Sydney Airport  Passenger Reviews and Sydney Airport Customer Opinions

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SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  14 July 2010 by Darren Kilminster   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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Arrived at Sydney Airport at 5pm. Out through the exit doors within 25 minutes later. Sydney Airport can be a nightmare if you arrive in the morning but otherwise it's fine. On departure checkin and customs quick. People complain about having to walk through the duty free stores on the way to the gates but it doesn't bother me. Just keep walking - you're through it in a minute.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  1 July 2010 by Pete Hauser   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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Having had some diabolical arrival experiences at SYD in the morning peak-hour, I was somewhat dreading the experience as we descended from out most recent flight. As it turned out, there was no need to be concerned at all, because from touchdown to taxi-rank took precisely 35 minutes! Could this possibly be the same Sydney International Airport that we know and love? Seems that the real peak hour is somewhat later than 0630, more likely around 0800, when the queues are much longer and the staff surlier. Quarantine matters were greatly assisted by officials screening passengers at the baggage carousel, and stamping their arrival cards for a quick exit if they were considered a low quarantine/customs risk. All-in-all, a pleasant experience.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  15 June 2010 by R Carey   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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I had to pass through Sydney on my way home to CNS from CHC. The free bus service was great and I was literally at the domestic terminal about 10 minutes after exiting the international. After clearing customs, I was able to drop off my bags at the international airport and they were transferred to my domestic flight for me. In fact, the customs staff did not actually check my bags because I am an Australian citizen. Both international and domestic airports have great facilities, dining, and shops.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  24 May 2010 by Ian Loftus   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  3/5

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Passed through Sydney's T1 and T2 yesterday on way to Perth from Honolulu. The food selection in the food court at T2 was god, but the place looked like it hadn't been cleaned in weeks - tables were filthy and floor was even worse. The foreign currency exchange booth run by Travelex in the baggage claim area charges a flat rate of AUD7 commission for money change, which is a rip-off if you're only charging left-over foreign currency.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  30 April 2010 by Bill Atkins   (USA)

Customer Rating :  3/5

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A disappointing airport considering the importance of the city it serves. Arrival procedure, including immigration, bags and customs/quarantine not at all impressive. Departure was however very pleasant. Unfortunately Sydney has succumbed to the trend for a huge shopping mall at the expense of other facilities.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  19 April 2010 by P Sung   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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Positive and generally cheery staff on arrival at immigration and customs. I noticed the trolleys around the international arrivals baggage carousels were free of charge (great, because I paid USD4 to use one out front at LAX for about a minute). My comment is actually about the poor transition from exiting customs/immigration to Qantas' transfer/domestic check- in area. The signage could be much better and perhaps the path could be staffed. The experience is that one isn't sure they are in the right place while winding around those corners till you get to the domestic check-in area. I imagine first time arrivals could feel lost. Although I noticed a sign promising improvements (not sure what kind) soon. I have never experienced an easy transition here into the check-in counters, where there is always a large number of passengers at peak times and not enough counters to deal with them. Invariably the staff have to announce imminent flights and then one has to exit the long queue and find a way into another. And please fix the front wheels of those trolleys - when the rubber splays, it feels like pushing a car uphill with the brakes on.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  13 April 2010 by Stefan Noll   (Switzerland)

Customer Rating :  2/5

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Huge crowds and queues, very long lines at customs. The Dutyfree shops act like an obstacle on the way to your plane. Parking comes at very steep $11 for one hour, while public transport to/from the airport is like a third world country. Immigration and quarantine procedures at arrival can add up to 1-2 hours. Luckily the airport staff and the relaxed aussie mentality make up for a bit of the aforementioned.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  22 February 2010 by Terry Stokes   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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Things have improved. For those who use this airport for international departures will hopefully find that the combined customs area has improved processing times. No queuing. The New shops and walkways have meant that it takes longer to get to gates 51 and above but this is nothing compared to other airports. The new smartgates for epassport holders from Australia and New Zealand certainly makes things quicker as well.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  13 February 2010 by Eric Simpson   (UK)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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Just arrived from Dubai on A380 and in transit to Auckland. Passengers were greeted at the transfer security are by Godzilla herself shouting instructions in the most aggressive tone possible. Welcome to Australia? I think not. Fortunately I have been through Sydney before, arriving, departing and in transit and I have previously found officials approachable and welcoming. Pity some officials don't realise that they are representing their city and country. First impressions last.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  31 January 2010 by Kevin Tunnicliffe   (UK)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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The thing which spoils this airport is the outrageous drop off charges in the car park. Many people comment that this spoils their experience. Many changes since my last visit in August 09. The upgrading of the International terminal is still ongoing and I look forward to seeing the finished product in the future. Immigration on arrival was swift and pleasant, bags were on the belt in ten minutes. Shame the incompetent car hire people made us wait 45 minutes to get our car. We were first in line and I feel for the poor souls behind us!

