JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT   Passenger Reviews

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT customer review :  19 November 2009 by Allan Robins   (UK)

Customer Rating :  2/5

Queuing

Cleanliness

Facilities

Flew in from DAR and cleared customs in under 10 minutes which is the fastest I have known for this airport. This was a nice surprise and even the baggage didn't take that long. They have spend some serious money here yet again this excellent airport is let down by the simplest thing - signage. I needed to go to the domestic side to pick up a car. Well, for a start, you get terminal A and B (would it really kill someone to put 'Int' & 'Dom' after A & B? Anyhow I followed the car rental signs and took the lift, though car rentals were listed on 2 seperate floors with no clue why. I went to the nearest one which seemed to be Europcar (sadly no the company I was using), so back in the lift. When I returned the car, again the signs came thick and fast along with the turns in the road, all very confusing, but I managed to keen in the correct lane until the last when all of a sudden the car rental lane was only valid for some companies, leaving me a split second to try and find the companies logo! I decided to stop and take my time and to hell with those behind me and a good job too as I was now no longer in the right line. Please, can someone re-think the signage around the airport, get someone from outside ACSA and for god sake get it right before the World cup starts

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT customer review :  10 November 2009 by Peter Van   (Hong Kong)

Customer Rating :  5/5

Queuing

Cleanliness

Facilities

Having used this airport on many occasions in the past it was a pleasant surprise (after many years of below average to poor performance). Both international arrival and departures were professionally handled and the departure area past immigration can hold it's own against most international hubs. A few bottle necks to be sorted out where doors after customs leading to arrival hall are not wide enough to allow more than one passenger through at a time need to be reviewed.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 8 November 2009 : by Allan Robins

Customer Rating : 2/5

A disaster waiting to happen! I travelled CPT via JNB to Livingstone, with 1hr connection time on paper, The airport with all its features is wonderful, but so stretched out I lost track how many times I went up 1 level, then down then up 2 levels back down another. It has aircon, but it was still quite humid inside, so by the time I finally got to my gate (somewhere near the Zimbabwe border!) it had closed 5 mins early and gone (with my case). I seriously worry what will happen during the 2010 World Cup.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 7 November 2009 : by Megan Day

Customer Rating : 4/5

International Terminal spacious, attractive, and very clean. All staff were very polite and helpful and check in on our arrival and at departure went very smoothly with no delays.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 17 August 2009 : by James Chlup

Customer Rating : 4/5

A spacious and modern airport that clearly has undergone improvements recently. Check-in and baggage claim a bit chaotic, but the dining and shopping after departures security is excellent. Plenty of seating around departure gates.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 3 August 2009 : by I Abodunrin

Customer Rating : 4/5

I'm a student from Malawi and I usually use the Johannesburg International Airport 2-3 times a year to go back and forth from Malawi to the US. So far I've not had any problems, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Last year when I was coming to the US, I had less than half an hour to switch from one plane to the next. The lines were very long that day, so I explained my situation to one of the staff who helped me get on my flight on time. It's not the finest airport in the world, but that's not surprise given that they're doing a lot of construction works for the 2010 World Cup.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 10 June 2009 : by B Davis

Customer Rating : 5/5

My wife and I each had a large suitcase, and the four times we used the airport our luggage was undisturbed and sent to the correct connections. The staff was friendly, helpful, and efficient. The completed airport is very clean, and the many shops are fun to visit and pass the time away.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 9 April 2009 : by B Stein

Customer Rating : 4/5

Arrived last week from LHR. The new passport control facility is a huge improvement. It's a long walk there from the arrivals gates in the new international pier but there were plenty of desks and I got through in about 7 minutes. Infinitely better than the erstwhile 45 minute queue. The new central terminal is open (terminal B) and is also a huge improvement. But the domestic check-in signage could be better as I ended up standing in the wrong SAA check-in line and being told off by the rude staff. All in all I'm moderately impressed.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 20 March 2009 : by Andrew Williams

Customer Rating : 4/5

Two return visits to ORTIA Joburg over last 3 weeks, one with onward connection to Cape Town. Massive improvements over recent months. Excellent shopping and dining, though temporary passport control struggles to cope at busy arrivals times, that said staff friendly and helpful. An easy fix that has happened twice was the plane arriving early, yet had to wait for airbridge operator to arrive so we could disembark.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 3 March 2009 : by R Durgan

