TEL AVIV BEN GURION AIRPORT review : 27 June 2009 by B Holdstock

Customer Rating : 1/5

I spent nearly an hour and a half of having every souvenir scanned by their new little blue toys! They even took an Armenian clock away to put batteries in to see whether it works! I hated every minute of it. I understand where they are coming from, but drop the arrogant 'we have power' attitude. It spoiled an otherwise remarkable holiday. The only friendly person was the young lady who came to me whilst standing in a long line waiting to have my luggage scanned. Asking questions upon question - didn't believe it was me in my passport photo, but my sister who stood next to me. Even my sister had to answer a ton of questions. It is crazy. I'm leaving the country and want to cause chaos now - when I'm leaving? The night before it took me 4 hours to pack my huge bag. Just for them to rip open every bubble wrapped magnet, plate, cup etc I bought. To then be told "oohh we'll help you pack it back". Then they bring me this huge huge piece of bubble wrap, but sorry we don't have a scissor. I nearly exploded! Then onto the boarding area. To be told I'm overweight with the luggage. Start unpacking. Which I did. Stuffed it into carrier bags. Then my 4 pieces of hand luggage and I proceeded to departures. To be told to unpack everything again! What are they looking for?

TEL AVIV BEN GURION AIRPORT review : 31 December 2008 : by M Bedioui

Customer Rating : 3/5

Sometimes during security checks in TLV your bags and suitcases can be taken away from you for some minutes as they scan them in other rooms. My advice is to check that everything is still in your bag when it comes back because they empty the bags away from you before scanning them and put things back by themselves. The lost and found office has only one part-time English speaking worker and is rings busy most of the time. They really completely emptied all my bags, scanned every piece and I was body-searched too. This was about 50 minutes long. The staff was nice, smily and efficient. I was even escorted to skip the regular security checks (so I did not need to queue) once the 50 minute check was over.

TEL AVIV BEN GURION AIRPORT review : 19 November 2008 : by Eric Bateman

Customer Rating : 4/5

On arrival, I queued for about 10 minutes at passport control, to be told that the same person had processed me coming into Israel 2 years ago. On the way out, the Air France check-in was appalling, but the security was pretty easy and friendly. They have to ask you the questions which they do and the whole thing again took about 10 minutes. The young lady who inspected my bags was pretty friendly and it took me about 10 seconds to re-pack them so no big deal. Then going through the personal security took about 5 minutes max - everyone was firm but polite so no problems. One of the security girls apologised for the delay. Tel Aviv will always be a unique airport because of the security situation but I had no problems with any of the security questions being asked or the way in which the people concerned asked them.

TEL AVIV BEN GURION AIRPORT review : 7 July 2008 : by Sabina Sanzio

Customer Rating : 3/5

Takes ages to walk through the airport. Now I know that getting to departure gates can more often than not involve about a 10 minute walk, but at Ben Gurion airport, you need serious walking boots! Lots to keep you entertained once you have passed through passport control - the final passport control that is, after all the security checks. Having said this, no sign of an internet cafe anywhere - wireless access available, but I was not travelling with a laptop. Was at Tel Aviv Dov Hoz airport also on 23rd June and its a shed! Do not arrive extra early for your flight as there is nothing to do here whatsoever and has very limited seating, so you could end up just standing around in a one room, very small building.

TEL AVIV BEN GURION AIRPORT review : 29 April 2008 : by D Baron

Customer Rating : 4/5

The longest walk! Tired from Atlantic flight, walk to passport control seems forever. Why didn't they think about a train when designing it. On the good side, modern and airy, good food and nice stores.

Tel Aviv Airport review by M Laporte

22 March 2008   Customer Rating :

Do not buy any sealed product in Israel, the security could open jars and bottles to check the content. I will not be able to give them as a gift and have to eat them quickly since already open. The young trainee who process the check process was quite harsh and refuse to help repack my luggage. she stated that she is a security agent and therefore does not have to be kind. I had to remind her that she deliver services to customers and that she is the last representative of the country to be met by tourists, such behaviour just gives a very poor image of the country and the people.

