NEWCASTLE AIRPORT review : 13 June 2008 : by B Hewitt
|
Customer Rating : 4/5 |  |
As usual a good experience at this airport, had checked in online, 2 minutes at fast bag drop, and
through security in 5 minutes. At present due to work taking place in the retail area the amount of
seating has been reduce, feel that the peak summer season is not the best time to do this work.
NEWCASTLE AIRPORT review : 7 June 2008 : by W Cresswell
|
Customer Rating : 2/5 |  |
The free parking time for 'drop offs' at Newcastle Airport has recently been cut to five minutes,
with the congestion in this area at peak times, it is almost impossible to drop off passengers
within the new limit, and therefore penalty charges will be incurred ! Another 'tax' for passengers
using this airport.
Newcastle Airport review by Martin Brady
8 April 2008 Customer Rating : 
I fly 6-12 times a year to Newcastle to visit family, and am as frustrated at others at the blatant
profiteering in the short term car park. We have noticed many cars hovering outside the airport, on
the roundabout, and in other places off-road - clearly waiting till flights land, but obstructive to
other vehicles and an accident waiting to happen. But who can blame them for refusing to be fleeced?
We have come to an arrangement now where I take the Metro to Kingston Park, where there is a large
car park where my family can wait for free to pick me up. It is expensive - £2.10 for three stops -
but it makes a gesture against the airport authority's exploitative pricing tactics.
Newcastle Airport review by Andrew Sesemann
10 March 2008 Customer Rating : n/a
I fly though Newcastle airport on a weekly basis and the way they process passengers at security is
at least 5 years out of date. Nearly all airports these days have a long table leading up to the
scanner, to allow at least 4 or 5 passengers to prepare at the same time. Not at Newcastle, where
there is only a very short table, so that yo can only start to prepare when you are at the front of
the queues, therefore holding up everyone behind you. Very frustrating!
Newcastle Airport review by Jean Boulton
6 March 2008 Customer Rating : 
On 3 March 2008 my son and I returned to Newcastle from Tenerife. On our arrival at baggage
collection, the carousel had not started. We waited, and waited, and waited. We had landed at 2020
but after an hour there was still no activity. Nobody was available to ask the reason for this long
delay. Then the closed sign was displayed on the monitor above the carousel. Eventually a young
man came but all he was able to say was that there was "a meeting to try to get estimates" which was
no answer at all to our need for a reason. Passengers, some of whom had young children, were
beginning to become irate (understandably after the flight). Many of us had arranged to be
collected by family or friends who had to pay for parking. I asked for a form to complete so that I
could leave and have my luggage delivered to my home address but this was not given. One man did
manage to do this but said that he was told not to tell the other passengers. We did eventually get
our luggage (mine arrived at 2150) but I would like to know why, if there was a problem, we were not
told immediately on arrival. Why were we left waiting and tired and angry?
Newcastle Airport review by G Warren
2 March 2008 Customer Rating :
Only flew into Newcastle once for a quick stopover, but have to say that the airport was quick and
efficient. Found the staff to be pleasant and efficient, but some additional signs wouldn't go astray
Newcastle Airport review by Chris Trew
15 January 2008 Customer Rating : 
In response to Adam's comments. Yes, all well and good IF you live near a Metro station. I live in
the sticks so that's not an option. I am using the airport to pick my son up so the drop off/short
term car park are a necessity. This all has nothing to do with security but everything to do with
profiteering.
Newcastle Airport review by B Hewitt
21 November 2007 Customer Rating : 
Domestic flight to London Stansted, check in took 4 minutes, and security took 6 minutes. On the
return it was 12 minutes from leaving the aircraft. and collecting luggage, to leaving the airport.
I have never had a bad experience at this airport and use it about 8 times a year.
Newcastle Airport review by Adam Dudley
3 August 2007 Customer Rating : 
Some tips I think to people who harp on about the drop off zone, parking charges etc etc.