Customer Rating : 3/5

As with so many other travellers through this Airport, the long delays at incoming Passport Control are awful - with minimum check in desks dealing with some 300 incoming UK passport holders on a flight. Resulting (as with us) missing the connecting flight to Durban, and being charged a Rebooking Fee at the South African Airways check in desk, to catch the next flight Only advice can give is to allow at least three hours for transfer time for connecting flights.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 3 January 2009 : by Simon Banister

Customer Rating : 4/5

Although the customs and immigration staff leave a lot to be desired the airport itself is very nice after the refurbishment. The check in areas, as with most airports, is okay but nothing special, but once through the immigration and into the departures area I was stunned. OR Tambo has some of the best shopping I have seen at an airport. It is clean, spacious and inviting.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 31 December 2008 : by M Le Roux

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived from Hong Kong at 06:30. Went through the immigration quickly as we are SA citizens, but were surprised to see that there were only 2 counters open for foreigners (which were the majority of the passengers on our flight). Stood at baggage collection for 45 minutes, the worst I have ever experienced. Once we got our baggage we went through the "nothing to declare" line, along with pretty much everyone else. Although 4 customs officers were on duty not a single person was stopped and asked to open their bags. This is insane, security is non-existent. The airport itself has undergone a facelift, the international departures much nicer than international arrivals. the departures hall has obviously been upgraded first and really has 5 star facilities in terms of shopping and dining.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 24 December 2008 : by R Watson

Customer Rating : 4/5

30 min queue through immigration, nut well organised and continual move forward. Check in on return very efficient with luggage shrink wrapped prior to check in. Airside plenty of room and facilities.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 15 December 2008 : by G Bollinger

Customer Rating : 4/5

While the check in area of the international terminal still leaves just a little to be desired, the area past security has some of the best airport shopping I have seen in a long time. There is an endless amount of stores and a great restaurant. Baggage claim also surprised me after my arrival in JNB. My bag was waiting for me when I arrived.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 1 December 2008 : by Gary Olsen

Customer Rating : 2/5

Baobab Lounge in International departures is under reconstruction and there is a makeshift lounge 1 level up. They are trying their best but the airflow is poor , toilets a long way out of the lounge and no showers. Be warned it is crowded and stuffy but I guess we have to take this in the context of the improvements being made.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 16 November 2008 : by Steve Mumby

Customer Rating : 3/5

JNB to LHR. Check in very crowded but moved at a reasonable pace. Needed to request wheelchair service and it couldn't have been better. Charming, attentive young lady took me all the way to the plane, and it's a long way from check in. They're obviously rebuilding for the 2010 World Cup and the new international pier is excellent. Having read other comments here I was not looking forward to having to use JNB, but it left me with a very favourable impression.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 16 November 2008 : by Robert Chapman

Customer Rating : 3/5

JNB Airport is improving, however several things have not changed in the 3 years I have been flying in and out to and from GCC states. The notice boards have no bearing on what is really happening. I have repeatedly been told my flight is boarding when in fact they have been delayed. On one occasion, the notice boards stated that we could begin boarding our Saudi Airlines flight when it had not even landed yet. Another unchanging fact is the inefficiency of the baggage handling staff. Beware of departing from another S. African airport (DUR or CPT) and checking your luggage all the way through to your final destination. It will still be sent through to domestic luggage claims.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 7 November 2008 : by Melanie Medell

Customer Rating : 5/5

The improvements were worth waiting for, especially the convenience of the new walkway from international to domestic.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 28 October 2008 : by F Zanon

Customer Rating : 4/5

Arrived and departed from JNB 4 times, always with international and intercontinental flights. A good impression, really better than 2 years ago. Arrival Passport control from international flight in max 15 minutes, with morning or evening flight; new dedicated area. Luggage ready in few minutes, never lost any. Departure - Few shops before check in, international departure check-in area crowded, especially at SAA desks. Weight control of all luggage before check in. Then, security check quite slow with few gates open. Departure lounge really nice, full of space and chairs, good duty free shops but not so good restaurants. 1 bar is open 24hr. Outside - less unauthorized porters, less annoying people. A lot of help-desks in the lounge, with orange jacket attendants. Pay attention in the hotel shuttle area, feel a bit unsafe especially if you arrive late in the night. However, a safer and nicer airport than the one I sow 2 years ago. It will be better, of course, after big works will finish, inside and outside terminals.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 25 September 2008 : by Henry Relling

