Newcastle Airport

Went to Tenerife in July 2013 outward bound flight was no issue and good friendly service. My problem was the return journey. I know from experience at Newcastle airport that of all the airports that I that I travel to (many with work) I always find that Newcastle comes at the bottom of the list for queuing time at immigration and waiting for baggage. The flight return time was to land at 1.30am and I had 4 small children in our party. We landed at 1.40 am and we did not receive baggage until 2.45 am - 1 hour 5 mins for baggage to travel 150 yards! I could have travelled to Paris in the same time. Add at least 1 hour onto your travel time when using this airport.

I have used this airport over several years it being very close to where I live. When I used this airport last month it was a Sunday morning and not too many passengers but we still had to walk up and down the snake queue to security which was empty surely this could be shortened when the airport are aware that they are not busy. May seem petty but if you have any walking disabilities it does seem like a wasted effort. On buying my newspapers and magazines the new rule is to provide your boarding card even to purchase the smallest item. A lot of customers were highly annoyed at this and the poor salesperson had to deal with all complaints. I myself had to struggle with magazines hand luggage purse and then produce boarding card which I had by then safely put into my bag. I can see the point if buying from duty free but not from even a packet of mints. Another complaint I have is when checking in I have been asked to produce my hand luggage which always is the correct allocation but note on taking my seat on the aircraft passengers come on with two or three bags or cases some of which are in excess of size advised. How do they get away with this?

Flew out of Newcastle on 25th July 2012 to Larnaca on Thomas Cook. Check-in was fast as we were about the first passengers there. Departure lounge has been spoiled with the high chairs blocking the view from the window. When boarding the aircraft at 8.20 I had my phone out at the gate saying goodbye to friends and family I had just gone outside to get the bus to the aircraft which was at the other side of the airfield and I was told to switch my phone of while there must of been about 10 girls behind us all with their mobile phones out yet nothing was said to them!

First of 3 departure airports on a flight to Australia. My wife and I usually fly Emirates but decided to try other airlines and found this to be a good decision. On our return into Newcastle it was refreshingly quick with a much reduced waiting time at Immigration and baggage collection. The airport has good connections into/out of Paris and Amsterdam. Good clean environment with minimum queues at security made for a good start to our journey.

Clean small to medium sized airport. Good accessibility by road and public transport (own rail station). Short taxi times. Normally short transfer times inside the terminal but long queues on passport control when the daily Emirates services from Dubai arrives. Had problems with self check-in machines - staff was willing to help but finally had to check in at the desk. Wide range of shops and cafes/restaurants in regard to the size of the airport. Departure Hall is light comfortable and clean. Short walk to car rental.

Much improved since my last visit. Dining clear of dirty crockery/glasses etc. Very quick through security which is now much more stress free than before. As previously mentioned apart from catering or shop assistants there is never any sight of airport staff once airside.

Much improved since my last visit with food and drink areas clean and tidy. No lengthy queues at security with pleasant and polite staff.

Last flew out to Boston via CDG in September. What we really like about NCL is how relatively short time you require to check in especially with KLM/Air France which was pretty useful this time as my wife was finishing her night shift at 9am and our flight was at 11.50am. Following check in with an infant and infant travel system we still had time for breakfast and tea at Starbucks on the check in side. Security checks with the new extension building has improved and staff are friendly (especially with travelling with an infant). Arrival via Amsterdam was pretty much straightforward and painless. We now recommend this airport to friends and family visiting from overseas to avoid Heathrow but obviously some restriction as not all international airlines serve this airport. Would be nice to have a spectator's area with a cafe for people living in Newcastle!

I agree with the earlier comment on dirty tables in food areas. Every time I visit the airport I have to clear away dirty crockery from public areas. The most frustrating event at the airport is watching the countdown on the flight information screens go down to a 3 minute wait and then remain at that figure with no updates. Management at the airport really need to attend to this matter in order that waiting passengers are kept more informed of delays. Once airside there is never any airport staff available to ask about delays or indeed any other concern that anyone may have. On a positive note queuing time at security has improved beyond measure.

The facilities seem excellent. It was not busy when I travelled so there was no queuing. I have never seen an airport lounge so filthy. So much rubbish discarded fast food containers empty cans newspapers strewn everywhere. Filthy tables in the restaurant area etc.