume for AU airport if we include domestic travellers. Dun forget, SG and HK only has international for volume. But they make up increase numbers as the airports are like giant Westfields. As such tons of local visit for food and shopping and even students to study. If AU airports has that ability to attract locals to spend time there that's another large revenue stream.

          Point 3 - if we look slightly further to train stations in SG, HK and Japan. They build giant malls at the train station together with thousands of multi-storey parking. And train operators generate revenue with large retail stores and food chains renting the commercial space. Which in terms generate good profit for rail operators and helps offset commuter train fare. Now which AU train station is actually making profit renting out commercial space ?

        • KaTst3R on 11/03/2018 - 13:49

          @tanfree:

          Point 2 is valid and I also agree. However do not forget, international check in opens 3 hours prior and people usually check in 2 hours prior. Domestic check in is 1 hour prior. That means international travelers have much more free time spent in the airport which translate to longer shopping time and revenue. From my own experience travelling domestically, I barely even have much free time to sit down and have a good breakfast let alone shopping. I wouldnt go to the domestic airport early just to do shopping. It just doesnt make any logical sense.

          Point 3. Nothing related to airport though, off topic. But SG, HK, JPN are extremely high density cities. It makes sense for them to do that. And you will have to agree that Asian town planning is impeccable. Asians build a shopping centre on top of a train station. We build a train station first, then retail around the station and a Westfield 100m down the road. It is up to the government in this case to keep fares affordable for everyone which im pretty sure that is what the singapore government is doing.

        • BudgetAce on 11/03/2018 - 16:52

          @KaTst3R:

          Point 2 - Yes and I agree. Whenever I go to AU airports, I arrive with just enough time to get through check-in and customs. As there is nothing there to attract me to arrive any earlier. There are no interesting retail stores, food choices are pathetic and where is the relaxation corner for me to re-charge my phone or laptop and have a shower. Now if there are great food and retail, etc at the AU airports, not only will it attract travellers to arrive earlier to enjoy the retail and facilities…. even locals will hang out and spend money there.

          Obviously no chance for Sydney Kingford Smith given Macquarie has made it ridiculously expensive to drive or even take a train to spend money there. Another example why privatisation is a failure on national services.

          Point 3 - Agreed off-topic. Also agreed Asian town planning is impeccable, maybe we should hire some of their planners as consultants :)
          Singapore has what 5million and HK abt 7million… surely Sydney and Melb have similar numbers and with the large influx of continued immigration (see sky high property prices) - again off topic….
          Anyway. What I'm trying to say for both point 2 and point 3. Is that with this increase revenue stream. They can help offset airport tax and in the case of train stations, train fare. In return, attracts more visitors (cheaper airfare and tickets). It's a self sustaining eco-system. Rather than constantly hearing the Transport union going we need more pay… airlines complaining that airports tax are too high… and everyone looking to the Govt for a handout which comes from Taxpayers.

        • Donaldhump on 11/03/2018 - 20:37

          @tanfree: point 3.

          Airport traffic isn't attributed to population of city alone, geographic location is the key. Why else would Atlanta be busier than JFK, except for the fact it is in the centre of the USA pretty much.

          Singapore and Syd have similar pops but diff pax because Singapore is a transit airport due to location. I'd say more than 50 percent of singapores pax transit and pay no airport tax, and conversely spend up to 12 hours bored stupid in the airport with nothing better to do but spend money. Likewise hk, bkk, and nrt.

          Non transitting pax bail the second they land

          Singapore has dbl the pax

          The only people transitting Syd etc are people going to lax, sfo etc from bne, ool, cns etc or qatar airways from bne, ool etc. and the rare flights of people from nz to South Africa. I'd say Syd transitting pax less than 10 percent. They make their money from tax, and parking.

        • BudgetAce on 11/03/2018 - 21:45

          @unclesnake:

          Agreed that in terms of international transit passengers, AU airports doesn't have the volume. That is also why I'm highlighting the need to think outside the box. If we look at the airports, transit passengers generally spend time in the transit area. However, the number of food choices reduce significantly once you are past customs and in the transit area. This is the same in SG and HK. The few good food choices once you are in the transit area are usually the major airline lounge.

