Lisbon Airport

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.