That was a great report ray, sounds like you had a lovely holiday. Glad BHX proved to us all that it can work when it needs to.
Using Birmingham Airport (Questions & Reviews)
- Thread starter TheLocalYokel
- Start date
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- #62
Definitely.
I have let the airport know that we had another great experience, all too often they only ever hear the moans
richard winterbourn
Active Member
- Aug 19, 2015
- 423
- 93
Not too sure if this is the right place for the following comment. But passed through BHX today, having arrived on MON from Faro soon after the arrival of the Dubai and other flights. The airport was busy, very busy but no way would i describe the handling of arriving pax as chaotic or in a state of chaos. It took 20 minutes from leaving the plane to waiting for the shuttle to the rail station.
While it was slow, everything was ordered with staff shuffling us through at a slow walking pace. Indeed, the personnel ahead of passport control who were shepherding us through were able to prevent crowd pressure points by the clever tactic of holding us back from descending stairs into the main hall until there was space at the foot of the stairs for us to move on forward.
However, one point that i was not impressed with (and maybe someone more au-fait with the airport might explain the reasoning) was that after being bussed to enter arrivals we had to climb UP several flights of stairs to a level walkway where at the end we had to DESCEND into passport control. For the elderly and those with a degree of reduced mobility this is surely difficult. Is there not sufficient space for arriving pax to enter the customs hall at ground level?
And finally, after being away from the news for a few days was delighted to hear that Brum is going to be the UK choice for the Commonwealth Games. Well done all....
While it was slow, everything was ordered with staff shuffling us through at a slow walking pace. Indeed, the personnel ahead of passport control who were shepherding us through were able to prevent crowd pressure points by the clever tactic of holding us back from descending stairs into the main hall until there was space at the foot of the stairs for us to move on forward.
However, one point that i was not impressed with (and maybe someone more au-fait with the airport might explain the reasoning) was that after being bussed to enter arrivals we had to climb UP several flights of stairs to a level walkway where at the end we had to DESCEND into passport control. For the elderly and those with a degree of reduced mobility this is surely difficult. Is there not sufficient space for arriving pax to enter the customs hall at ground level?
And finally, after being away from the news for a few days was delighted to hear that Brum is going to be the UK choice for the Commonwealth Games. Well done all....
Jon Dempsey
Well-Known Member
We flew to Malaga on 26th August on the early Monarch. (Apologies for missing you Ray, we got to the airport late)
My comments :
Bag drop : hectic, the staff were stressed, but processed pax quickly. Would be better to extend the automated bag drop as there were no queues there.
Security : full to brimming. We took the queue buster, so avoided the wait, the area was rammed. Pax were processed as quickly as they could be. Going by other airports I have flown through, this seems efficient although needs more security lanes for peak times.
Departure lounge : was full, but with flights boarding, there was a constant stream of pax. Other airports I fly though have more retail facilities and more space to browse. Would be better to have outside views (as before) - was surrounded by shops and pubs, not the best.
Pax handled efficiently.
Departure gate : a relief. If the new masterplan could somehow make the departure lounge like this, it would be a dream to fly from.
Boarding : Monarch have still not got the hang of boarding a flight.
My 83yo mom flew out to us on the following Wednesday via Ryanair and could not compliment them any more, yet I reckon if she had flown Monarch, she'd still be at the departure gate!!
My comments :
Bag drop : hectic, the staff were stressed, but processed pax quickly. Would be better to extend the automated bag drop as there were no queues there.
Security : full to brimming. We took the queue buster, so avoided the wait, the area was rammed. Pax were processed as quickly as they could be. Going by other airports I have flown through, this seems efficient although needs more security lanes for peak times.
Departure lounge : was full, but with flights boarding, there was a constant stream of pax. Other airports I fly though have more retail facilities and more space to browse. Would be better to have outside views (as before) - was surrounded by shops and pubs, not the best.
Pax handled efficiently.
Departure gate : a relief. If the new masterplan could somehow make the departure lounge like this, it would be a dream to fly from.
Boarding : Monarch have still not got the hang of boarding a flight.