          SG and HK also capitalise on the fact that their airport sits conveniently on a train station. As such they build on major retail and food stores to attract locals to visit, shop and dine. Families visit for dinner or over the weekend. Thus generating another significant revenue stream which allows the airports to constantly upgrade and build themselves bigger and nicer.

          Now if we look at Sydney Airport. The Macquarie tax for people just to get off at the train station is $15. Plus there is no investment for attractive retail nor food choices. No wonder other than the times when flights are landing or taking off… the place is empty.

        • Donaldhump on 11/03/2018 - 21:55

          @tanfree:

          I assume sydney airport built the railway line then. End of the day

          Sydney airport has no competitor, you either park there or get train. either way you have the pay $$$.

          Out of curiosity can you get off mascot and walk? or uber from there.

          Brisbane airport rail is even more expensive than Sydney. it is all scam

        • Mg on 12/03/2018 - 20:44

          @tanfree: Macquarie hasn't owned Syd Airport for 5yrs

        • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 21:06

          @KaTst3R:

          However, they only need to spend on and worry about 4 terminals, Australia has so many airports to consider.

          Don't we have bigger economy too though?

        • KaTst3R on 12/03/2018 - 21:13

          @virhlpool:

          Not on a GPD per capita basis.

        • BudgetAce on 13/03/2018 - 12:44

          @Mg:

          I see. So who is applying the $15 train station tax just for getting off at the airport station now ?

        • Mg on 13/03/2018 - 14:58

          @tanfree:
          the government - always has been:
          https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/state-collects-87-millio…

        • BudgetAce on 13/03/2018 - 16:18

          @Mg:

          You and I must be reading things different. In your article it is clear that the airport train stations are owned and operated by the private company Airport Link Company.

          The agreement was signed between the NSW state government and Airport Link Company who will build and manage the 4 train stations Green Square, Mascot, Domestic and International Stations. Stations were opened in May 2000. And will continue to be owned by the Airport Link Company until 2030.

          The original part of the deal was that there will be a surcharge levied on all 4 stations for Airport Link Company to recover their investment. However in March 2011, a revised deal saw the State Govt having to pay Airport Link Company the surcharge for people travelling to Mascot and Green Square station such that users will no longer have to pay the surcharge at these 2 stations.

          That compensation deal was revised in 2014 with 85% of the surcharge at Domestic and International airport going to the State Govt instead of Airport Link Company. Which the State Govt uses to offset the compensation it pays to Airport Link Company for the users at Mascot and Green Square.

          Quotes from your article:
          "the state having to "compensate" Airport Link Company for passengers using Green Square and Mascot stations. That compensation was estimated at $22 million in 2016."

          "removing or reducing the station access fee would cost the state government hundreds of millions of dollars and would be subject to negotiations with the Airport Link Company."

          "Under the public-private partnership, Airport Link Company's rights to operate the four stations on the line ends in 2030, when their ownership will revert to the state."

          If we look at Wiki - it says the Airport Link Company is a private company now owned by Westpac. So I was wrong, the train stations are owned by Westpac. But the Airport was owned by Macquarie who has since divested in 2013.
          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_Link_Company
          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Airport_Holdings

        • Mg on 13/03/2018 - 17:03

          @tanfree:
          Absolutely - the stations are owned privately by Airport Link Company. No argument or disagreement there. I was only referring to your initial question around the ~$15 tax portion which goes to the state government as per this quote from the article:

          "The latest accounts filed with the corporate regulator for the private operator of the four stations on the nine-kilometre Airport Line tunnel show it paid the government almost $87 million in a "train service fee" in the year to June, a 26 per cent rise on the same period a year earlier."

          Given the article was published in Jan 2018, this means that for 2016 and 2017 Financial Years the airport money has been going to the state government - 87m in FY17 and 69m (26% less) in FY16. What the government then gives back for Mascot and Green Square is separate.

        • BudgetAce on 13/03/2018 - 17:23
          +1

          @Mg:

          Got it. Thanks

          In short, our Government needs to stop doing bad deals with private entities on public services.

