Bristol Airport

Flew into Bristol Airport yesterday and had long walk to passport control interrupted by having to halt our progress while foot passengers boarding a flight were allowed to cross our path to get to their plane a bit 'tacky' in my opinion. Then the 'scrum' at passport control several queue lines which merge further on causing friction 3 control booth's unmanned non-eu passengers allowed to queue-jump after filling in a form. Most frustrating thing for many people holding the 'newer' chipped passports was the lack of guidance resulting in some travellers queuing for no reason. Passport control's shortcoming's reflect badly on Bristol airport.

I'm surprised at the negative reviews. I hadn't used Bristol for over a year. I'm at the airport now waiting for my flight. It's a busy Friday late afternoon. Got through security in a couple of minutes seemed to be plenty of staff and the ones I dealt with were very friendly and informal.

I am originally from Bristol so I really wanted an airport to be proud of. Alas the opposite is true. Security simply don't have enough people making the queues long and painful. An under pressure staff makes for a grumpy staff and there was no exception to the rule at Bristol Airport. Once inside I needed to use the toilets but not only are they hard to find when I did find them they were out of order or so dirty I refused to use them. On the return journey after a dash across a rain soaked runway we were greeted with customs and security queues as far as the eye could see. Overall a shocking experience and in the future I will avoid Bristol Airport at all costs.

We flew from Bristol Airport on the afternoon of 15th March. Having been dreading the experience of security control I was amazed that the officials were positively affable! In view of many previous horrible experiences it was almost disconcerting. Everything else was alas the same. A very long walk from the main terminal to the departure gate arriving in time to see the easyJet crew arriving at the aircraft by bus. This said it all. I heard several passengers expressing their annoyance at this. Upon our return a week later another long walk including a flight of stairs.

Flew out of the airport at the weekend again the security Jobsworth's were trying to justify their jobs with aggressive body searches. On return on Sunday pm we landed ahead of schedule at 16.45 and our luggage arrived in the terminal at 17.34 are Servisair not able to cope with early arrivals on a quiet Sunday afternoon? Also the Bus from the plane waited outside the terminal entrance for 5 minutes as there was nobody available to open the entry door! I use the airport around a dozen times airport and it's still a provincial airport pretending to be an international airport.

Chequer cars have airport monopoly on taxi services. The front apron removed to limit public access. A new drop and collection point once a free area for 10 minutes now charges also if over 20 minutes escalates to rip off level. How can people be expected to account for delays of aircraft while picking up? Double red lines on private property are policed by Avon and Somerset also used as airport security would it not be better to allow the Airport to employ mercenaries saving tax payers money using officers on a private land and letting custom officers have more responsibility.

The experience walking along endless corridors with steps and uphill ramps was the most painful travel experience of my life. I have knee problems which are very painful when walking long distances. I do not use a wheelchair but walk at a slow pace but when proceeding to the departure gate I would have missed my flight if my partner had not taken me part of the way in a wheelchair. You cannot imagine the feeling of distress when experiencing this - never ever again will I travel from Bristol.

Nothing good at all about Bristol Airport now - how they can transform it into the most painful experience from 10 years ago goodness knows - hate using it we but we have to use it at least 6 times a year as we have no alternative.

As this was the first occasion I had encountered the 'new' passport arrangements the female security officer with whom I had the misfortune to have guide' me through the procedure was very unpleasant and officious and showed huge irritation and more than a lack of patience (which was evident in her tone of voice and body language) thereby I found her to be extremely rude and rather offensive. Very disappointing to have to complain but the experience left me feeling frustrated annoyed and very dispirited is this really the impression you want to convey to both British and overseas visitors! If one is polite then you expect the same in return! If I had not been tired and just wanting to get to Bath then I would have complained in person - but then again I surely should not have reason if the member of staff had behaved in a more professional manner.

Departed from Palma airport which has escalators everywhere and spotlessly clean toilets every 100 yds. Arrived in Bristol to what felt like a 5 mile hike to get to the baggage collection. There was one single gents toilet en- route toilet paper all over the floor and no water working to wash your hands. Despite the lengthy delay in actually getting to baggage collection we still had a 15 minute wait before the belt started. I can't see any reason to choose to fly from here again would rather drive to Birmingham.