My 83yo mom flew out to us on the following Wednesday via Ryanair and could not compliment them any more, yet I reckon if she had flown Monarch, she'd still be at the departure gate!!
Yes it has and no end in sight by the looks of it.
Just had a thought, why dont airports handle stuff themselves ?? Oh yes i know, becouse they can blame somebody else for it when it goes wrong.
58terminus
Well-Known Member
But the passengers don't do they?They blame the Airport.
- Moderator
- #68
I doubt most passengers know that the handlers are an outside firm, they'll just think they are airport employees. It's the same with flight prices and delays it'll be the airport blamed for the most part.Yes it has and no end in sight by the looks of it.
Just had a thought, why dont airports handle stuff themselves ?? Oh yes i know, becouse they can blame somebody else for it when it goes wrong.
- Moderator
- #69
Picked some relatives up today and rather than wait at the station I decided to go in and have a snoop.
Arrivals was absolutely heaving with a constant stream of people coming through, I was there for just under an hour and there was literally no break whatsoever.
Outside Costa there was a large group of 100-150 international students (complete with a huge amount of luggage) who had arrived on EK39 for Aberystwyth University. It was causing a bit of chaos in an already very busy area but I couldn't complain as it's good to see them using BHX as their UK entry point
The relatives transit wasn't too bad, they said they waited 15 mins or so for the aircraft doors to be opened, then there was something about a door en route to customs being locked with nobody having the code so they had to use another one. UKBF and baggage were about average. I think from arriving on stand to meeting me in arrivals was approx 40 mins all in, which I thought was pretty good considering how busy it was.
Arrivals was absolutely heaving with a constant stream of people coming through, I was there for just under an hour and there was literally no break whatsoever.
Outside Costa there was a large group of 100-150 international students (complete with a huge amount of luggage) who had arrived on EK39 for Aberystwyth University. It was causing a bit of chaos in an already very busy area but I couldn't complain as it's good to see them using BHX as their UK entry point
The relatives transit wasn't too bad, they said they waited 15 mins or so for the aircraft doors to be opened, then there was something about a door en route to customs being locked with nobody having the code so they had to use another one. UKBF and baggage were about average. I think from arriving on stand to meeting me in arrivals was approx 40 mins all in, which I thought was pretty good considering how busy it was.
- Admin
- #70
I've moved Craig's excellent trip report to the dedicated forum for Airline Reviews.
Here's a snippet of Craig's post. If you'd like to read his full report visit the Airline Reviews forum.
Here's a snippet of Craig's post. If you'd like to read his full report visit the Airline Reviews forum.
CraigW92 said:JET2 BHX - LPA
So I returned last week (14th) from a lovely week with Jet2 which saw me use both a new company and a new airport, have to say I was very impressed.
On arrival at BHX we were dropped off outside the terminal at around 06:30 after a 2 hour car ride from Cardiff, After getting in the terminal out from the fold and rainy weather, we approached the Jet2 check in desks, A lovely friendly greeting arrived from a gentleman saying welcome to Jet2 check in and directed us to a free desk, There was at least 10 of these opened at this time with no queues at all, very efficient check in which took no longer than a few mins to drop bags and check passports, The lady behind the desk told us which gate we would be leaving from and also asked us have we visited Birmingham before, in which I replied no and gave us directions of where to find things in airport along with a have a nice holiday and a lovely flight goodbye, No problems at security whatsoever, 10 mins to queue and get through which was all fine, I noticed only a few of the screening areas were opened, I imagine In busier summer times all are opened, Once through security we headed straight to the wetherspoons for a light breakfast, Toast and jam along with a nice pint of orange juice which all came to a reasonable few pounds per person, Staff were very polite and we were served very quickly and the food also came in a few mins, This then left a little time before heading to the gate in which time we have a look around the shops available and also the views of the aircraft on the way to the gates.