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  30 January 2010 by J Lee   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  1/5

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Every time you go through Sydney airport Intl terminal to pick up passengers, it makes your blood boil. Macquarie have turned the car park into a a narrow maze to maximise car park spots, and have the nerve to charge every person that arrives through the car park. There is no dedicated pick up spot. This makes the car park a total mess to negotiate especially during the peak hours. In addition, if one tries to leave the car park within the '3 mins' to avoid paying the 'car park tax', this is virtually impossible as you have to battle it out with tens of other drivers waiting in line who are trying to do exactly the same thing. It is so frustrating. Sydney Airport has been a total rip off since it was privatised. Unfortunately, the Domestic Terminal pick up points is just as bad.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  30 January 2010 by Oscar Thach   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  2/5

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Huge crowds, disorganised, very long lines at customs - with many counters left closed and area very small (whole room was full). AQIS even worse than before - bottleneck entrance with no-one organising and leading crowds - complete chaos; somebody will get hurt one day. Picked up by father, paid ludicrous $21 for parking (1 hour). Should really have a free pick- up zone but it seems that they would rather line their pockets than provide good services. Have not seen any improvements since I was here last - not sure what they're spending that $500 million on. Makes me ashamed and embarrassed to be a Sydney-sider, a total disgrace.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  14 January 2010 by R Bellamy   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  4/5

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Picked my son up last week when he came back from Brisbane. Had a small meal at McDonalds near the long term car park and waited for him to land and ring then proceeded to the 10 min pick up bay area opposite the arrivals door. Excellent idea and no charge if you are in an out in 10 mins. I do agree with a lot of comments on cleanliness and organisation at this terminal. It could be so much better for a major international airport. The parking fees are over the top. They should have first 3 hours free like shopping centres then a fee per hour after that. This would ensure traffic movement and give people a greater sense of relaxation rather than panic at having to 'move on' to avoid the push or a fine.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  8 January 2010 by Carla Moore   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  2/5

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Why has the arrival pick-up outside T2 been removed? Had a nightmare trying to pick up my daughter flying with Virgin from Melbourne this morning; she was very rudely told to move on by Security who said it was now a "Federal Offence" to stop and pick up. Since when? Finally managed to get her after a dangerous manoeuvre. Airport is trying to force us to park and pay a huge amount for fifteen minutes. Not happy.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  29 December 2009 by M Thomson   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  3/5

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The transfer facilities from Qantas domestic to international are inadequate. On a recent trip I was dismayed at how inefficient the process was. As noted previously, the queues are long and the waiting area for the shuttle bus is unappealing, disorganised and cramped. One bus comes along every 15 or 20 minutes, although there were at least two bus loads of people waiting at any one time. The result is scores of people left waiting as the bus drives away without them, knowing they will have to push and shove to the front of the queue if they are not to miss the next one. If you need to transfer, avoid SYD at all costs as it's not worth the headache. My transfer from T3 to T5 at LHR was far less stressful, even though I had less transit time than in SYD. Qantas should be ashamed.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  21 November 2009 by A Ong   (Australia)

Customer Rating :  1/5

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Terrible airport. High prices, compulsory pay for parking, disorganised, dirty and inefficient. Oh and did I say disorganised? I am embarrassed to be a Sydney-sider and to be associated with this airport which I unfortunately have to put up with for all international flights.

SYDNEY AIRPORT customer review :  19 November 2009 by M Dorrell   (New Zealand)

Customer Rating :  2/5

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A dire experience in every way. If you have to make transfers from Qantas Domestic to International or vice versa it is simply appalling and to be avoided if at all possible - go to Melbourne if you can! Horrendous chaotic queues for transfer - I already had my onward boarding pass but there was no facility for me to bypass the lines. Cramped hot little area with few seats where you waited for the shuttle bus - many people didn't get on it and I'm sure that many miss their connections. Woeful state of affairs. Also arriving internationally very long slow lines for both Immigration and then Customs - staff pleasant enough but state of chaos. I cannot believe that things could not be improved particularly connections between the 2 terminals.