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived from DUR, departed for LHR. Domestic terminal a breeze. There now is a dedicated walkway from Domestic to International while construction is in progress. The International terminal has really improved, both before and after check-in. The new International wing is quite something, modern, spacious and very airy. But somewhat left the heaters on ( on a very hot day), so that was not exactly welcoming. One gripe I had about my experience in the International departures lounge area was that there is no ATM to be found. And I happen to be the unlucky one without SA Rand cash. I tried to buy a phone card from Telkom, they do not take credit cards (machine broken), Vodacom does not sell phone cards but their vending machine does, which takes cash. So I ended up spending a small fortune phoning from my mobile phone. So beware: If you need Rand cash after check-in and immigration, draw money from the ATM first before going through. I found the craft shops to be expensive. I wondered to myself if they ever get their wares sold? Airport itself: ACSA is doing a fine job bringing OR Tambo International up to standard. Since my last visit, a huge improvement.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 29 August 2008 : by R Kilby

Customer Rating : 4/5

Transferred through JNB from domestic to international flight. Domestic terminal is good, modern with a lot of space. Baggage handling seems to have improved no end since I was last here 6 months ago. Good catering facilities on mezzanine level. Major construction upgrade in progress on a new connecting concourse between domestic and international terminals, and a new underground train station link to down-town Johannesburg. At present you have to walk through the Parkade to change terminals, but the way is well signposted. International departure area is still pretty dreary & cramped. Lots of check-in desks, but due to 1980's configuration of the area, there is no space to marshall Paxes queing up in front of check in desks properly. This produces chaos when lots of flights are departing at the same time (evenings). Funny system of pre-weighing in all baggage before proceeding to the actual check-in desk. Once past this area, Security & passport control is a breeze - much better than most large airports in Europe. Very large duty-free shopping area in international departures concourse. The new international arrival/departure pier is fantastic - large, clean toilets, airy. Lots of seats at the gates - good view of aprons & runways from all gates. Good catering facilities. Once construction work is finished on the new international connecting concourse in 2009, transiting through JNB should become a very pleasurable experience.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 5 July 2008 : by Caroline Callaghan

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arriving late in the afternoon from Perth, getting off the plane was easy as it was empty - however, downstairs to customs is when it hit me! Plenty of construction going around and a sea of people already queuing and me not knowing where it started, it was all confusing! It was over 30mins til my turn. Backpack already in belt - called the hotel I was staying at to pick me up and a kind staff informed me of my location - very unexpected and pleasant! I heard all sorts of things about JNB and jo'burg itself, but was pleased with the hospitality and good humour of the people I came across in this brief stay. Intl departures is one of the best duty free zones I've been to! Overall, JNB needs a lot of work - very confusing and slow, but the SA people make it up for it!

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 29 April 2008 : by S Srinivasan

Customer Rating : 4/5

I was expecting worse, but was pleasantly surprised. We arrived on an early morning (8 A.M.) flight from Mumbai, and despite being at the very back of the Economy section and at least one other flight being processed at the same time, immigration took no time at all - maybe 10 minutes in line tops. Baggage was a bit slow to come out, but at least nothing was missing. Customs was a joke, with one officer randomly waving people through or directing them to an x-ray machine. The signs directing you to the domestic terminal are a little hard to follow, and beware the "porters" outside, who will charge you R150 just to walk your bags 1,500 feet to the domestic terminal. Domestic departures was a breeze - no queues at check-in or security, adequate seating space, and clean toilets. Domestic arrivals was similarly hassle-free, though it's a rather long walk from the gates to the baggage claim area. International departures was a real pain due to a check-in queue stretching the length of the terminal building - though I attribute this more to SAA's incompetence than the airport, as no other airlines seemed to be having issues. I had to ask one airport staff where the queue started, and she was friendly enough and pointed me in the right direction. Once again, security check and passport control took less than 5 minutes to clear. There seemed to be a good selection of shops, but I didn't have time to look.