LS1259
At around 8:40 we headed to the gate which I believe was 62A ( roughly ), we were only sat down for a few minutes in which time the boarding staff called the flight and the bus was waiting to take us to the waiting aircraft, after a short bus ride we arrived at the aircraft which was G-JZHV straight on to the aircraft and greeted with a very friendly welcome to Jet2 and have a lovely flight again, Seat 8A I selected at the time of check in and immediately noticed how excellent the leg room is in comparison to other airlines ( TUI for example) very roomy which for a 4 hour flight was very comfortable indeed, seat also was very comfortable, plenty of back support, The flight was quickly boarded and very full, only around 2 seats spare, The captain gave a briefing on the route and also said he would be back with us with further updates in the cruise ( 4 updates to precise), The flight departed around 15 mins late
- Moderator
- #71
A quick run down of our flights to Zakynthos and back with Thomas Cook.
Left during the middle of the night last Sunday with lightning streaking across the sky, during the walk down from car park 5 there was still lightning but all seemed calm so no problem. Arrived at the airport around 02:00 and it was pretty quiet with just those sleeping on benches strewn around the place. Thomas Cook check in is now in T2 and despite the early hour the lady was very polite. Making our way back down towards departures things were getting much busier. Upstairs was empty though with security still closed so we stood and waited for 10 mins or so. The rain bouncing off the roof made a terrible noise only dwarfed by the tremendous thunder, looking around there were several concerned faces. Security opened about 02:40 and we were through in less than 10 minutes, as we had an 05:05 departure we were the only flight in the departure lounge and compare to my last time when it was packed, this was heaven. After dragging Mrs F and number one Daughter out of World Duty Free we were the only people in Wetherspoons. We were in there for about an hour and a quarter constantly looking at the screen showing pictures of the runway and apron where the storm seemed to be getting worse, there was quite a bit of chatter about how bad it was.
Boarding was downstairs at gate 65 with a 30 second bus ride to stand 60 where G-TCDY was waiting. When we stepped out to the bus the sky was gloomy but no thunder or rain which many seemed relieved about, I have to say that I certainly was. I think we pushed back around 20 mins late due to getting the bags on but it wasn't long until we were departing RWY15, there was a bit of turbulence going through the cloud but once above it was pretty smooth, looking from above the clouds looked very fierce and I understand it got quite bad on Sunday?
Arrival into Zakynthos was bang on time, very little queue to show passports and bags arrived very promptly. The longest wait was for the coach to start moving but with a short transfer I estimate approx 45 mins from wheels touching down to the first sip of Mythos
Check in this morning was total chaos and we queued for well over an hour. Zakynthos Airport is going through a refurb with the number of check in desks increasing from 15 to 20. Having all Thomas Cook flights using only 4 desks this morning meant total overload. Security was quick though and the departure lounge hasn't changed too much since two years ago, just a new duty free shop.
We were on G-TCDY again coming home and were boarded and ready to go 20 mins early but ATC restrictions meant we couldn't depart. The moaners behind commented "are we just supposed to wait on the plane then!" I nearly turned round and said something but though it best not. Departure was on time to the south with a left turn toward the Greek Mainland, passing over Kefalonia, the southern tip of Italy and up to Venice when it became nothing but cloud until almost at the Channel.
Arrival into Birmingham was 15 min ahead of schedule and we parked on stand 42R next to a Qatar Dreamliner. There is no air bridge on this stand and the moaners behind piped up again "not on the bus again are we!", they obviously didn't know that it's just a short walk to the stairs/lift. As this stand is at the far end of the pier it was around 15 mins or so (walking past an Emirates A380) down to UKBF where the queue was lengthy. Things were constantly moving and despite some woman moaning that we hadn't queued as long as her as they changed the barrier layout it wasn't too bad, taking about 20 minutes. Baggage was busy with the last few QR bags on carousel 3 but ours were off in no time. From aircraft to exiting the terminal was about 50 minutes with a chunk of that walking from the plane. Given that it was in the middle of the day at the end of the school holidays I thought it was excellent but it didn't stop some moans from people who I think may only be happy if their car was waiting on the apron for them! I wonder if some of the groans are purely psychological as it's quite disheartening to see such a long queue? The reality is that it's constantly moving and for me it's a pleasant surprise but for some it may have already stuck?
