Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport

I recently flew into GRU from DFW. I didn't see any of the long immigration lines. They had two lines - one for Brazilians and another for non. I was in the non and cleared in less than 5 minutes. However finding my domestic connection (TAM to Natal) proved to be a bit confusing and I got misdirected a couple of times. I did eventually make it.

Not the worst airport I've been in but Brazil's premier city deserves better. Confusing intertwining lines at the check-in counters and general feeling of chaos. Things are a bit better airside but security seems way too casual. Poor selection at duty-free and Sky Club lounge was hopelessly overcrowded and with a poor food and wine selection.

A great shame that South America's main hub is based on an airport which seems to be stuck in time and is light years away from being considered a world-class facility. No confort in all means unbelievable lines for immIgration and customs awkward and confusing signs Inexperienced staff few and expensive shopping/eating options after security pathetic luggage claim lounges where passengers do not even have space to pick up their belongings. In other words authorities will have plenty of work to do should they do not want to be embarassed in front of 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games tourists.

I have flown in and out of Sao Paulo on eight occasions during the past few years. The airport is getting much more busy and is starting to suffer from overcrowding especially during the peak periods there are 2 terminals but you could be fooled into thinking that there was just the one as both terminals are joined and so the terminals are one long building. When departing getting through immigration can be slow especially during the evening hours when there are many international flights departing as for arriving the immigration can be extremely slow especially during the morning. From my experience the waiting is not too bad during non busy periods. The airport has a lack of sitting and eating areas and there are times when you will need to wait for a place before you can sit down to eat. One good thing is the amount of toilets/restrooms - plenty and they are usually clean. A new terminal should soon be under construction according to the Brazilian media and this will surely ease the problem but until then you may need to be patient when at Sao Paulo airport.

Terrible to say the least poorly organised not enough space 3 hour check in lines especially TAM. Needs an additional wing to cope with increased Brazilian air travel. Immigration incoming needs more staff security and outgoing immigration is okay.

The airport is outdated and overcrowded and I can't imagine how it will handle the crowds it will get for the World Cup and Olympics. Check-in lines can be very long and block access through the terminals especially when as with many international flights the counters don't open until 2 or 3 hours before the flight. People line up well in advance. Getting directions even to airline counters can be difficult. Eating choices are extensive but mainly just run of the mill airport quality and seats/tables can be overwhelmed.

Chaotic and dirty disorder is the hallmark of this airport. We had the displeasure of spending 3 hours in transit here and found our experiences similar to previous ones. Departure gates badly signed and too close together leading to widespread passenger confusion inadequate catering and restaurant facilities serving poor quality food dirty bathrooms which are obviously not cleaned with any frequency. These are just some of the complaints we could make. We have resolved not to use this airport again and will try to transit through other Latin American hubs; there are alternatives.