Sydney International Airport

[dajop]

I found MNL one of the quickest and most efficient airports I have been to . Not the most plush, but from disembarking until getting into the car to hotel was 20 minutes including collecting luggage

Dave

Arrivals can be good, last three time I've been there had similar experience, 20 minutes plane to car. However I've had some shockers departing the airport. Worst was 30 mins for QF J checkin, 20mins for immigration and another 15 for security. It can be hit and miss. And transferring between terminals is easy if you know how to, but not if you don't.

Nevertheless, was there yesterday and breezed through with no dramas (didn't even use APEC card), and as a result had over 2 hrs airside (that is in the SQ lounge) + another 2 hrs after flight delay. Nevermind, had a good chat to some other Aussies and with free flowing wine and rum the four hours disappeared very quickly indeed.

 

[Durin's Bane]

Truly sad state of affairs here! From daily baggage belt problems thanks to outdated technology which cannot cope with loads, to air conditioning that doesn't work, toilets whose hand dryers have carried the signs 'do not use- out of order' since June, ceilings which leak whenever it rains (even through downlights), and yesterday a complete blackout for nearly half an hour!! No computers, lighting, belts, video surveillance etc etc!!! Do they not have a back up system? Scary thought!

Also the airport is the filthiest airport! When you are next in the terminal, take a look up towards at the ceiling tiles and check out the colour of them near every air conditioning vent!

More delays, more mishandled baggage, more grumpy passengers - hey, why not find the nearest airline employee who puts up with these conditions everyday, and take it out on them!! Nice!

What's worrying is that Sydney is still the best International airport in the country. Melbourne is worse, and Perth is an abomination - at least they upgraded the QF lounge recently, but the terminal is an embarassment. Adelaide is newer, but small. There's not that can be done about it.

I always try to travel internationally on weekdays where possibly, and avoid Sunday's at all costs - Sydney then becomes tolerable. At least it's not a bus terminal like Heathrow (though I haven't been to Terminal 5).

BTW I am yet to visit an Australian terminal, domestic or international, where the baggage is on the carousel by the time I reach it, as can be found at Changi, or Hong Kong, or Narita, or Incheon, or Shanghai, or Frankfurt...

 

[yo yo ma]

What's worrying is that Sydney is still the best International airport in the country.

Brisbane International has recently completed an upgrade and sounds like it would beat Sydney?

Brisbane Airport - Brisbane Airport New International Terminal

 

[ethernet]

Re: Sydney International Airport as a C grade facility

Do remember SACL wants our national gateway to be a "C' grade facility. Here

I'm not into airport operations much, but paying what we do for 'C' grade facilities is too much, as the curfew disguises the real statistics. As Australian Politicians use T1 Lounge, they probably have no idea our national gateway is going to be 3rd class. I'm not sure if SACL's vision is the same as what the politicians said - when they sold the airport(s).
If it looks tired and run down, and the public hit with renovation fees for something that remains 'C' grade - just remember - that was the plan all along.

Also reminded me of the air conditioning ducts - Filthy - lor knows how many germs / legionnaire you breathe in. Westfield Shopping have the same problem. Many building reports come back POSITIVE for pathogens, but whose levels are 'in tolerance'.

Many air filters are not replaced, but 'washed'. The company doing the 'washing' may not be ISO 2000 certified, and usually offers the lowest price, meaning I doubt if the washed filters are 'tested'. With outsourcing, independent sampling is necessary.

My recollection of the news is hazy, but it really takes a Melbourne Aquarium or three to smarten things up ... which go back downhill over time. Actually, a few photos, and you could set up an unofficial but factual, anti sydney airport website.

The tip about weekdays being good/faster ,and avoiding weekends (and public hols) is also sound advice.

 

[straitman]

What's worrying is that Sydney is still the best International airport in the country. Melbourne is worse, and Perth is an abomination - at least they upgraded the QF lounge recently, but the terminal is an embarassment. Adelaide is newer, but small. There's not that can be done about it.

Melbourne is far better than Sydney as is the refurbished Brisbane. I agree with the rest.

I always try to travel internationally on weekdays where possibly, and avoid Sunday's at all costs - Sydney then becomes tolerable. At least it's not a bus terminal like Heathrow (though I haven't been to Terminal 5).

Agreed

BTW I am yet to visit an Australian terminal, domestic or international, where the baggage is on the carousel by the time I reach it, as can be found at Changi, or Hong Kong, or Narita, or Incheon, or Shanghai, or Frankfurt...

But I have visited many airport where the baggage is much slower than the average Australian terminal. eg Boston even makes Perth look good :!:


Remember that the post you are quoting from International Lady is 14 months old and even in a drought there has been a far amount of water under the bridge since her post. :shock:

 

[anat0l]

I always try to travel internationally on weekdays where possibly, and avoid Sunday's at all costs - Sydney then becomes tolerable.