      • greatlamp on 11/03/2018 - 15:05
        +5

        I don't understand what is particularly wrong with Hungry Jacks. At least you can eat for less than $20

        • KaTst3R on 11/03/2018 - 16:39
          +3

          OP wants caviar and champagne at the airport.

        • BudgetAce on 11/03/2018 - 19:28
          +2

          Hungry Jack's coupons cannot be used at the airport outlets… That's bad for us ozbargainers :(

        • Donaldhump on 11/03/2018 - 20:43

          @tanfree: the airport hungry jacks are not part of the franchise afaik

    • lainey13 on 14/03/2018 - 01:03

      Ah yes, Middle Eastern airports. Where the local pax stare at your legs if you dare wear a skirt that doesn't cover your face.

  • kaleidoscope on 11/03/2018 - 00:17
    +2

    I think you confuse them airports to hotel

  • CharityCase on 11/03/2018 - 01:17
    +3

    I work at Sydney international airport and I approve this

  • DiscoJango on 11/03/2018 - 09:21
    +1

    might be that asian airports have been built recently, so they could plan accordingly. in australia, like everything else, our infrastructure is from around 40 years ago and cannot cope. the best we can do is apply bandaid patches. i hate going to melbourne international. however with the recent t4 it has made things "easier" in terms of parking mainly. internally, they look as drab as a run down hospital.

  • Sensiekatie on 11/03/2018 - 10:22

    Having travelled Aust/NZ a lot before I had my wheelchair, I found processing frustrating. In NZ, there were lads of seats in baggage, customs etc where I could sit to rest. Australia - not a one. There was no special assistance for a person unable to stand for long periods either - until i got a wheelchair. Then I could get whatever help I wanted.

    • lainey13 on 11/03/2018 - 15:10
      +1

      Honestly I found the way MEL treated disabled users was atrocious. They made a bunch of them get up and sit in a trolley car, then make them get up again to immigration then abandoned them in customs/luggage. In other airports my partner was specially wheeled whenever he needed, and I could accompany them. Once the cart left with my partner in MEL I had to struggle on my own with our hand luggage until baggage… where we both then had to struggle on our own. Crap service.

      • Sensiekatie on 28/03/2018 - 10:42

        Yes, we have had similar issues.

  • Welcometosydney on 11/03/2018 - 12:51
    +2

    Please do not compare Sydney or Melbourne airport to Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hongkong. We are a million steps behind them. Get used to it. This is Australia. Service is become an extinction.

  • Brendoo on 11/03/2018 - 15:42
    +1

    Huh? Sydney airport has a ton of food options and great food courts, shopping malls, never had a problem with seating. I do go there early and relax and sit in a restaurant or cafe or food court for something to eat and drink, browse the shops for a couple of gifts, browse the news agents for a magazine or two or a book for the flight, stroll to the gate in time for my flight. It's a perfectly fine experience. And I'm talking about both domestic terminals and international.

    I've been to many airports around the world that are nowhere near as good - and this is in first world countries. Sydney airport terminals are fine and also much faster for passport control and security than most places around the world that I have been to.

    The only slightly annoying thing at Sydney airport is paying for a luggage trolley. But it's rare to have to pay as they are always laying around everywhere abandoned and you just grab one of those. Many other airports around the world (like in Europe) also charge for the trolleys, but many other airports don't charge.
    And can also be annoying during extreme peak time if flying economy and the checkin lines are long. I always come early and the lines for my flight are never long, not even in peak. Then use that extra time enjoying the facilities in the airport. It's very relaxing before the flight.

    • Brianqpr on 12/03/2018 - 09:18

      Sure there are worse airports than Sydney but it isn't great and is a bit tired and dated. It also doesn't cope well in busy periods.

      I'll give credit that it has improved a bit over the last few years and my most recent experience a couple of months back was quite good.

      There was a time though around 3 to 5 years ago where staff were unbelievably rude in the departure/arrival areas and the whole place felt extremely unwelcoming. It seemed like the Border Security TV show had gone to their heads.

      I saw one guy shout in the face (from like 6 inches away) of an Asian lady who had wandered into the departure passport check area by mistake, threatening to fine her. A few minutes later a younger white guy did the same thing and was politely asked to exit the area. I sent them a complaint about that incident.

