Bristol Airport Passenger Reviews and Bristol Airport Customer opinions

Normally okish but yesterday was a shambles at security, 40 mins to get through, people in danger of missing flights etc. Problem seemed to be a scanner out of order but the staff did nothing to reorganise the queues or inform passengers, just left the affected very long queue standing there in ignorance. And when it was pointed out to staff that people were in danger of missing flights, the response was a shrug and "well you should have got here earlier then". Dreadful customer service and attitude. Also parking charges are a rip off, short term is £ £3.50 up to an hour or £6.50 if you stay 1-2 hours, easily done when meeting someone. Or £1 just to drive through.

It's a disgrace to charge for dropping off - often, you're not even going to be there long enough to switch the engine off. Rightly or wrongly, I pulled up to drop my sister off just before the drop off zone - no double yellow lines, no signs to say you couldn't pull over there, and I wasn't causing any obstruction. Having dropped her off, I thought I'd take the opportunity to remove my coat before continuing on my way. Suddenly there's a loud rapping on my window and an official shouting at me 'Move'. Surprised by his aggression, I said I was about to leave. His reply: 'Move, now'. Most unpleasant. The police don't speak to people like that, and neither should jobsworth airport officials.

I have noted other negative comments about this airport and agree, my review is about the manner we were screened during the security process. We are both older people, my wife having undergone a knee replacement needing the continual use of a walking stick. My wife went through the scanner and as usual it reacted. I can describe it no less than they pounced on her demanding that she go through a thorough security check, she was treated without due concern for her condition, and kept standing unaided for more than 20 minutes - her requests for the return of her walking stick were refused continually being told this was 'Procedure'. I went through and I had forgotten a small magnetic glasses holder in my waistcoat pocket and the scanner reacted to that. My belongings were searched, I became extremely unhappy at the way he was conducting himself. We were treated from the start as though we had done something criminal, that we were guilty of something. We both totally understand the need for security, we would be foolish to suggest otherwise, it was how the staff applied the security measures that is at fault. We have passed through innumerable airports in our lifetime never have we been subjected to such 'jobsworth' attitudes and a lack of respect and empathy shown towards older people. I doubt we will ever fly via Bristol again.

Bristol Airport has been a wonderful friendly, easy to use and cheap airport. Why on earth has the practice been introduced of charging £2 for the use of a trolley? Especially as the drop-and-go car park has been re- sited so far from the terminal building that anyone being dropped by car with, for example, children and luggage, not an unusual set of circumstances, will need two trolleys. Bear in mind that for some travellers, a private car remains the only way they can get to the airport economically.

No free passenger drop-off area. Cost me £1 for less than one minutes parking, didn't even switch off the engine. Passenger pick-up was worse. By my watch I was still inside the 20 minute window but was charged £3 at the barrier. That's £3 for 20 minutes parking! No free luggage trolleys. This airport fleeces the traveller at every opportunity. Returning to Bristol from foreign airports which are efficiently run and who try to provide a service to their customers is embarrassing.

Departed mid morning on a weekday and returned Sunday afternoon, both painless with nothing really to criticise, all systems functioned quickly and efficiently. As a regular user, it is clear that the number of flights from Bristol this winter is down on previous years and the summer months and while I am sure the airport's management are concerned, it has benefits for passengers - queues are short and facilities adequate. There is still the long trek to/from the western departure gates, but on this occasion I was lucky our aircraft was close to the terminal.

Flying from Bristol to Tenerife we had a late morning flight, check in was a bit busy but got through quickly, check in desk staff were friendly and security staff were also very nice, duty free was busy but had good facilities (needs to be extended.) A long walk to gate and was very busy but flight staff were polite. I will look forward to flying from Bristol soon.

Bristol is my local airport and I like it very much. If you want a good long walk, ridiculous waits and rude staff try Paris or Geneva. If you want lack of seats, basic amenities and rude staff try Spain, Barbados or Acapulco. Bristol is a lovely airport with little wrong with it. I make a point of travelling Easyjet when I can.

One pound charge for drop off is unacceptable. Non-refundable two pound charge for use of a trolley is theft. Lack of seating and restricted room when removing and donning items of clothing is unacceptable. There must be some way that consumers can fight back against this treatment that we, as customers remember have to endure. Maybe we need more airports to create real competition.

Travelled to airport using public transport for midweek morning flight. Arrived at terminal 7:30 am. There were no hold ups on the road. I used online check-in so went straight to security. Absolutely no queues at security. Returned on Friday evening, only one person in front of me at passport control, all scanners and manual checking stations were open and working. Using only hand baggage, no further delays, and used taxi to get home. All in all, both ends of the trip couldn't have been better.

