Lisbon Airport

Previous correspondents have obviously found the T1 to T2 transfer a bit of a fiddle but actually it isn't that bad just not especially well signposted. Here's the process : on arrival at T1 go through immigration (assuming you're from a non-Schengen country) then follow signs for T2 transfers and go through security screening again. You're now airside in T1. Follow the signs and ground arrows to the T2 transfer gate - where you get taken by shuttle bus (airside) to T2. You're dropped off airside in T2 which is a big shed but fit for purpose - bar/cafe/bookstall/booze shop.

I use both first and second terminals many times a year and I'm liking it more rather than less. Airport Hotels are conveniently located and reasonably priced. Hire Car Areas are a bit cramped but certainly close enough to the Terminal. Summer gets very busy with holiday flights and very crowded early in the morning. Winter is much quieter. Check-In areas are well laid out and a dream if your airline does online check-in. Security can get crowded but professional and courteous behaviour as always from the staff makes a huge difference (maybe something many passengers could learn). Overall a nice and functional airport.

Arrived at Lisbon Airport with 2 hour wait to carry on to Faro. What we didn't realise was the connection to Faro meant a bus transfer to Terminal 2. We waited for the boarding announcement and finally realised we were in Terminal 1 an enquiry at a transfer desk made us see what was happening but confused instructions from the clerk meant we couldn't find our way to the bus until too late. We got across to Terminal 2 just in time to see the plane taxi down the runway. A complaint to the Groundforce desk got us tickets on the next flight - five hours later - and a 15 Euro charge each not happy but could have been worse. All the girl would say was Terminal 1 was International flights and Terminal 2 was Internal flights but how were we supposed to know? And we were not the only ones several people were at the desk complaining as well. We bussed back to Terminal 1 for some food and the bus dropped us off at the front entrance. We stood amazed as we could see clearly marked on the floor green arrows showing the way to the buses for Terminal 2. Why on earth weren't these markings painted on the floor airplane arrival side for internal flight transfers? A lot of worry and hassle all for the sake of better signage. Be aware!

Arrival in Lisbon from Germany was straight forward. Toilets at the baggage claim were badly signposted and not well kept. A taxi-voucher service for arriving passengers is offered by the tourist office stand at the airport you must provide your destination address at the counter (any destination in Lisbon for Euro 16 tip the driver a Euro when dropped off at your destination) to avoid tourists being ripped off. Access to check-in counter only for people with a ticket (or a printout of you booking confirmation e-mail). The reason behind this procedure struck me as odd. Layout and signposting of check-in counters and access to security check confusing; staff friendly when asked for directions. Security check efficient and professional. Airside shops and eateries plentiful but did not check the price. Toilets well kept signage and layout/arrangement of gates confusing. Announcements over the PA-system very clear. In short: needs improvement regarding signage and layout staff are friendly and approachable experience was average.

The last time I passed through Lisbon Airport Departure a few years ago it was depressingly dull with few facilities. It has now improved beyond all recognition with a very bright smart appearance and an excellent range of eating and drinking facilities. Curiously only passengers with flight bookings are allowed to go through to the check-in area on landside. As with many other airports it's best not to go through the gate until close to flight departure time because there are few facilities once there.

A good and nice little airport with old and new parts. Recently opened new restaurant area with excellent food and rest areas. Compared to rest of Europe very good prices for drinks and beverages. Short walking distances. The downside is the arrival area which has to be improved. Airport is located very near to towncenter thus short transfer times.

Lisbon Airport is currently a mess. It takes excessively long to get through passport and security checks (easily up to an hour) the walk ways are crowded and food and snack items are much more expensive than in Zurich. To the airport's credit it has a new terminal and building is not complete but the co-ordination is a mess. Last time I passed through there was just one person checking all EU/EEA passports. Lots of turnstiles for those who have electronic passports but almost no-one did. You have to show your ticket just to get to the check-in area so non-traveling companions may not come with you... This used to be until very recently a small comfortably sized international airport like those of the days of yore albeit fairly poorly facilitated for restaurants and the like. Now it feels massive excessive unfriendly crowded pretentious and expensive. Flying from Porto is ever so much more pleasant if it suits you.