There are several ways in which you can avoid this if necessary. First of all the Metro rapid
transit system if you live on the network, I have used this very successfully to get to the
airport from both the city centre and East Boldon station
near Sunderland. It brings you right to the airports own station. Also there is a fantastic off airport
carpark Q Park which is cheaper than the longterm on site. Its run
efficiently and friendly and the courtesy bus drops you off in their own designated
spot in the short term carpark avoiding the standard drop off zone. There are no queues here
and its just a short walk to the terminal from here. The main longterm car park is good
too and there are lots of ways of booking this online to obtain substantial discounts on the gate
price. Its still far better than Heathrow! All airports are not perfect and in this day and age of
increased security and increased volumes of traffic, you can expect to encounter problems now and again.
Newcastle Airport review by Chris Trew
20 June 2007 Customer Rating :
The parking goes from bad to disgusting. There are no charges displayed
until you reach a barrier so how on earth are you meant to know what
constitutes "short stay", "drop off", "long stay" or whatever they have
changed it to this week. The only consistent aspect of this hell hole
is scamming its unfortunate customers more every day. Cars now park on
the roads around the airport causing more congestion. The downstairs
lounge stinks. The flight info screen has been out of order for months.
Every week the 17.50 Sunday Gatwick flight disappears from the board.
There is no way for me to know whether my son's flight has taken off.
A vile experience. Avoid.
Newcastle Airport review by Simon Channon
28 May 2007 Customer Rating :
Poor airport. Slow to bring steps to meet the plane; 45 minute queue to
get through Passport Control and our bags had still not arrived. Then
chaos at the drop/pick-up zone as mini-buses blocked access for other
road users. Compared with the efficiency at Durham Tees Valley and
Leeds-Bradford, one to avoid.
Newcastle Airport review by David Molineux
28 April 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
Newcastle Airport, more like Newcastle car park! Its disgusting the
rates charged to park here, short or long stay. The drop off zone which
allows you ten minutes grace before you begin paying the rates has just
been shrunk. So no you pass though the barrier and wait in a queue for
sometimes over ten minutes before you are able to get to the curb side
and drop off, hence you are then charged - well done Newcastle Airport,
you truly are international.
Newcastle Airport review by Riccardo Tonelli
20 March 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
I fly from Newcastle regularly (mostly to Milan, Brussels and London).
Never had a problem. the Metro connection is just perfect and if you
need to be in the "toon", it will take you only 20 minutes and 2 quid.
The bars are decent, albeit a bit overpriced, and the departure lounge
is alright. As airports go, this is not a bad one. The only issue is
obviously the outrageous drop-off charge. A real rip-off!
Newcastle Airport review by S Reed
19 February 2007
I quite like Newcastle airport, even though there is no viewing area
until you get to the departure gate. It is at least reasonably
ventilated. There is a well-stocked chemist although food is a problem
because it is unhealthy and expensive. Anyone who wants a plain cheese
roll/sandwich without industrial mayonnaise or antisocial onions is out
of luck. The usual dank offerings are on sale. Everything is grossly
overpriced. The croissants are quite nice but ludicrously expensive. The
miniature ones are over a pound. Sometimes the selection is not
available because the oven is churning out those tasteless muffins.
There is no proper bookshop, only a Smith’s. The choice of reading
material is not inspiring. Luckily we’ve never been delayed much. At
least there are not a plethora of those boring “shopping opportunities”
selling unnecessary toot. The charge for drop-offs/pickups doesn’t
affect us but I am not impressed by it.
Newcastle Airport review by Steve Fenton
14 February 2007
Totally agree with last post to the point I now refuse to fly from this airport. It is very badly
managed with the most basic of facilities unless you like fast food and overpiced awful beer.
Newcastle Airport review by Bill Cresswell
13 February 2007
I agree with previous comments about the 'Drop Off 'arrangements for
passengers at Newcastle. Ticket barriers followed by a slow 'snake'
round to the drop off point followed by a hefty charge if it takes too
long! Also inadequate security handling capacity with long delays
(especially at peak times), but a very smart shopping mall! The
management seem obsessed with increasing revenue with little
consideration for their passengers.
