Sydney Airport

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.