I travelled to the airport by train/bus. Everything was on time and the bus dropped me off directly outside the terminal entrance. Travelling on early after noon flight there were very short queues at security, the security staff were positively friendly and helpful and guided me to the shortest x-ray line. Bristol compares very favourably, and in many cases has far more facilities, with many of the other regional airports I've visited in other European countries. I downgraded the faculties based on seating arrangements which are not ideal (sat in corridors effectively), but again, these compare favourably with other regional airports. I have an early morning flight in 2 weeks.. It will be interesting to compare experiences.

Once again, I subjected myself to the most charmless security staff on the planet. I have used this airport on numerous occasions and the staff are dreadful - rude, non communicative and surly. I was summoned by the beckoning finger for frisking and the lady who performed the operation said not one word and had a surly face. She took my shoes and after frisking I had no idea where they had gone. Despite loudly asking my husband where they were no one offered one iota or help or advice. Luckily my husband had seen them reappear. I claimed them and we beat a hasty retreat. If anyone from Bristol Airport reads this I would suggest you invest in some customer relations training for your staff as must of them seem to have had a charisma bypass. I will not use this airport again unless there is no other option.

I found this to be a pretty ok airport all around. It felt open, clean and accessible as a place to be utilised. I used it last year when travelling to Glastonbury. The process from start to finish was all matter of fact and done with flowing efficiency. When we spent most time there (returning home) it was a quiet time on a Sunday evening, so I'm not sure how they cope during busier times. Almost too much so, at times we were wafted through without the usual glare of strict attention that you get when travelling through airport security. Airside there is a good range of shops and places to eat, that despite the quietness of the airport were all open and offering their full range of services. So overall a good experience, the relaxed atmosphere which as I say may have been specific to the time of our visit, was great, but could appear to cross into indifference or apathy if not careful.

This is a functional airport, but such poor service leaves a very sour taste. £2 for a trolley, who needs them, families and the elderly, precisely who can't afford them. No longer allowed to check bag weight at the check- in, now required to pay £1 per bag to check its weight. £1 for clear plastic bags, they do not like you to use your own. £1 minimum charge to drop off or pick up, although they have been so generous, they have a 10 minute free car park, but where is this mysterious car-park? It's a 10 minute walk from the terminal! I've written a letter of complaint about the parking charges only to be told other airports are doing it so that's ok! Why can they not give 20 minutes free and charge after? So many more people are just dropping off on the road outside and blocking the flow of traffic which I would now heartily recommend.

Travelled to France with elderly friend who had reduced mobility. We booked special assistance and it was indeed special, kind, efficient and well organised service. So different from my last experience at this airport with my grandson.

Last year I travelled from Bristol airport with my 5 year old grandson. Unknown to me he had added a pair of flimsy toy handcuffs - his latest and favorite toy. The woman in charge of the security x-ray machine opened his hand luggage and promptly took the handcuffs. My grandson burst into tears and was inconsolable. She gave him no explanation, no apology for taking his toy, showed no compassion and continued with her job, much to the distress of other security staff and passengers. I complained to the airport authority, who apologised but did not replace the toy.

So once again, my annual trip to visit my family. I arrived from Prague at about 23.30 and we were bussed to the arrivals area. I was quite amazed as the machines were working and I was able to clear customs in a few minutes. My sister picked me up – she still had to pay a pound for driving into the pick up / drop off area where I jumped into the car and we were away in two minutes. Return trip was not as enjoyable. I had bought some small items for my car and let the check in guy know that I wanted to go to the separate scanner just in case there were any problems. He misunderstood my English and proceeded to put a red “firearms” tag on my suitcase. I explained to the officer and once again he had real difficulty understanding me. So now the rush to the loading gate, a complete nightmare, I am not “disabled” but have great difficulty walking any more than 100 metres without being able to sit down and have a rest for a minute. The sign telling me that I had only 300+ metres to go didn't help at all, and by the time I reached the top of those steep stairs down to the loading gate I was in agony. Until they do something about this, I will down mark this airport.

A regular user of this airport flying to Dublin and Edinburgh to visit family with our 1 year old Son. Can only echo what other have said re: Drop off parking charges, trolley charges, Long term parking prices and poor gate facilities. My partner has travelled alone with our son and she has arrived many times juggling a baby, a buggy, a suitcase and cabin baggage, only to find she has to pay £2 for a trolley to get the 20 yards or so to where I am waiting and can carry bags. This non refundable fee is taking full advantage of elderly, less able passengers especially those travelling with children and especially pregnant women travelling alone. It is cynical profiteering to prey on these people who have no choice but to use a trolley.