Newcastle Airport review by Tom Clark
27 October 2006
You pay £2 now for the first 30 minutes in their revenue generating
maze, they call a Drop off point. This is a pick up/ drop off tax,
levied to increase revenue lost to low cost airlines. As for the 10
minutes grace, try driving round the maze and exiting within the 10
minutes. Its near impossible if their is a hold up at the Barriers or it
is busy with cars. I bet the Accountants know how much extra revenue is
generated from the metal box on wheels! Will they change this taxation
system? No, they increase it by 100% £1 - £2.
Newcastle Airport review by Derek Seely
25 September 2006
I fly regularly to Belgium and have always been completely satisfied
with Newcastle airport. Admittedly the parking charges are hostile, but
if they keep a few more cars off the road all the better.
Newcastle Airport review by Paul Davison
6 November 2005
Can I add my voice to those comments complaining about the charges
(£1.00) which have been introduced for just dropping off passengers
"close" to the terminal building at Newcastle. The lack of any
facilities whatsoever to allow disabled passengers to be dropped off at
the terminal doors is outrageous especially as the Airport seems content
to allow unoccupied taxis to park-up alongside the terminal building,
their drivers having wandered off for a chat, a fag or a coffee with
their colleagues. It is also interesting that Newcastle Airport customer
services apparently do not feel it necessary to respond to eMails.
Newcastle Airport review by J Bell
19 August 2005
Is this really an international airport? The attitude of staff and their lack of training will
never really give them that status. Poor facilities all add to the parochial atmosphere. While
waiting for a delayed flight from KLM the display kept the word approaching on for 40 minutes!
Delayed would have been more professional and true! Having to pay a hefty parking ticket for
their mistake was surely due to lack of poor training and management skills. Local shops don't
seem to cater for vegetarians and healthy options. Poor toilet facilities and unable to lock
the disabled toilets incase they need help is laughable! (Training needed?) The lack of
interest with KLM staff and all others seem the norm at Newcastle Airport. Is it the
calibre of management? When are they going to change the phone (for picking up your car) from
the domestic arrivals toward International arrivals? We are all consumers there and none seems
to realise this. Have leaflets out so the public can complain. Train your staff better, get
management to ask the public how services could be improved. Do something especially the silly
parking prices.
Newcastle Airport review by Keith Ritchie
3 August 2005
The Drop Off Parking charge is outrageous. This parsimonious attitude is
exacerbated by discovering at the information desk that a 10 minute grace period
is actually allowed. I was livid: I had been shocked by the charge clearly
displayed on the large notice at the entry to the Drop off zone - ' it reads: 0-30
minute = £1'. I had given the lad from the factory I was visiting a pound for the
fee before getting out of the car. The duty manager - who promptly arrived at the
information after I asked for him - explained the management boards rationale. He
stopped short of claiming support for it, he willingly refunded my pound coin from
his own pocket (we agreed to place it in the charity box on the counter,
principles not pounds were at issue) and told me that complaints about this issue
were one of the top issues at the info desk. That Duty Manager's attitude and
response saved Newcastle Airport's tarnished reputation for me. I trust the
management board have reconsidered, and at least made the signage clear and
unequivocal!
Newcastle Airport review by Steve Fenton
4
July 2005
When are they going to realise that dropping of passengers is pretty important. Sending them through
that stupid maze and then they still have to walk in the pouring rain to get inside the terminal is
a pain in the arse, especially with luggage as none of the damm pavements allow a trolley to pushed
across them. They have wasted a lot of money to stop people getting close by car to the airport on
the basis they don't want cars outside the terminal for security reasons, but if you are a serious
terrorist, just get a taxi licence and park your car outside the terminal and walk off for half an
hour whilst you give yourself time to get away. Boarding planes is a joke and as the weather is
usually pretty awful at this part of the world, they better realise that people don't want to kit up
like an artic explorer to get between the terminal and the aircraft. You cannot buy anything healthy
to eat but then again beer and Burger King seem make a staple diet for those who fly out each morning
at 6.00am on the low cost carriers. The duty free prices are a total rip off. I costed several items
last week that are on average 30-40% higher than high street prices.