      That's just one example but I've seen several incidents of rudeness from airport staff that were pretty embarrassing to witness. Fortunately in the last couple of years this seems to have improved.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/03/2018 - 17:30
    +1

    I've travelled a lot and Australian airports are not that bad.

  • Pinchy on 11/03/2018 - 18:12

    I’ve been to all the major airports in Australia and they are basically all the same. Although Adelaide have free trolleys! :)

    And no one wants to sit around on the other side of security? They just wanna get through to the seats at the food court or the gate.

  • Tr0jan on 11/03/2018 - 18:43

    Australian airports are way better than the majority of other countries, excluding the Asian and Middle Eastern transit hubs. I'm guessing that OP hasn't traveled much? Try LAX or JFK if you want a horrendous airport experience…

    • ninetyNineCents on 11/03/2018 - 22:36
      -2

      yeh all those poor asians working in the ME airports really appreciate having their passports stolen and working for basically nothing.

    • Brianqpr on 12/03/2018 - 09:11
      +1

      US airports are generally poor in my experience, in particular the two you have mentioned. I was shocked at how poor JFK was.

      • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 22:49

        Poor in what sense?

        • Brianqpr on 13/03/2018 - 09:40

          Cramped, few facilities etc. This was some years ago and it may have improved but I recall being very disappointed with what is one of the most well known airports in the world

    • zooter on 12/03/2018 - 09:15

      I just came back from LAX and didn't find anything bad. In fact, nice comfortable seats with plug points, plenty of food and drink options as well…better than Australian airports for sure

      • cockneylondoner on 13/03/2018 - 01:38

        Ah, LAX, place 86 on the 2017 list of Skytrax Best Airports - was place 91 in the 2016 listing so clearly, something has gone wrong. I remember the airport well, but not fondly.

        So you weren't affronted by the people being Arrogant, Condescending and wanting to start a war with you or that as they wore some form of uniform they feel obliged to shout at you!
        Most people are, so you must have a very flexible approach to life.

        But on the plus side, I found HNL (where I chastised for having the wrong lock on my luggage !!), SFO and JFK only marginally better, apart from them being unable to transfer my luggage in time, that is.

    • ldt on 13/03/2018 - 14:50

      Yes exactly! Australian airports are fine when compared to some. LAX is horrific, all the NYC ones are awful.
      The Asian ones are only so good because they're transit airports and people spend a lot of time there, and the governments invest in them to make sure people pick theirs as the transit choice.

      • cockneylondoner on 16/03/2018 - 07:48

        I had the 'pleasure' or should that be misfortune of transiting DXB the other day and was appalled by the facilities there or perhaps I was in the wrong part of the airport!

        • ldt on 16/03/2018 - 11:19

          I've never been to Dubai, but I went to Abu Dhabi a few years back and it was pretty good. Sleep pods, a hotel, further hotels just outside the airport, showering facilities, shops, plenty to do, seats etc.

        • cockneylondoner on 20/03/2018 - 08:10

          @leethompson:

          It has been a few years since I've been through Abu Dhabi with Etihad but my experience was different from yours as I found the airport generally to be rubbish apart from the Lounge which was suppurb. But airports can change over time

  • systema on 11/03/2018 - 23:06
    +1

    None of the Australian airports are major international hub in the hub and spoke model, that's why.

    The infrastructure that you see at Singapore, Hong Kong, Doha, Heathrow, etc is there because these are international hub airports. If you look at other airports or even regional hubs in those regions, you will notice that the infrastructure around them would not be that much different from what you see in Australia.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2018 - 01:24

      true.

  • Kamsi on 11/03/2018 - 23:30

    Sydney Airport need a renov.. compares to the Asians counterpart it is one of the worst airport.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/03/2018 - 01:25
      +1

      you are comparing 1.5 billion people movements with … australia's 100 million ?

      • virhlpool on 12/03/2018 - 22:51
        -2

        What has movement of number of people to do with the quality of airport? We aren't comparing size - we are comparing quality.