I am a frequent user of Bristol airport and some things have improved and some worsened over the past year. Car hire is a nightmare with the reception being a long walk without cover from the terminal and the car return is now about 100 yards from reception. I queried this with Hertz and they apologised saying it was an airport authority ruling about which they were not happy. Security is now vastly improved with friendly staff and more machines with an impression of thoroughness (they always query and thoroughly check my medical equipment). This last time I used the Executive Lounge and although the snacks are minimal there is a reasonable selection of alcoholic, non-alcoholic, hot and cold drinks. A receptionist who, noticing that I was limping, escorted me the quickest way to the boarding gate, took me to the head of the queue and notified Ryanair staff of my problem. They also were very considerate and allowed me to sit in one of the 'keep empty' rows so I could put my leg up en route.

The entire thing is a farce from start to finish, firstly the parking charges for a short stay. Security is a total joke. Travelling with 2 small children I had to scan the boarding passes for each person separately and walk through separately waiting each time for the gate to close and scan the next pass, with 3 bags of hand luggage and 2 kids it would have been nice for the staff member who simply stared blankly at the obvious drama unfolding. Once at security they only had one scanning machine running and wanted me to walk through leaving my items in the belt to go through, anyone should understand this is totally unacceptable as leaving my now unscanned mobile phone, wallet, keys, laptop, bag next to unknown people who could tamper with them. Once my bag went through they pulled everything out of it and swabbed it all with some sort of device and never explained what was going on, just asked me to open each compartment of the bag. Delayed me by 30 minutes, no apology or explanation. Will never use this airport again, just isn't worth the hassle.

About 8 miles outside Bristol, only accessible via a network of A roads and country lanes. No motorway access or train station and only a very poor (and expensive) bus from the centre of Bristol. Add to that expensive parking with an unreliable shuttle bus and you have the perfect recipe for a stressful journey just getting to the airport. Unfortunately the stress does not stop when you arrive: The terminal building is poorly designed with lots of narrow and steep steps to negotiate for elderly and disabled people or (like us) families with young children. Customs queues (on arrival) are always very long and slow and over-fastidious (Why do you need to give everyone the 3rd degree for an internal EU flight). You have to pay £2 for a baggage trolley (not refunded). I've flown many times from this airport and not once have I been even remotely satisfied with any aspect of the experience. As a Bristolian, and after having extensive experience of other European airports, both large and small, I am ashamed that this airport is the first experience of the UK and Bristol that many foreign visitors have to endure. It is high time the airport operator and the local authority got their act together, updated the terminal, built a dedicated motorway junction on the M5, and maybe even a dedicated rail link while they're at it. Bristol is a major UK city and it deserves better.

An early morning departure was not as bad as I had feared; security queues were short and staff helpful - ten minutes from parking my car to sitting in the departure lounge. Seating was adequate when I arrived, but not about 15 minutes later. Arriving late afternoon was very easy with no queues at immigration. I recognise some of the complaints from others are valid, I heard several people complaining about the £2 charge to use a baggage trolley and sympathise (fortunately I had hand luggage only). Yes you do have to go through the 'Duty Free' shop after security (as in many other airports), but you do not have to stop - I never do. As a regular user I feel that Bristol is slowly improving (as it needed to).

The great thing about Bristol airport? It's local, saving a long trip. Also the range of destinations isn't bad. But parking is expensive, security queues are often so bad people are forced to pay for 'fast track security'. Far too many narrow stairs for families and the elderly or infirm to negotiate. Forced to walk through a large shop to get to the departure lounge (I wonder why). The lounge is very cramped and crowded - there is seating away from the main lounge, but most people don't know or don't want to risk being in the wrong place when their gate is announced. Why are the queues so bad for check-in, security and passports? The airport knows what planes are scheduled and how big the planes are and could plan properly. It just looks like everything was thrown together in a hurry. As for bussing when there are free stands you could walk to - what's that all about?

Senior airport management here should be told that a gormless security individual shouting useless instructions at the poor passengers trying to get through security is only making a rather tedious process even worse. Like all others commenting about the place its only saving grace is it is quicker to fly from here than Heathrow. Facilities are poor even on a Sunday morning after the early rush. Extortionate charges for everything in the place. And yes those use less biometric passport readers never work as they are hardly open and when they are a dismal failure. An awful all round experience.

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