I'm due to arrive back from AKL into SYD on a Sunday, and it looks like the "prime time" as well, i.e. first thing in the morning (landing is 0725h).

Looks like I'm screwed

I did come back Saturday night once and everything was a breeze except for baggage which took a bit longer than I thought comfortable to come out.

 

[munitalP]

Here's a different perspective - I have been through T1 both as a customer and also on an inspection for SACL

I agree with an earlier post, I check in through preimum, B line for the Flounge then onto the aircraft. The only facility I make use of is now the DF where I will grab a bottle of wild turkey if travelling int.

I have done more D flights through SYD than I have done int but it is a close ratio.

From my experiences, plane to luggage there nearly always is a delay of 15 to 20 min. SYD is an airport that signs seem to be only helpful to those who know where they are going and the entire experience is mared in my opinion of tacky Vodafone advertising and thread bare carpets.

My experience from checkin to aircraft - QF premium, a disgrace, immigration & departures, a disgrace, X-Press card holders get a slightly better deal than the pleabs, but not much, duty free - expensive and limited choice at times, FLounge - fantastic, departure gates hohum...

On the otherside...

Not wanting to put a finer point on the network, most essential services run a N -1 redundancy on strategic equipment. SACL is no different. In fact, some systems are N -2 or even N -3! During a power outage, all essential services have emergency backup and these will power the airport for a period long enough to allow the safe landing and dispatch of aircraft to allow the ATC to divert all other flights.

Essential services are not aircon units, luggage conveyors, ticketing computers etc...

Essential services are emergency lighting, alarm systems, fire systems and of course all ATC requirements. These run an indefiniate period as they are generator backed up.

Obviously when a power outage occurs, the source of the problem is not always in your face and an inspection of the substations that litter the entire complex usually takes place. The main incoming supply from EA is monitored by EA and if it is their fault, they action the problem pretty darn fast but remembering, with most power networks (including SACL) if there is an unplanned outage (blackout) it is because the network is usually trying to protect itself from catistrophic failure by de-energising equipment before it reaches that point.

Protection systems on most electrical equipment (reticulation voltage - 11,000V or similar at SACL) operate in just a few cycles to protect the main equipment - -remember there are 50 cycles every second.

In most cases, I say be thankful that the power has switched off before something catistrophic happens. I would prefer the interior lights to be from the 24V emergency lights than the burning transformer downstairs!


look here

Sorry for the lecture!


Mr!

 

[JohnK]

I'm due to arrive back from AKL into SYD on a Sunday, and it looks like the "prime time" as well, i.e. first thing in the morning (landing is 0725h).

Looks like I'm screwed

Why? SYD international airport is a breeze. It is by far the best airport in Australia and a lot better than most airports around the world.

 

[Mal]

My views on SYD airport have changed a little since this thread was started.

I find that Qantas, Customs and Syd airport have done a lot to reduce the queues that were prevalent. The terminal is still a bit messy (that corridor to domestic connections looks like a 70's relic now), and there are continuing and on-going works happening inside the airport.

It does disappoint me that there is no chemist airside in Sydney T1. Maybe that will change!

My view is positively influenced by the Express Pass scheme though!

 

[NYCguy]

Why? SYD international airport is a breeze. It is by far the best airport in Australia and a lot better than most airports around the world.

It sure is. Where to begin with comparisons... Let's see... Hmmm.... How about SVO? Or DME? Or my least favorite US airport - the horror commonly known as LAX? JFK is no picnic, nor is IAD. LHR is notorious, and I'd rather connect via MUC or ZRH to LCY if I have to travel to London. There are certainly issues at SYD, but it isn't that bad in the grand scheme of things.

 

[jgm]

Why? SYD international airport is a breeze. It is by far the best airport in Australia and a lot better than most airports around the world.

What basis do you use for that statement? MEL kills SYD in all areas: ease of travel between Int & Dom; fittings and furnishings; prices etc etc.

 

[straitman]

What basis do you use for that statement? MEL kills SYD in all areas: ease of travel between Int & Dom; fittings and furnishings; prices etc etc.

jgm,

I agree entirely. I said the same in post #25 but the SYD hype seems to have over run the comments.

There really is no comparison :!:

 

[JohnK]

What basis do you use for that statement? MEL kills SYD in all areas: ease of travel between Int & Dom; fittings and furnishings; prices etc etc.

Very simple. It takes ~45 minutes from the time the doors of the aircraft are open, collect duty free, passport control, wait for luggage, quarantine, walk to taxi and after ~20 minutes in taxi I am home. Assuming I lived the same distance from the airport in either MEL, BNE or PER I would not get home quicker.