        • ldt on 13/03/2018 - 14:51

          More people = more money = more investment.

    • KaTst3R on 12/03/2018 - 01:35

      What do you propose that needs to be done?

  • cockneylondoner on 12/03/2018 - 02:50
    +2

    In case anyone is interested in statistics the following list has been taken from the 2017 top 100 world airports as published by Skytrax. The figures in brackets () are the 2016 rating

    Brisbane 16 (17)
    Sydney 23 (23)
    Melbourne 30 (25)
    Gold Coast 50 (55)
    Perth 71 (73)
    Adelaide (73) (69)

    http://www.worldairportawards.com/awards/world_airport_ratin…

    • wildstone on 12/03/2018 - 10:52

      Didn't know Brisbane ranked the highest in AU, have always thought it would have been Melbourne or Sydney.

      • cockneylondoner on 12/03/2018 - 19:18

        We live and learn but I'm with you on this given Brisbane's crap infrastructure.

        What surprised me was how high up the list London Heathrow was. I would say that its public transport links are fabulous in comparison to some airports that I've been to and the shops and eatery's 'airside' are very good, if expensive, but to me the quicker I can get in/out of the place the happier I am.

        • zfind on 13/03/2018 - 12:38

          LHR always sticks out in my mind as one of the dreariest, dark, unappealing airports I’ve been too. It’s just unbelievable that a major hub can be so… shit!

  • Brianqpr on 12/03/2018 - 09:08

    Sydney has improved a bit over the last few years but is still poor by international standards. Parking is an absolute rort but at least it seems slightly less staffed by ugly nazis auditioning for Border Security than it was a few years ago. Possibly some long overdue training on how to deal with people has happened.

  • gimme on 12/03/2018 - 09:43

    Melbourne airport is shit. That is all.

  • tevtin on 12/03/2018 - 10:14
    +5

    If you look at the Melbourne infrastructure in general, its no surprise why our airport stinks. Saddens me to say this but the majority of Australians just aren't forward thinkers (especially the ones in Government). Some posts above mentioned Japan and Singapore, the biggest cultural difference between us and Japan/Singapore is that they never settle for anything sub-standard. They are always working to improve and push the boundaries and in result their country has advanced 50-60 years ahead of Australia.

  • EagleKent on 12/03/2018 - 11:07

    If you have a couple of hours to kill why not book in to one of the lounges (Amex, Qantas, etc)? Cost you a little bit of money but well worth it. Qantas international lounge even have massage chairs. Sit back, have some wine, and relax. You might even bump in to some celebrities (saw Arnold and Sydney FC there once).
    My only gripe is they need to fix the road in/out of the airports. Total nightmare going by car (a necessity when you have lots of luggage and/or people).

    • zfind on 13/03/2018 - 12:39

      I don’t think it’s possible to buy entry to QANTAS lounges anymore.

  • MrBillions on 12/03/2018 - 12:21
    +3

    Agreed. Sydney and Melbourne are a joke.

    Melbourne too small. Sydney still need to catch the bus from one temrinal to the other. Waste of time.

    In melbourne the security guard even weighs your hand carry instead of being a security guard.

    And don't get me started on the parking rip off…

  • pformag on 12/03/2018 - 12:34

    End Point airports, such as the ones in Australia are not built for you to stay longer than 2-3 hours. The outage at Sydney, cost the Airlines more than you could imagine.

    • BudgetAce on 12/03/2018 - 13:59

      Outages are usually a sign of lack of investment in maintenance as well as live backup equipment to swing across to in the event of an outage.

      This is usually true when services are privatised and the private companies focus are on max profit with minimal operating cost outlay. Hence, cut down on spend for backup equipment and equipment which are old are also delayed for renewal as long as possible.

      Thus privatising National and International assets / services are bad ideas…

  • damooo on 12/03/2018 - 14:04

    The designs of airports here in Australia are a joke.

    Look at Brisbane, it's the worst. Domestic and International are seperate locations, and over a 1km away from each other so you can't even walk from one to another.

    Domestic is all one level for entry and exit, should be upper and lower to make better flow of traffic. When they changed the location for the drop off in domestic, that also screwed it all up. Drop off should be right at the building, now away from it. It went from both sides for drop off to just one.

