Adelaide Airport Drop Off Area

[Ikara]

Let me tell you of an interesting experience that I had this morning at Adelaide Airport. I was dropping off two friends for their flight and as I headed towards the drop-off zone I "inadvertently" turned into the short term car-park. I then realised that I was "lost" and before I knew it I had "inadvertently" driven up to the second level and then all of a sudden there was the entrance to the walk way to the terminal. I thought "Oh, what the heck - seeing that I'm "lost" I might as well drop my passengers off right here!" Saves them a lift ride anyway. I then proceeded to the exit of the car-park which I was able to find easily as I was no longer "inadvertently lost". Put my ticket into the reader, was greeted with a message saying "Have a nice day", and off I drove, not having to pay a cent. My whole "inadvertent" journey through the carpark took me less than 90 seconds, which must be less than some free time limit that they give you. (Which I believe is 10 minutes???).

I did notice cameras located at the exit gate (similar to the ones used in time-limited shopping centre car-parks) but there was no flash, either in or out.

I relate this story for what it's worth. Read it as "inadvertently" as you wish.

JB

 

[Blinky]

Good tip, thanks. FWIW, I believe that every car park has several minutes grace for people who do enter them by mistake.

 

[smit0847]

Good tip. Apparently the drop-off point was purposely built a fair distance from the terminal to stop terrorists driving up to the terminal. I missed the memo that Adelaide is a terrorism hot-spot.

 

[smeacs]

Although it is effective the new drop off at ADL seems rather dumb compared to the nice concrete ramp we have been using perfectly well for the last 7 years or so. I agree is very easy to get horribly confused with the roads around ADL.

 

[Pushka]

Good tip. Apparently the drop-off point was purposely built a fair distance from the terminal to stop terrorists driving up to the terminal. I missed the memo that Adelaide is a terrorism hot-spot.

I think this is a requirement for all airports in future, so given they were building a new car park, it makes perfect sense to build it as they did.

Thanks for the tip Ikara, I'll remember that in future!

 

[medhead]

I think you're giving too much credit for planning. IMO they just found a spot for the car park and co-located for convenience.


Sent from the Throne

 

[Archphoto]

I hate the new design for being dropped off, car-park wise it's a great idea. Every other airport I've ever been to allows for drop-off right out the front (BKK has separate Taxi area), so why does ADL have such an idiotic time-wasting design?! (Plus it wasn't finished the last time I flew out - raining and got wet because the roof wasn't complete. What would OS visitors think??)

 

[smit0847]

What would OS visitors think??)

I asked both of them and they weren't impressed.

 

[Archphoto]

I asked both of them and they weren't impressed.

Adding to the "Hicksville" image it already has. . . . . . . ADL was voted one of the best airports when it was built - wonder if they revoke such awards when "enhancements" like this are added?

 

[eastwest101]

Give them time - it took them 20-25 years to screw up Brisbane domestic......

 

[Flying Fox]

I think this is a requirement for all airports in future, so given they were building a new car park, it makes perfect sense to build it as they did.

I have spoken to senior management at ADL Airport and they confirmed that they were required to place the drop-off area away from the terminal. They are going to keep the previous drop-off area for emergency vehicles.

Shame as I think that the new drop-off area is crazy.

The initial plan was to place additional decks of parking over the old car park but this was not allowed under the new car park & drop-off area rules. Hence the new car park is located where it is.

The airport ring roads have been designed so that there are now multiple entry and exit points so that a single road accident will not shut-down airport access by vehicles.

FYI - The car park has also been designed so that an identical structure can be cloned next to it and joined in order to double car park capacity at some stage in the future.

 

[Pushka]

I hate the new design for being dropped off, car-park wise it's a great idea. Every other airport I've ever been to allows for drop-off right out the front (BKK has separate Taxi area), so why does ADL have such an idiotic time-wasting design?! (Plus it wasn't finished the last time I flew out - raining and got wet because the roof wasn't complete. What would OS visitors think??)

Most airports in India are like this and when I asked someone why they said it was due to security and being implemented world wide, eventually.

It's curious though as to what OS people think. Do people really base their holiday plans or enjoyment as such on how close to the airport are the car parks? I doubt it.

I think it works well. The short term car park works well. Just think people need to adapt to change.

 

[JessicaTam]

A recent 5 or 10 year plan for MEL includes a drop off area on the other side of the high rise car park to the terminal entrance. Looks like the trend will continue.

I am in Adelaide next week; is the downstairs pick up area the same or has that moved too?

 

[Blinky]

A recent 5 or 10 year plan for MEL includes a drop off area on the other side of the high rise car park to the terminal entrance. Looks like the trend will continue.

I am in Adelaide next week; is the downstairs pick up area the same or has that moved too?

The new MEL drop off area will be much further away than ADL. It's going to be tough for aged and disabled people.

 

[JessicaTam]

The new MEL drop off area will be much further away than ADL. It's going to be tough for aged and disabled people.

Agreed. I wonder if travelators will be part of the upgrade.

 

[Archphoto]

From memory, downstairs is now taxi only, but I could be wrong; last time I was picked up it was the old configuration - yet to fly back since the new system implemented.

 

[ReLoad]

ADL arrival sucks too, to pick up car rental you have to walk all the way down the end of the car park to a hole in the concrete, then walk all the way through a non pedestrian friendly car park to find your car rental place. Which incidentally has its parking bay VIP signs After you have walked past your car already.

Piss poor design IMHO.


Sent from my iGizmo

 

[Ikara]

A recent 5 or 10 year plan for MEL includes a drop off area on the other side of the high rise car park to the terminal entrance. Looks like the trend will continue.

I am in Adelaide next week; is the downstairs pick up area the same or has that moved too?

Both private drop-off and pick-up are done at the same (new) location. Taxi only at the (old) downstairs location. One of the reasons I wanated to test what would happen if you "inadvertenly" entered the carpark!!!

JB

 

[JessicaTam]

Thanks Ikara and Archphoto.

 

[Blinky]

ADL arrival sucks too, to pick up car rental you have to walk all the way down the end of the car park to a hole in the concrete, then walk all the way through a non pedestrian friendly car park to find your car rental place. Which incidentally has its parking bay VIP signs After you have walked past your car already.

Piss poor design IMHO.


Sent from my iGizmo

I got drenched getting to the hire cars last time in ADL.