Tel Aviv Airport review by J Williams

22 March 2008   Customer Rating :

Flight to Amsterdam with KLM departing at 5.30am. TLV Ben Gurion airport is easy to navigate although one must factor in time for the obligatory supplementary checks prior to check-in. Even at 4am the main gate area resembles a shopping mall. Plenty of shops and things to keep one occupied for sure. The Dan lounges are clean and well stocked with friendly staff.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Jan de Wit

19 March 2008   Customer Rating :

New terminal 3 (used by most airlines) is very clean and spacious. A big number of check in counters. Lots of Duty Free shops and food & beverage facilities. Modern and very pleasant terminal! the lounges are luxurious.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Gary Belan

17 March 2008   Customer Rating :

The new Terminal 3 is a vast improvement from the old Terminal 1. I have arrived and departed through here 6 times in the last few months. I have been impressed by the airy design of the building and the efficiency of the process, both arrival and departure. You expect intensive security questioning and although some questions may seem irrelevant, they know what they are doing. You have to allow three hours when travelling through any major airport mainly because security queues are so unpredictable. Take a good book! Duty free is quite expensive.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Adam Simmons

28 February 2008   Customer Rating :

Extremely impressed by the facilities at the new terminal three, with stunning architecture, an excellent array of shops and a smoking room provided at the end of each of the four piers. Quality of check-in was somewhat poor .

Tel Aviv Airport review by John Abrams

31 January 2008   Customer Rating :

Having travelled to 45 countries I have never been so ill-treated as I have when I left Tel Aviv. The questions were ridiculous and went on for 45 minutes! Why is my passport photo so old? (passport is 9 years old), why have you been in Tel Aviv for 6 days, which museums have you been to? Why have you a Dubai and Bahrain passport (I know someone teaching there), Why was he teaching there? (i don't know it's good money!), why have you so many disposable cameras? (just do) why didn't you take any pictures (because friends did), who are these friends, do you have receipts for museums and accommodation, do you have brothers and sisters. This went on for 45 minutes by Head of Security. Then had to go to a room and empty wallet and take off my belt so they can be searched. I'm not unhappy about the last two things but the questioning was rude, insolent and discourteous.

Tel Aviv Airport review by J Trevers

14 November 2007   Customer Rating :

Due to a long delayed flight, I spent much more time at TLV than expected. The new terminal is very impressive, very modern with good facilities. The passport control people have never been friendly, and that has not changed. Security quick, and thankfully no need to remove shoes and no ban on liquids. Check-in could be a bit faster. Taxi prices are posted and the drivers must stop at a checkpoint to make sure they are authorized to be there. All in all, much more civilized than ever before.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Bradley Montag

19 January 2007   Customer Rating : n/a

Travelling through Ben Gurion Airport is simple and pleasant. The airport is huge, but it is very airy and bright. On arrival the immigration officers are professional and work very quickly. There were no lines at all. Baggage was also delivered quickly. On departure from TLV the security is strict however the officers are very friendly and don't ask stupid questions. Baggage screening takes a bit of time especially if you have to open your suite case. Passports control for exiting was also very professional and done quickly. The shopping is endless with a great and inexpensive variety of stores. The airport is very clean and is a great way to enter and exit Israel.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Christophe Chouleur

26 February 2006

I can only confirm that Ben Gurion is a nice surprise, very modern and airy. Dan lounge for business passengers is stocked with a large choice of food and drinks. There are also many shops with everything you might want to buy.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Elliot Adler

21 January 2006

Huge, modern and Beautiful. A great surprise. Many stores open at 4 am. A welcome surprise too. My 5 hour wait went by pretty quickly. Smooth and pretty fast. Security is tight, as others have said. But people should remember that they are not in the US or UK anymore and safety is a top priority of the country of Israel. All in all excellent airport.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Tony Jacob