    They've never looked at planning for future proofing, just a quick band aid fix.

    • Blottski on 12/03/2018 - 18:13

      Adelaide Airport is good in this aspect.

    • Welcometosydney on 12/03/2018 - 22:05

      Whoever built the airport in major city in Australia were half asleep or drunk.

    • zfind on 13/03/2018 - 12:42

      Same in Perth and it’s a joke. Anyone entering Australia via Perth then heading onward to the eastern states (I’d guess the majority of arrivals) has to transfer on a BUS. I know it’s no simple feat to convert to a single terminal but man they have let us down by not doing it. Tourist must think we are so backward. And it’s the same in Sydney, our tourism capital. Ridiculous, short-sighted Australian mentality.

  • youknow on 12/03/2018 - 17:38

    I'm guessing you have not traveled much to south america, Africa or them middle east? In fact, I'd say most of Australia's major airports would be in the top 20% of airports worldwide. I guess it depends on what you consider important though.

    • zfind on 13/03/2018 - 12:43

      Not one country in Africa or South America is as affluent as Australia, they all have an excuse.

      • youknow on 13/03/2018 - 23:10

        Oh. I totally get that, but once you've experienced a truly sh*t airport or two, you'd realise any one talking about the "drab walls" is being a whiny first-world whinger.

  • Blottski on 12/03/2018 - 18:10

    yeah, not sure I get this beef the OP has.

    I got to their to catch a plane. Not for a pleasurable day out. I've been through Changi Airport so many times it's not funny. It's still an Airport at the end of the day and the pricing is shit anyway so I don't bother attempting to shop there (nor can I be bothered carry more shit on a plane than I need to).

    I absolutely detest long stop overs. I want to get from point A to B in the shortest time possible.

    About the lack of public seating except at gates. I see this as a plus. I was travelling through Heathrow around the London Bridge bombing last year. I deliberately sat at empty gates waiting for my flight fearing an attack in the many crowded areas/food courts….

  • Hahuh on 12/03/2018 - 18:40

    They really need to buldoze that airport and start again. The parking prices also need to be slashed by a minimum of 50%

    Im talking about Melbourne Airport btw

    • netsurfer on 12/03/2018 - 20:39

      Parking fee keeps on increasing and most of the reasonable spots are now reserved. So, you have to pay more and often ended up parking at inferior locations. They constantly renovate the car park and block off / reduce paths so if you made a mistake, you could easily end up in an area where you don't actually want to be at. It is beginning to look like a maze, rather than a well designed car park like it used to be.

      I once saw a person in front of me paying $120+ for parking.

      It is all about making money for Australia Pacific Airports Corporation.

  • R-Man on 12/03/2018 - 19:10

    It can happen everywhere unfortunately

    In September 2016 I waited 3 hours in passport queue arriving at Heathrow London

    http://www.itv.com/news/2016-09-06/chaos-as-british-airways-…

  • rollypollym on 12/03/2018 - 19:52
    +1

    Yep. I travelled through Asianlast year and thought the experience arriving in Australia was the most stressful and disorganised experience of the whole trip

  • netsurfer on 12/03/2018 - 20:30

    After the privatisation of our airports, they are now all about making $$$. Melbourne international departure, no free trolley for you (wasn't like this before the privatisation) - so what exactly do you get for paying the $60 departure tax?

    Short term parking, prices keeps on increasing, yet most of the decent spots are now reserved. So, you have to pay way more, and you have to park further away.

  • rgr on 12/03/2018 - 21:20

    as soon as a train link gets built, those parking spots and the skybus are gonna drop in prices. sad thing is a train link won't happen til maybe 2040

    • netsurfer on 13/03/2018 - 00:20
      +1

      Drop in prices… doubtful. Sydney has train link to the domestic and international airports. Parking there is still pricey.

    • BudgetAce on 13/03/2018 - 16:24

      Someone has to pay for building the train station and train links… and some smart person will decide they want $100 back for every $1 they have invested and slug everyone using the trains for the next 30 years when they already broke even and made profits in 5 years of operation….

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