Overall I had no complaints at all about departing or arriving at BHX, everything worked as it should and everyone I came in to contact with was extremely polite. Thomas Cook were great yet again with lovely flights both ways. The cabin crew were polite and attentive but not too in your face and the flight deck made a series of very interesting announcements to keep everyone updated. I grabbed a few pictures (on my phone so not the greatest quality) which I'll add later or tomorrow.
Next flight is with Jet2 in August which I am very much looking forward to.
If anyone has made it this far then thanks for reading
Left during the middle of the night last Sunday with lightning streaking across the sky, during the walk down from car park 5 there was still lightning but all seemed calm so no problem. Arrived at the airport around 02:00 and it was pretty quiet with just those sleeping on benches strewn around the place. Thomas Cook check in is now in T2 and despite the early hour the lady was very polite. Making our way back down towards departures things were getting much busier. Upstairs was empty though with security still closed so we stood and waited for 10 mins or so. The rain bouncing off the roof made a terrible noise only dwarfed by the tremendous thunder, looking around there were several concerned faces. Security opened about 02:40 and we were through in less than 10 minutes, as we had an 05:05 departure we were the only flight in the departure lounge and compare to my last time when it was packed, this was heaven. After dragging Mrs F and number one Daughter out of World Duty Free we were the only people in Wetherspoons. We were in there for about an hour and a quarter constantly looking at the screen showing pictures of the runway and apron where the storm seemed to be getting worse, there was quite a bit of chatter about how bad it was.
Boarding was downstairs at gate 65 with a 30 second bus ride to stand 60 where G-TCDY was waiting. When we stepped out to the bus the sky was gloomy but no thunder or rain which many seemed relieved about, I have to say that I certainly was. I think we pushed back around 20 mins late due to getting the bags on but it wasn't long until we were departing RWY15, there was a bit of turbulence going through the cloud but once above it was pretty smooth, looking from above the clouds looked very fierce and I understand it got quite bad on Sunday?
Arrival into Zakynthos was bang on time, very little queue to show passports and bags arrived very promptly. The longest wait was for the coach to start moving but with a short transfer I estimate approx 45 mins from wheels touching down to the first sip of Mythos
Check in this morning was total chaos and we queued for well over an hour. Zakynthos Airport is going through a refurb with the number of check in desks increasing from 15 to 20. Having all Thomas Cook flights using only 4 desks this morning meant total overload. Security was quick though and the departure lounge hasn't changed too much since two years ago, just a new duty free shop.
We were on G-TCDY again coming home and were boarded and ready to go 20 mins early but ATC restrictions meant we couldn't depart. The moaners behind commented "are we just supposed to wait on the plane then!" I nearly turned round and said something but though it best not. Departure was on time to the south with a left turn toward the Greek Mainland, passing over Kefalonia, the southern tip of Italy and up to Venice when it became nothing but cloud until almost at the Channel.
Arrival into Birmingham was 15 min ahead of schedule and we parked on stand 42R next to a Qatar Dreamliner. There is no air bridge on this stand and the moaners behind piped up again "not on the bus again are we!", they obviously didn't know that it's just a short walk to the stairs/lift. As this stand is at the far end of the pier it was around 15 mins or so (walking past an Emirates A380) down to UKBF where the queue was lengthy. Things were constantly moving and despite some woman moaning that we hadn't queued as long as her as they changed the barrier layout it wasn't too bad, taking about 20 minutes. Baggage was busy with the last few QR bags on carousel 3 but ours were off in no time. From aircraft to exiting the terminal was about 50 minutes with a chunk of that walking from the plane. Given that it was in the middle of the day at the end of the school holidays I thought it was excellent but it didn't stop some moans from people who I think may only be happy if their car was waiting on the apron for them! I wonder if some of the groans are purely psychological as it's quite disheartening to see such a long queue? The reality is that it's constantly moving and for me it's a pleasant surprise but for some it may have already stuck?