Newcastle Airport review by Dave Blowers
15
June 2005
I am a very frequent user of Newcastle International, and I am always impressed by it. Yes, the
design is a little odd, but then this is an old airport that has expanded rather than a total new
build. I have always found the ground staff to be helpful and friendly. The signage is adequate, but
as it is not a BAA airport, it is of a different sign and sometimes not that easy to see. I do feel
that this is an area that can be improved (last visit, I think that they were updating the signs to
correspond to their new corporate image). The departures area (before you reach the gates) is very
light and airy and quite pleasant to sit in. The gates are a bit dark and dingy, but again I think
that this is the next part of their expansion plans. All in all, an excellent regional and
international airport.
Newcastle Airport review by Matthew Ross
23
May 2005
One of the best features of Newcastle Airport is the Metro station, which is directly connected to
the airport terminal by a step-free covered walkway. The Tyne & Wear Metro trains links Newcastle
Airport to the city centre, the city's main railway station, Gateshead and Sunderland. The service
is frequent and not expensive - a very impressive and useful facility for an airport of this size.
Newcastle Airport review by Jim Williamson
17
May 2005
Three basic observations where the service could be easily improved.
(1) Why is it, when the airport is not busy, we are forced to walk the
zig zag route to security check. Would it be too much trouble for the
staff to open the gates and avoid this unnecessary trudge. I object to
being treated like a hamster. (2) The Tannoy system in the main
departure lounge is the worst system I have heard since the 60's in the
old British Rail Stations. It is totally unintelligible and far too
loud. (3) Is it reasonable to have people waiting in the rain for a
taxi. Surely a covered waiting area could be provided.
Newcastle Airport review by Adam Dudley
21
April 2005
All I can say is Newcastle is a pleasure to fly from and we should be proud of it. If you have a
bad experience you are probably just plain unlucky. I have never once had a bad delay and have also
never waited more than 10 minutes for my bags regardless of the aircraft type
used, whether it be a
Boeing 767 or an Embraer regional jet and I've been using this airport at least 5 times a year for
the last 20 years. After using other airports relatively nearby as well, namely Durham Tees Valley
and Leeds Bradford, I begin to appreciate Newcastle more and more.
Newcastle Airport review by Michael Sims
8
April 2005
I was truly astounded yesterday to discover, at the last possible moment, that I was expected to pay
one pound to drop off my wife and two heavy bags at the airport. I have used airports all around
the world - being a retired airline pilot- and have never been asked for such a toll before. Having
to back down against the flow to avoid this impost was exceeding risky and almost as dangerous as
the rise in my blood pressure. I can think of three reasons for this tax, and could justify any
of them, but should conclude that none was truly reasonable. Please reconsider; perhaps you could
restrict the drop off time to, say, one minute. All I wanted to do was to drive once around the
block.
Newcastle Airport review by Andrew Bennett
6
April 2005
I agree that check-in staff could be friendlier but overall this is an easy airport to use and to
get to and the new departure lounge seating area is spacious, light and airy if a bit impersonal. I
returned from Barcelona via Schiphol (awful place!) last week; my plane touched down at 15.12 and I
was outside the terminal with bags in hand at 15.29 - beat that!
Newcastle Airport review by Alex MacPhail
25
January 2005
The staff are consistently awful. We Tynesiders are renowned for our friendliest
- these airport staff
are our prime representatives - so why insist on speaking to customers like they are children?? I hate
the airport as a company-they force the flying club out of business due to sky
high landing fees.
But it is a nice airport-especially if you like being ordered about!
