Faro Airport

Not Verified | Having a house in the Algarve I use Faro Airport often and has never been a pleasant experience but this evening has been awful. I took my partner for the evening London bound flight and after check in I accompanied him to the security level staying well away from the entrance but waited to say goodbye by the eye level fence which allows view to the security area, only to be confronted by a very angry police staff member and taking in consideration there are no signs that one can not wait in that area his behaviour and level of verbal aggression was unexpected and unnecessary. If only passengers can be on that floor then there should be a security staff member at the bottom of the escalators that give access to that level. I am Portuguese and I'm embarrassed of the lack of training some of the staff have, especially an airport policeman. This is definitely abuse of power.

Not Verified | I am disabled and had what can only be described as a dreadful experience at this airport. Initially we found it difficult to access any assistance, it is only available two hours before your flight. Then when we went through the security check the security person insisted I remove my shoes - something that no one else was required to do - I cannot remove my shoes in the normal way - as I tried to explain this the person became more and more derisive making me feel humiliated and embarrassed. Their whole procedure should be reviewed and their security personnel should be trained to treat those less fortunate than themselves with some degree of empathy. I will not be that eager to return.

Not Verified | We have a house in Portugal and come here 3 to 5 times a year for 20 years. Like many many people we were appalled from lack of airbridge and celebrated when it was granted as we love the Algarve and the people. When we landed, we were greeted by a queue that snacked around arrivals with hundreds of people and two people checking our passports! We believe 3 UK planes arrived during this time. The electronic passport checker was closed. I have never seen such appalling service. Does Portugal not want us back. This was around 9pm at night.

Not Verified | Despite paying for Fast Track and business class. The check in was chaotic and disorganised. I wasted my money as I priority check in was non-existent. When I arrived at security regardless of paying for Fast Track there is none. When I questioned security and the on site Information desk they were rude and disinterested. I spent the next 20 min waiting in a queue at security. If you want to be herded and treated like cattle then this is the airport for you, just don’t pay for anything to make the process less problematic as Faro don’t care.

Not Verified | It’s the worst airport I have ever visited. Today despite a business ticket they would not open fast track so I queued 35 minutes for security. The place is disorganised and unfriendly.

✅ Trip Verified | I really cannot understand the continued poor reviews of this airport. I fly, a lot, and this airport is by no means a 1 or 2 out of 10. As someone else has identified, the security on arrivals is rather poor and they do need to address the non-functional e-gates. However, other than that, I find the staff cheerful and helpful, and they are very family friendly (letting us to the front of the passport queue!). Yes, water is expensive, and they should take a lead from others by providing a refill station rather than a vending machine. The duty free area is slightly more expensive than a supermarket for wine, I noted a couple of wine brands that were €2-3 more than Intermarche. It is a bit of a pain going up and down stairs, but I think this is a more of a product of updating the existing design than bad planning. I’ve never had any issues with the lifts or escalators when travelling with the family. Getting better, slowly but surely.

✅ Trip Verified | Faro Airport is a very poor example of modern planning. Enormous, empty halls and outside areas but the facilities and transfer arrangements from check in and baggage drop to departure gate are abysmal. Everything is arranged over different levels and I find the constant climbing up and down stairs very tiring. On 23rd January 2020 after boarding card checks (twice in 20 yards) I headed for the lift to gate 320, lifts not working for able bodied passengers, reserved for several wheelchair users! Escalators out of order! I had to option but to climb about 60 marble steps although it felt like 90 steps with my carry on. On arriving on the next floor I discovered that gate 320 is on the ground floor, another 20 steps down to that. To board the plane there are another 20 metal steps. Why? Why not join the 21st century and build a new Airport on one level?? The Algarve attracts many retired and disabled passengers why was that not taken into consideration when building this new Airport? Only one lift built and that reserved when there are wheelchair users? The Duty Free prices are astronomical as are the prices in the Bars. All in all a very unpleasant experience.

Not Verified | I have just returned from my trip to Portugal and I wanted to just say that based on my experience in the airport I don’t think I’ll be returning. The experience I had at departure was disgusting. I have a severe nut allergy and board with the speedy boarders but was told that I wasn’t allowed and was spoken to in the most disgusting way by the staff. I questioned why and was told I was disturbed people and the flight. I asked for the gentleman’s name and he refused to give it to me. The way that the passengers with special assistance we’re treated from the flight from Faro to Luton was a disgrace and based on this experience I won’t be returning to Portugal.

Not Verified | While out of season and thus not typical, passage through the airport - check in (Jet2) and security - all quick and easy. Facilities all good except the lack of any smoking area. Simply inexcusable. I dislike flying and not being able to smoke I came very close to abandoning my flight and heading for the rail station to return to UK. To compound the insult website says there IS a smoking area, otherwise I would not have come. Disgusting.

✅ Trip Verified | Availability of restrooms throughout the terminal is the only plus. Terrible attitude of every single staff we had to deal with is the biggest minus. Just rude and inefficient in every possible way.