22 August 2005

After thorough and understandable questioning at Cairo Airport (when checking-in for El Al flight to Tel Aviv), arrival and check-out at Tel Aviv Airport was delightfully smooth and quick. Very courteous arrival immigration staff, although it was a bit of a walk from the aircraft. Only one bank was open (for purchasing currency). A bit of competition always welcome for travellers. Excellent shared-shuttle transport to/from Jerusalem hotel. Departure was also smooth and all officials (some quite young) were very courteous, although security check was understandably thorough. El Al lounge was great, as was shopping area. However, in-flight El Al duty-free prices were better - actually much better than most other airlines travelled. All in all, Tel Aviv airport experience capped a most enjoyable trip to Israel. No complaints, and we would very much like to visit again.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Erez Har-Tal

8 July 2005

Came back from a visit in Israel, and wow what a difference between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Very big and airy, beautiful architecture. abundant shops. Seems to be too big for current demand. (24 gates is more then enough for Tel-Aviv) A unique feature of this airport is Buy & Bye mall which allows relatives who came with the passengers to shop with them or have a byte to eat before they go through passport control and security checks. Regarding comments that there is a lot of walk from gates to passport control. Found it to be not more then any other major airport in the world. Passport control was not a problem, nor was the security check. Only complaint would be the increase in Duty Free prices. They are really outragous. Would recommend one to avoid it and make your shoppings in Tel-Aviv. It would also be nice to have direct rail links from Beer-Sheva and Jerusalem. Currently direct rail link is available from Tel-Aviv-Haifa only.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Seth Goldsmith

29 June 2005

Our experiences with the new TLV airport were excellent. It is beautiful and dramatic but quite a hike from the aircraft to passport control (on arrival). Baggage arrived quickly and we were able to get some good food as well as a phone in the arrivals area. Departure went equally smoothly except no one told us that in order to get the VAT back we should present the merchandise prior to checking in! Alas, more tax money contributed to Israel, The departure area is great with superb shops-- virtually all gifts can be purchased right there--and again, the food is excellent. All in all, a giant leap forward from the old BG terminal.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Dave Andrews

1 January 2005

The new terminal 3 at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv is opened and was well worth the 5 year wait. This is truly a world class airport with people movers, abundant shopping, restaurants and lounges. Passport control was been expanded and when the lines grew long during a recent trip more windows were promptly opened. There is also a direct rail link from the city right to the entrance to the terminal. Staff was courteous and there were more then enough seats in the waiting areas. There are also jetways to the planes so the annoying bus trips are now a thing of the past. As an added bonus the architecture is beautiful and as soon as you enter the terminal there is no mistaking that you are in Israel. The entire terminal is built out of gold Jerusalem stone.

Tel Aviv Airport review by J Davidson

3 December 2004

For people who will be travelling to TLV in the near future, this is the TLV website that should assist you in your travels. New website

Tel Aviv Airport review by Bob Isaacs

1 November 2004

Now opened the new terminal 3 so now all those who will be flying in Ben Gurion airport will be in for a big shock - its too big for our small country - over 227,000sq metres of a terminal. So get strong shoes when you arrive !

Tel Aviv Airport review by Dean Smith

26 July 2004

The brand-new US$1bln Ben Gurion airport terminal is expected to be opened for passenger service on 2 November 2004. The dilapidated old terminal will no longer serve international passengers after that date. The new terminal represents a quantum leap in the level of service to International travellers coming to and from Israel. Among the improvements (besides increasing the capacity of the airport four-fold) are direct railway service to the airport, air-conditioned jetways, and people-movers throughout the airport.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Jonathan Katz

4 June 2004

After travelling through there again, I can absolutely say that the security is ridiculous. How am I supposed to remember everyone I met? Immigration still horrible, arrivals is a mess when it's crowded. Departures has gotten worse, and the bus takes forever to come to take you to the plane.

Tel Aviv Airport review by Trudy Swafford

31 May 2004

Ben Gurion airport security is ridiculous. I understand their concerns but the questions the ask a tourist are downright stupid. My 20 year old daughter and myself were asked repeatedly about our "relationship" to each other. Is there something unusual about a mom and daughter with the same last name? We were asked what was the name of our taxi driver. Sorry I didn't ask his name, just his price. They went through our luggage, no problem, we have nothing to hide. But they slammed everything including breakables with no concerns. What year did I buy my suitcase? What was the name of the shop where I bought each souvenir? I offered to show the credit card receipts I did have but they didn't care then. I had 3 boring novels for reading on the plane from the US. Where and when did I buy them? If I go back I think I will camcord everything I do so they can view it and maybe it will answer their questions better than I can.