Newcastle Airport review by Susan Atkinson
9
January 2005
I recently used Newcastle United airport on a trip to Paris. I agree with a previous message that
mid morning flights are horrendous! The queue at security was huge, I really think they need to buy
some more machines. There were too many flights leaving at the same time. Also, when I returned it
was raining (pouring to be exact) and we had to walk to the building. But I was happy to see that a
Gregg's opened since the last time I have traveled out of the airport.
Newcastle Airport review by Mik kaminski
10
October 2004
The new departure lounge is light, airy but rather naff! The bar in the middle is just a waste of
space. For your eating delights there is a limited choice between fast burgers and rip off merchants in the
far end - and if you smoke, there are 16 seats huddled in a corner at that rather tacky pub I
mentioned earlier Newcastle have a fantastic opportunity to make the airport the flyers choice for the whole of the
north east - what they need is better signage, more security machines and better choices for the traveller in
departures with decent prices for meals.
Newcastle Airport review by Lee Kirkham
9
September 2004
Newcastle Airport is rapdly expanding and I wholeheartedly agree with Isabella. Even after the
recent terminal expansion I have flown with several airlines and, if you aren't a frequent traveller
it can be confusing due to the lack of signs. Early mornings are now a nightmare as they seem to
have so many flights leaving and not enough gates to support them. I nearly missed my flight because
we were at a 'coaching' gate with an easyjet flight and two other flights were coaching at the same
tiny gate. Nightmare.
Newcastle Airport review by Isabella Smith
27
August 2004
Newcastle Airport is starting to improve but I have several suggestions for it. One signs posted
telling you where the toilets etc are is a must. Two more security machines and better security
(with the constant threat of terrorism it's better to be safe than sorry) don't you agree? Three
direct flights to the U.S (I know they already fly to Florida) but hey I always travel to NYC to
visit friends and have to connect in London. Actually Lufthansa does offer flights from Newcastle (I
saw it on my way to the runway on an Easyjet flight to Alicante.
Newcastle Airport review by Mark Hilton
21
July 2004
Since the "redevelopment" of NCL I must say they have made the airport even worse. Where as you
used to have good facilities for visitors such as a bar, restaurant with airside views, viewing
terrace, terrace cafe and play area. There is absolutely nothing left now, except a coffee shop
shoved in the corner of the arrivals hall.
The arrivals hall is also awful, the new terminal looks as if its been dropped onto the side of the
old one. The place is like a aircraft hanger, you cant understand any
announcements as the place
just fills with echos. The check in staff are miserable too. The old
arrivals/check in area still
looks the same, hasn't seen a makeover in years!
The new departure lounge is awful. Again, its just one big aircraft hanger with prefabricated shops
shoved in the corner with the worst bar in the world plonked in the middle. Its not even a
departure lounge - there's one row of seats outside W H Smith to sit on which
don't break your back -
otherwise you'll have to sit on hard wooden ones outside burger king! The gate areas look shabby and
tatty with air conditioning ducts running everywhere and the most tatty lighting and seating
you've
ever seen. Then to board the plane you just go down a flight of stairs and walk across the tarmac -
really professional, not!
Newcastle Airport review by Mark Sanderson
15
July 2004
I have to go along with the supposed new and improved drop off zone.
Maybe would have worked back in the sixties when both air travel and
motoring were at a premium. I have used this airport for over 20 years
now. In general, it is a very clean and easily navigable environment. I
have never experienced or seen anyone experiencing major problems using
the airport. Access to the airport is second to none. The comment about
having to wait up to 30 minutes for luggage is a misfortune - I have
only ever waited 10 minutes max. A user friendly airport with good
facilities and courteous staff.
Newcastle Airport review by Martin Hathaway
2
May 2004
This is my local airport and is something like the UK's 9/10th largest airport. I've used it on a
number of occasions and have not had a problem. Previously unmentioned by correspondents the Tyne &
Wear rapid transport (Metro) takes travellers from the terminal to the city centre, including the
railway station and many other places in the county. I have to agree with other correspondents that
BA and KLM have a stranglehold on the place and charge accordingly. Generally you only get a
sensibly priced flight if it's an add on to an long haul flight or a special offer. Recently KLM
quoted me £100 - £500 (top and bottom prices) for Newcastle - Amsterdam return. £500 will buy a RTW
ticket if you look around. The late lamented Gill Air took me to Belfast and back for GB£90 some
years ago. Like Mr. Ainsworth I take the train and tube to get to London for Heathrow and Gatwick.