Overall I had no complaints at all about departing or arriving at BHX, everything worked as it should and everyone I came in to contact with was extremely polite. Thomas Cook were great yet again with lovely flights both ways. The cabin crew were polite and attentive but not too in your face and the flight deck made a series of very interesting announcements to keep everyone updated. I grabbed a few pictures (on my phone so not the greatest quality) which I'll add later or tomorrow.
Next flight is with Jet2 in August which I am very much looking forward to.
If anyone has made it this far then thanks for reading
thunderchild
Well-Known Member
I’m flying out the 15th to VRN - early flight too so hoping it’ll be fairly quiet. In fairness I flew out to DUB the other week and had no problems whatsoever.
Hope you had a great time.
Hope you had a great time.
- Moderator
- #73
Really enjoyed it although it was so much hotter than two years ago with temperatures in the early 30's and the 'feels like' temperature into the late 30's. Also all of that lovely food means that my jeans seem to have shrunk
Back to work tomorrow
richard winterbourn
Active Member
- Aug 19, 2015
- 423
- 93
Don't worry about it Ray, it's part of our psychi... The French only buy Renault or Citroen cars, the Germans don't have a sense of humour, The Italians (quite rightly) think their food is the best, the Spanish only support either Barcelona or Real Madrid, the Norwegians keep telling us they are not Swedish, the Russians always ask if they can buy our Levi's, the Irish will always buy you a drink , and us.... We get aggressive when we've had a drink and we moan, boy can we moan. We moan about everything....
thunderchild
Well-Known Member
Really enjoyed it although it was so much hotter than two years ago with temperatures in the early 30's and the 'feels like' temperature into the late 30's. Also all of that lovely food means that my jeans seem to have shrunk
Back to work tomorrow
Haha, I know what you mean. After two weeks of Greek cuisine last year I came back looking like I’d swallowed a space hopper! Heaven help me this year - two weeks of pizza and pasta!
Really enjoyed it although it was so much hotter than two years ago with temperatures in the early 30's and the 'feels like' temperature into the late 30's. Also all of that lovely food means that my jeans seem to have shrunk
Back to work tomorrow
Welcome back to Blighty Ray
Kevin Farnell
Honorary Member Of Forums4airports
Today, my girlfriends Mom was flying back from BHX to NOC. She's an elderly lady and had booked special assistance.
My girlfriend dropped her off and she was taken through to the gate. Shortly after the flight departed my girlfriend received a call from her Mom to say she was still at the gate and there was no-one around.
How could this possibly happen? Boarding cards are supposed to be checked and counted, surely?
An abysmal situation, for which I suspect she can claim a lot of compensation.
She has been told she can fly tomorrow, but the stress and disrution to not only herself, but also her Son (who was on a two hour return journey to collect her from NOC) and my girlfriend who having dropped her at BHX today has had to return to collect her and will have to drop her off again tomorrow.
Kevin
My girlfriend dropped her off and she was taken through to the gate. Shortly after the flight departed my girlfriend received a call from her Mom to say she was still at the gate and there was no-one around.
How could this possibly happen? Boarding cards are supposed to be checked and counted, surely?
An abysmal situation, for which I suspect she can claim a lot of compensation.
She has been told she can fly tomorrow, but the stress and disrution to not only herself, but also her Son (who was on a two hour return journey to collect her from NOC) and my girlfriend who having dropped her at BHX today has had to return to collect her and will have to drop her off again tomorrow.
Kevin
That is awful Kevin, really shoddy work.
I am not surprised with anything at BHX any more, it needs a really big kick up the a=se and im being polite
I hope your girlfiends mom is ok
thunderchild
Well-Known Member
Shocking! Have to say I passed through without incident - security was quick and we were in the departure lounge within ten minutes of being dropped off at the station. Granted it was four in the morning but still.
The staff on security didn’t seem to be the friendliest however and one of the young women working on the Ryanair gate should really look up the definition of customer service as the way she was talking to some of the passengers was utterly disgraceful!
The staff on security didn’t seem to be the friendliest however and one of the young women working on the Ryanair gate should really look up the definition of customer service as the way she was talking to some of the passengers was utterly disgraceful!
58terminus
Well-Known Member
Did she have checked in luggage?
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