Tel Aviv Airport review by  Ajay Sharma

7 March 2004

My experience is something to share. Before even stepping my foot inside the arrival terminal I was questioned, then once before the immigration and then by the immigration. I had to boot up my laptop to show them the e-mails of my invite. the departures was again hectic. You should be there 3 hours before the flight but the lounge and duty free is good finally there is that addition comfort of feeling secure on flight.

Tel Aviv Airport review by  M Devor

5 March 2004

I was shocked by the non- moving lines at passport control. Israelis, sadly, do feel the need to cut in front and 3 people did it to me going in, whichever country they were from as it was the line for the foreigners. When I got to the barriers I put my hands on the barrier blocking anyone from cutting in front. The officer asks you many personal questions and then as you exit, you get taken to the side and get asked the same questions again. The BA logo was already gone by the time I made it to bag claim. Bag claim and customs were no problem, but I would call inbound immigration chaotic. The people in the line to my right, thanks to a problem passport, were there a very long time. As for leaving and the infamous security check, it wasn't as bad for me as I had heard but some people received the works. It is chaotic and very disorganized. Most people had their luggage ransacked and the area is very confining and uncomfortable. Pushing my luggage trolley to the counter past the inspection tables was not easy. The Israelis don't get checked, they have a special line that bypasses the security machine which I don't agree with. It is an unfair discrimination in favor of Israelis. In the US, everyone gets checked by TSA wherever you come from. A fellow passenger and I were taken to the side for extra screening at the security checkpoint upstairs. He referred to it as hell, I would agree. Outgoing passport control was faster but again, too many lines and people taking cuts which really annoyed me. I came back to Europe and home very sensitive to people taking cuts in line thanks to my time in Israel. It is very rude. Duty Free and airside areas are good but the common Jetset lounge is a dump. The only benefit is that you take a special bus to the BA plane from the lounge. I left the lounge and spent more time in the terminal which is more spacious. Hopefully they will build more lounges at the new terminal. I doubt that I will go back before the new terminal is built and they really do need to give more space and organization to the security areas which are cramped and congested, something Israeli citizens know nothing about. BA doesn't have the early check in so that wasn't an option and my AA Platinum card didn't help with the security lines, just the actual check in and everyone was getting their bags torn apart so it was empty.

Tel Aviv Airport review by  B Yamin

20 February 2004

I have never waited at immigration more than 10 minutes, (I have been to ben gurion 5 times each way) My waits in San Francisco and JFK and Sydney have been much worse, In terms of waiting only smaller airports such as Dulles (DC) have been about equal in waiting times. On the way out it can take longer, I think it is quickest with ElAl, (not too mention my relaxation on feeling much safer) While it is advisable to arrive 3 hours Early, I never have I am usually between 1-2 hrs and once I came within the 1/2 hour to departure and did not have a problem, Though i Dont recommend cutting it that close. All in all I am happy to wait a bit longer on the way out so I know I will have a safe flight and it is not any longer than any of the bigger airports I have mentioned above in any event. The service is usually better and more polite. The only frustrating thing in the whole airport experience (I have not been there during the strike which is over) Is the push to get your luggage, as someone mentioned Israeli's don't like waiting in lines, but then again I have seen this at most large airports, I have never had a problem with my luggage not arriving relatively quickly both in Ben Gurion and as far as I can remember anywhere else, maybe I am just lucky :) Oh and last but not least the food is great at the concessions I have tried (especially Yotvata) and the Duty free is very cheap, at least whatever I was interested in, for whatever reason it is in US Dollars and not in sheckels which annoys me after finally getting used to sheckels every time I leave.

Tel Aviv Airport review by  Stephen Hawk

30 January 2004

If you travel to work in Tel Aviv and work is paying for your trip, fly with El Al - it has the greatest service in C class and the lounge at Ben Gurion is high class - great fresh fruit and authentic dishes. As for the lines - check your bags the night before and save lines. Every airport has its ups and downs.








 

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.