The departure lounge is clean, comfortable and has good views across the airfield. If I recall
correctly two of the Heathrow terminals have no windows, I am convinced that this is a deliberate
ploy to get travellers into the shops, bars and restaurants. BAA make more money from retailing
operations than from handling aircraft. My favourite airline is Lufthansa (Typical Teutonic
efficiency) but unfortunately they do not operate from Newcastle, hopefully one day they will.
Newcastle Airport review by Steve Fenton
15
February 2004
To add further delays to using this airport they have now relocated the security check area. If you
are travelling in the morning allow at least 30 minutes to get through it. They have only 2 machines
and about 12 staff so maybe they will get more machines. The amount of people using this airport in
the early mornings is growing year by year yet the airport does not seem to be increasing its
facilities to cope with them.
The other day the traffic was queuing right out of the entrance to the airport to get into the stupid
drop off zone and yes you guessed it, there was 8 taxi's left empty at the front of the building
Newcastle Airport review by Eamonn Jasim
22
January 2004
Newcastle is nice and cosy but their domestic baggage reclaim is really bad. Firstly, it consists of
only two conveyor belt! Secondly, it takes about 20 minutes for only the first bags to appear and
expect to wait for at least 30 minutes to get all your luggage. Thirdly, the doors do not always
work! Seriously! In July the main electronic revolving door did not move and there were no staff
whatsoever in the hall to help! Furthermore, the fire escape was locked! I had to telephone my
brother-in-law to pick get someone from the waiting lounge to help us! Quite a funny welcome but
quite unacceptable.
Staff are friendly except for the Easyjet check-in staff who seem to have a problem with passengers
for some strange reasons?
Newcastle Airport review by Mik Kaminski
22
January 2004
Its interesting to read that some passengers have experienced theft whilst using Newcastle
airport - although its hard to verify that Newcastle airport workers are the
culprits. I also have
had items lifted from my baggage - albeit small inexpensive items, but I had thought it was from my
Asia connections. I have to agree with Mr Fenton about the new traffic arrangements at this
airport - its a joke to say the least - apparently the registered airport taxis are to blame for this
new chaos as they say they are losing business. I am not surprised they are losing business with
the tariffs they use.
Newcastle Airport review by Gerry Anderson
19
December 2003
I would call NCL my local airport even though I live half way between it and EDI. Simply because
the service and facilities at NCL are of a higher quality and I have never experienced a single
delay on my last 14 flights from NCL over the past couple of years with BA, EZY, BY and KL. (I
don't think it was just luck!) Gate staff always make appropriate announcements whilst you are
waiting to board, rather than some of the rubbish you get told elsewhere (for example at STN I
overheard an announcement at the next gate saying "We are sorry to announce a further delay to your
Ryanair aircraft, this is due to the late arrival of your Ryanair aircraft, we expect the inspection
sorry boarding to commence at ten past twenty two." (not ten past ten or 22.10?)
Newcastle Airport review by Steve Fenton
10
December 2003
I had some luggage stolen of my baggage cart by one of the attendants who were making it look like
they were helping out in the car park.
My point is this. They have always had some real nutters who patrol the front of this airport who
feel they are protecting the whole world from a potential terrorist attack.
Any car that pulls up and has it wheels stationary for more than a few seconds you can bet your
bottom dollar the yellow coat brigade are there advising you that you will be towed away as you are
a danger to mankind.
Now some nutcase has come up the great idea of making all cars dropping off passengers, to drive
through an electronic barrier, which gives you a ticket for something like 10 minutes. You then have
to drive back and forth on yourself to find a point to drop off the passengers.