As for the airport itself SYD airport is much better. The F lounge and even business class lounge are much better than the MEL variety. Unfortunately BNE and PER do not stack up. SYD has more shops, duty free prices are the same in all airports. Now if you don't have lounge access I think the observation deck upstairs in SYD airport is great. Sit down and have a beer, play pool, relax before the flight. There are also a couple of bar areas downstairs which are very adequate for having a beer, people watching and relaxing before the flight.

As far as connections go I have never technically connected Int-Dom in SYD. There was one time where my father picked me up from SYD Int and we went to Mascot RSL for a few drinks and then he dropped me off at SYD Dom.

Now PER connections are not fun especially in the middle of the night. I have connected Int-Dom in MEL twice and both times I missed the connecting flight and had to be put on the next available flight. I have also connected Int-Dom in BNE once and I also missed the connecting flight but that was more to do with the female quarantine naz_ going through all my personal things.

From what I understand at SYD Int or Dom you can check bags at the transfer desk and then wait for the bus transfer. In MEL airport it is a long walk from Int-Dom especially when one has luggage, golf clubs and heavy carry on. In BNE it is even worse as one has to carry the stuff to the train station and then wait for skytrain and then carry the things across to Dom. I don't want to be doing this after a long flight.

I have now experienced landing in BNE Int and going to my apartment in Spring Hill. I got off QF98 at ~9:45am, ~20 minutes late, and missed the 10:25am Coachtrans bus by a few minutes so had to wait another half an hour. So far already ~40 minutes from aircraft doors opening to Coachtrans waiting area. Was never going to get to Spring Hill in under 1 hour. Anyway got to my apartment ~11:45am.

Give me SYD airport anyday....

 

[jgm]

Very simple. It takes ~45 minutes from the time the doors of the aircraft are open, collect duty free, passport control, wait for luggage, quarantine, walk to taxi and after ~20 minutes in taxi I am home. Assuming I lived the same distance from the airport in either MEL, BNE or PER I would not get home quicker.

This is purely subjective, & depends on where your home is in relation to the airport.

As for the airport itself SYD airport is much better. The F lounge and even business class lounge are much better than the MEL variety. Unfortunately BNE and PER do not stack up. SYD has more shops, duty free prices are the same in all airports. Now if you don't have lounge access I think the observation deck upstairs in SYD airport is great. Sit down and have a beer, play pool, relax before the flight. There are also a couple of bar areas downstairs which are very adequate for having a beer, people watching and relaxing before the flight.

There is more than one airline servicing Australian airports! Your statement about shops only stacks up if you combine both Int & Dom in SYD. In MEL you have access to both, unless you're travelling domestic.

As far as connections go I have never technically connected Int-Dom in SYD. There was one time where my father picked me up from SYD Int and we went to Mascot RSL for a few drinks and then he dropped me off at SYD Dom.

Now PER connections are not fun especially in the middle of the night. I have connected Int-Dom in MEL twice and both times I missed the connecting flight and had to be put on the next available flight. I have also connected Int-Dom in BNE once and I also missed the connecting flight but that was more to do with the female quarantine naz_ going through all my personal things.

From what I understand at SYD Int or Dom you can check bags at the transfer desk and then wait for the bus transfer. In MEL airport it is a long walk from Int-Dom especially when one has luggage, golf clubs and heavy carry on. In BNE it is even worse as one has to carry the stuff to the train station and then wait for skytrain and then carry the things across to Dom. I don't want to be doing this after a long flight.

You've got to be joking. International in Melbourne is between the domestic terminals & is part of a single building. I'm sure that I'm a hell of a lot older than you, & I never have a problem with the short stroll. As I said before, there is more than one airline servicing Australia, & if your International & Domestic airlines don't have the right arrangements, you can't use the transfer desk at SYD, in which case you have to PAY for the interconnection. The whole airport is dirty, shabby, & appears to exist just as a cash cow for Mac Bank. It's hardly an advertisement for first time visitors to Australia.

 

[JohnK]

This is purely subjective, & depends on where your home is in relation to the airport.

My home is in Belmore which is ~20 minutes from the airport. So if I am home, almost all the time, in ~45 minutes that means that the airport formalities have been over in ~25 minutes. I do not think this is possible in MEL, BNE or PER.

There is more than one airline servicing Australian airports!

Not really my concern but I see your point. By the way my parents and friends have arrived back into SYD on a number of carriers like OA, GF, SQ and generally no issues.

You've got to be joking.

Why would I joke. You asked for my opinion and I gave you my honest opinion. If you choose to ignore it then this is totally up to you.

International in Melbourne is between the domestic terminals & is part of a single building. I'm sure that I'm a hell of a lot older than you, & I never have a problem with the short stroll.

