Tel Aviv Airport
2009 Best Airport
REGION: MIDDLE EAST
Runner-Up
Lasting Impressions....
"if you must I recommend to go to the departure floor and go to the end of the terminal" (David)
"Given that bag ownership is their major concern, the staff at the airport couldn't give a rat's left testicle about people sleeping, etc." (Jack McRacken)
Quick Reference Airport Guide
Here is some information that we've picked out of from your reviews. Be sure to read the review pages for the most up-to-date info:
- lots of security
- keep your bags close by
- sofas at gates B9 and C9
- frequent security announcements
- WiFi
- 24-hour cafes
- lots of security
- seats with armrests in the arrivals hall
- respectful airport employees
- hard seats
A few airport reviews from the archives
by Peter
"My flight departure was on a Saturday morning and since there was no public transportation to the airport during the weekend (only costly taxis), I decided to save the cost of an extra night at a hotel.
An Israeli friend dropped me at the airport 5 hours before my scheduled departure time, and 2.5 hours before the counters opened for check-in.
There wasn't much to do - so I decided to get some sleep. On the right side of the main arrival area there is access to the first and second floors. there are some travel agents booths on these floors which were deserted and quiet... no chairs but the temperature was comfortable, the place was spotless and nobody came walking by - other than the security staff which were friendly and understanding.
The automatic security announcements are clearly heard - but I was too tired to be bothered, and got almost three hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Considering the money I saved on the hotel - it was worth every minute :-)"
I didn't spend much time in this airport, but what I can say is, allow PLENTY of time for checking in, especially if you have anything even remotely questionable in your passport/travel history. You will be asked every question imaginable about your past/present/future travels, then x-rayed, possibly have your bag completely unpacked and bomb-swabbed, and they may also take you personally to get bomb-swabbed. All three things happened to me before I even got to the check in counter, and it took around 2 hours. I am not in any way a suspicious person, simply an Aussie Caucasian girl traveling alone. Staff were always courteous and I was never scared or worried that I would not eventually make my flight. Though it did rush my duty free shopping!! All in all the airport is very nice and modern.
by BigSoph
Resting a bit after I got through customs wasn't bad - one warning: when they say show up early to get through security, they are not kidding!
I had my bag dumped five times and x-rayed 3 - apparently travelling very light and alone are highly suspicious!
I was terrified - at one point I thought I was going to be strip searched