You are lucky to do this at a busy time especially in the early morning.
You then have to find your way out of the maze of fencing and then get across the two roads that are
for taxis and buses.
People who have already sussed this out, now drive beyond the entrance barrier, drop the passenger
there and then proceed to do a U turn in front of the taxi's who now think they are at the start of
a Formula 1 race and are obviously on a mission to see who can be the fastest from a standing start
to the roundabout.
What is the point of this stupid idea, which in really busy times will simply cause gridlock from
the roundabout to the drop off car park?
It is also a known fact they get the odd drop of rain and snow in this part of the world. You will
need to be kitted out like Chris Bonnington if you end up being dropped at the farthest point away
from the terminal and its snowing.
If it is for security then what makes me laugh is the fact the taxi's pull up and then get out of
their vehicles and wander off for a cigarette or a coffee.
Who is the bright spark that thought this one up ?
Newcastle Airport review by Bill Riley
12
August 2003
My son who lives in the North East frequently travels in and out of Newcastle. On 3 of the past 4
occasions he has had property stolen from his luggage. Of course there is no proof that this
happened at Newcastle but....
Newcastle Airport review by Steve Fenton
3
December 2002
Good
news, when you fly from here the international and domestic are all from
the same lounge which means if you are a frequent flyer and have the
right cards, you can use the lounge. Previously there was only the BA
lounge in domestic
Newcastle Airport review by Mik Kaminski
16
October 2002
I
agree with Mr Fenton on the fact that BA do have a strangle hold on
Newcastle, quickly followed by KLM uk. Imagine if some serious
competition from the likes of bmi british midland could ever happen? As
for prices from BA, I secured return tickets for two at 136 including
taxes, albeit the NCL to LHR leg was after 7pm and the return leaving
LHR at 7:30am -so I think that the new revised pricing is far better
than those offered by rail if your schedule allows it. The airport is
expanding and does have a ten year plan for further traffic and
expansion - lets hope that other airlines consider Newcastle as a viable
airport in the very near future.
Newcastle Airport review by Steve Fenton
10
October 2002
I
have been told on a number of occassions that both BA & KLM have a
major hold on this airport. Its not for the want of trying by other
airlines to fly from here, but they simply cannot seem to make headway.
Flybe have started some good deals recently and the GO flights are
pretty good for connections with the cattle trucks from Stansted.
Newcastle Airport review by John Ainsworth
20
September 2002
I
use this airport at least twice each week. For departures it is
comfortable, easy to check in and well signed - although the security
scan team often seem to want to compete with Heathrow for the longest
queues. For arrivals it can be somewhat amateurish, with long walks in
the open air - a nuisance when it is raining - and the baggage handlers
are not the swiftest. The bus stop for the parking courtesy coach is
open to the wind and rain as is the taxi stand. Sadly BA appears to have
something of a stranglehold on UK flights from Newcastle, resulting in
serious overpricing (almost 300.00 GBP for an economy flight to London
during business travel hours) - it is FAR cheaper, faster and more
pleasant and convenient first class by train (less than 200 GBP with a
proper meal in a nice restaurant car). The hope must be that another
airline can challenge them and force prices down to a realistic level.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Comments and opinions contained in these pages do not represent the views of Skytrax. All features contain unsolicited input from site visitors, and we
seek to exercise the minimum level of editorial control and censorship to ensure the widest debate and platform for customer opinions. We
will not publish submissions that contain abusive language. We cannot guarantee to publish all opinions submitted.
ADD YOUR COMMENTS HERE
These Review pages are designed to offer guidance and assistance to other travellers, and we ask
respondents to use an "informative" style of comment and share any travel tips for the airport in question.
Your First Name (or initial) and Family Name, and E-mail address MUST be supplied.
When submitting comments, please DO NOT insert paragraphs.
Please check you use Upper and Lower case only - submissions made all in CAPITALS will
NOT be accepted.
Comment submissions that require extensive text editing CANNOT be published.
|