I don't know how old you are but I struggled carrying 3 bags that weighed well over 40kgs.

Please explain how I leave 2 hours for connecting flights Int-Dom in MEL and I miss the connecting flights both times. Surely there is a problem there.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I am sure some people think MEL, BNE or PER are better airports, but overall I am glad I live in SYD and the so called 'state' of the airport has nothing to do with the number of visitors arriving into Australia or what their first thoughts are of our country....

 

[oz_mark]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I am sure some people think MEL, BNE or PER are better airports,

I don't think you will find many people that would say PER is a better airport!

 

[Evan]

My home is in Belmore which is ~20 minutes from the airport. So if I am home, almost all the time, in ~45 minutes that means that the airport formalities have been over in ~25 minutes. I do not think this is possible in MEL, BNE or PER.
<..>

John, I usually am out of international in MEL in 15-25 minutes and i cant remember it taking more than 30 mins in the last couple of years, granted i am a e-passport and have express cards most of the time.
I am not sure any of the airports are all that different if you are first to the lines... unless you hit a time where there are lines already which i have not in Australia in a long time (just lucky the times my flights arrive)

I have only been in BNE once or twice in the last 3 or 4 years though, usually i arrive SYD, PER or MEL.

E

 

[file51]

May I suggest next time anyone passes through SYD T1 prior to the current renovations being completed you try and sneak a look behind the boards (quite often an access door is open etc).

Once the upgrade is completed (to be done in several phases) SYD will absolutely walk over every other airport in Australia, and be one of the better gateway airports worldwide.

Having worked at or around T1 for many years I agree, in it's current state it is disgusting. A lot of what is in place dates back to the 70's & 80's.

The new atrium area's, increased retail presence and open spaces will make things a heck of a lot better than they currently are.

(main area of construction currently is near security screening and gate 30)

Artists impression of new departures area (airside)

more info regarding new construction can be found here > http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/sydney-airport/

 

[serfty]

... From what I understand at SYD Int or Dom you can check bags at the transfer desk and then wait for the bus transfer. In MEL airport it is a long walk from Int-Dom especially when one has luggage, golf clubs and heavy carry on. ...

It is actually a longer distance that you have to wheel your luggage to the Bus transfer desk in SYD than to get to the bag drop in MEL (~150m compared with ~100m) and then at MEL you are there with no bus to wait for board, transfer and disembark.

The F lounge and even business class lounge are much better than the MEL variety.

What make you post that? Much better?? The main difference between the MEL and SYD Flounges is size (SYD is bigger) and architecture (SYD more "curvey"). Both have great airport views.

As for the the J lounges goes, MEL's is better on beers alone!

It's all really subjective, and, living 20 minutes from an airport would make one appreciate one more over another.

 

[straitman]

As for the airport itself SYD airport is much better. The F lounge and even business class lounge are much better than the MEL variety.

As posted by serfty the F lounge at both locations are of a similar nature just that SYD is larger. That alone does not make it better. I have no knowledge of either MEL or SYD Bus lounges since the upgrades.

As far as connections go I have never technically connected Int-Dom in SYD. There was one time where my father picked me up from SYD Int and we went to Mascot RSL for a few drinks and then he dropped me off at SYD Dom.

That shows.

From what I understand at SYD Int or Dom you can check bags at the transfer desk and then wait for the bus transfer. In MEL airport it is a long walk from Int-Dom especially when one has luggage, golf clubs and heavy carry on.

Try the connection in SYD sometime. It is considerably further to the SYD transfer desk than between baggage pickup and drop again in Melbourne. Between 50 and 100% further :!:

In BNE it is even worse as one has to carry the stuff to the train station and then wait for skytrain and then carry the things across to Dom. I don't want to be doing this after a long flight.

I have now experienced landing in BNE Int and going to my apartment in Spring Hill. I got off QF98 at ~9:45am, ~20 minutes late, and missed the 10:25am Coachtrans bus by a few minutes so had to wait another half an hour. So far already ~40 minutes from aircraft doors opening to Coachtrans waiting area. Was never going to get to Spring Hill in under 1 hour. Anyway got to my apartment ~11:45am.

Give me SYD airport anyday....

The discussion was about the standards of the airports. If we are to discuss the merits of the public transport systems it needs to be compared equally at all locations. Comparing the BNE public transport system with a family pickup in SYD is not a valid comparison. It just meens SYD is easier for you. Not necessarily for the masses though.

Quite frankly the public transport for MEL, SYD & BNE all suck but the Melbourne Skybus is by far the best. PER doesn't even enter the comparison in my opinion.

This is all very subjective BUT the comparisons need to be realistic and equal in each case.