Tel Aviv Airport

Tel Aviv is a small and very efficient airport. Although we used this airport during holiday season everything was ready and works normally. Security checks were quick, and check–in was fast. Personal security check was quick and passport control has short wait. When you come into terminal, everything is clear, signs and announcements are clear, no problem to find your way. Prices of food are very expensive, more then other international airports. It is pity that airport management does not do anything about. Prices of "duty free" shops also high.

I was departing from Tel Aviv Terminal 1 of the airport, which is in use for low-cost and domestic flights. The staff at the terminal were friendly and there weren`t any long queues (less than 10-minutes). Although the security checks in Ben Gurion Airport are known as very strict, this time I passed through it fast (perhaps because of the fewer number of passengers in this secondary terminal). The queue in the passport control was very fast too. Then me and other passengers were transferred by bus to the main terminal 3 where all the retail and duty-free shops are located, and obviously the gates (the bus is a comfortable airside bus and the ride between terminals takes few minutes). There is a big choice of stores, from perfumes to kids stuff and toys, it`s all there. There are play areas for children. The gates are comfortable with a plenty of space to sit. Free unlimited WIFI connection. The boarding for the aircraft is usually by an airbridge but there are 6 gates with bus stands, so I can`t promise you that you`ll board the aircraft directly.

At Tel Aviv Airport the duty free shops open 24/7, which is always a plus in my opinion. Even if you're not buying, the airport feels alive at all times, people rushing in and out. It's a great atmosphere, relatively small but very cozy. The directions are clear and easy to understand in any language, and queuing times are tolerable and there are numerous desks available at all times so that is a plus as well. Of course with the duty free shops you have some decent cafēs, I would give the shopping experience a 5 but for the relatively high prices. There is a lot of choice and there is a variety of artistic structures in the shopping area which makes it pleasant to take a seat and simply wait.

I was waiting to check in on 30th March at about 2pm and unexpectectly my daughter had a seizure. Called for medical help and the nurse that attended to her was quick, friendly and helpful and provided whatever care was needed. I want to thank all staff members who attended to us. Overall our trip was excellent.

I have been to Ben Gurion Airport quite a few times and I've got to say that it is a very enjoyable place to be, whether you are departing or arriving, there's always something to do. Generally helpful staff and a nice waterfall to look at before you board your plain.

After reading reviews we were very apprehensive about the experience we would relieve at Ben Gurion and indeed the security experience. In view of this we arrived just over three hours before our flight was due to depart. Well I've got to say it was one of the best airport experiences ever. OK so we were business class with El Al but from entering the deoarture hall to being sat in the King David lounge took thirty minutes, yes thirty minutes. All the staff were friendly and helpful, airport was clean and easy to navigate too. Verbal security check was fast efficient and friendly, straight to check in and bags dropped, no intrusive bag checks then off to security. Again a total breeze. One point however, even at three in the morning the queue for economy security checks was very busy but appeared to be moving OK. I would estimate probably just over an hour to go through economy check.

The airport itself is ok, however the services and the staff are horrible. They are rude and not helpful. Instead of helping, it feels like they are trying to figure out a way to make the journey a nightmare. There is no information telling people they need to have printed boarding pass and they don't accept mobile pass. The check-in counters are open only 3 hours before the flight. Once I was forced to wait 5 hours just for check in, while having only a hand luggage. The airport website says they do accept mobile boarding passes but when I asked the staff they said they don't. They were not interested in helping or assisting me.

Flew with Brussels Airlines (won't again) and flight delayed so I missed my connection. They gave the last seat on an alternative flight to a guy standing behind me and then told me that they don't control the queue. Had to spend 3 hours in the Concourse C DAN lounge, which I would never pay for. The departure lounge outside is far cleaner and less crowded.

Sunday afternoon, AF flight to Paris. Arrival at the terminal more than 3 hours before scheduled take-off. No waiting at the security check, very efficient, check-in of the flight and for the luggage very smooth and again plenty of gates on duty for the security check before passport control. We waited between 5 and 10 minutes at every control before getting through. So, may be we were lucky, but very efficient airport and plenty shops and restaurants.

Avoid at all costs! Getting in is pretty straight forward getting out is another story. Huge lines inefficient crowd control ridiculous amount of screenings and no help whatsoever from staff or so called staff. I do get the security threats in the middle east but please find some polite and hospitable people! Everything could be alright with a smile and a please. Overall a fantastic trip in an interesting country ruined by the last 4 hours spent in it makes JFK post 9/11 look like a walk in the ballpark.