Owais Crawford
Geneva Airport has been criticised for its poor facilities, long queues, disorganisation, and expensive food. Travellers have complained about the airport's lack of seating, long queues at passport control and security, and inefficient staff. The airport has also been described as chaotic and stressful, with some people avoiding it altogether due to negative experiences. However, others have defended the airport, citing its quick service, regular free train trips to the city centre, and the convenience of its small size. While some improvements have been made, such as the construction of a new eco-friendly terminal pier, Geneva Airport still faces challenges in meeting the expectations of travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staff Behaviour | Rude, unprofessional, threatening, impolite, inefficient, sharp to customers |
| Facilities | Poor, expensive food, lack of seats |
| Passport Control | Long queues, slow, separate family members |
| Baggage Claim | Long wait times |
| Check-In | Crowded, chaotic |
| Security | Long queues, disorganised |
| Overall Experience | Stressful, uncomfortable, exploitative |
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What You'll Learn
Rude and unprofessional staff
Geneva Airport has received numerous complaints about its staff, with many reviews citing their rudeness and unprofessionalism. One traveller recounted an incident with a "rude young woman" who insisted on throwing away their travel bottles, despite them being the approved size. The staff member refused to listen to the traveller's explanation and did not offer any alternatives or solutions. This experience left the customer feeling disrespected and frustrated.
Another review described an encounter with a Swiss check-in agent who was impolite and lacked knowledge about ticketing rules. The agent questioned the customer's baggage allowance, making them feel like they had done something wrong, and failed to provide any friendly farewell or well wishes for the flight. This interaction left the traveller feeling upset and disappointed, especially as they felt the agent lacked basic etiquette and understanding.
The airport has also been criticised for its long and inefficient queues, with travellers reporting staff standing around and not actively assisting passengers. One review mentioned that it took over an hour for baggage to arrive on the belt, causing frustration and inconvenience. Similarly, another traveller reported that it took them 2.5 hours to get through passport control and security checks, with staff appearing indifferent to the situation.
The overall sentiment in the reviews suggests that the staff at Geneva Airport are often perceived as rude and unhelpful, contributing to a stressful and negative travel experience. Travellers have expressed their disappointment, especially when comparing their experiences with the efficient and well-organised public transport in the rest of Switzerland. The inefficiency and unfriendliness of the staff have led to a significant number of complaints and negative reviews, impacting the airport's reputation.
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Long passport control queues
Geneva Airport has received numerous complaints about its long passport control queues, with some travellers reporting delays of over an hour in line. This issue is particularly pronounced for non-EU passport holders, who have described the situation as a "joke" and a "punishment" for tourists visiting Switzerland and France. The airport's passport control area often lacks sufficient seating, contributing to an overall feeling of discomfort and chaos.
The lengthy queues at passport control have been attributed to several factors, including understaffing and inefficient management of crowds. Travellers have observed idle staff members standing around while long lines form, indicating a potential lack of training or improper allocation of resources. This problem is exacerbated during peak travel times, such as school holidays, when the airport experiences a significant increase in passenger volume.
The layout of the airport may also contribute to the congestion at passport control. The airport serves as a hub for various airlines, including EasyJet, which operates up to 80 flights per day during the winter season. The high volume of flights, particularly during peak hours, can result in a bottleneck effect, with multiple flights funnelled through the same passport control area simultaneously.
The inefficiency of passport control has had a significant impact on travellers' experiences, causing some to miss their flights despite arriving well in advance. The delays at Geneva Airport stand in stark contrast to the efficiency typically associated with Swiss processes, leaving travellers disappointed and frustrated.
To avoid such lengthy delays, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport well ahead of their departure time. Additionally, utilising the train shuttle service between the airport and Geneva's city centre can provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience while waiting for a flight.
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Poor facilities
Geneva Airport has been criticised for its poor facilities, including long queues, inadequate seating, and high food prices. Travellers have complained about the lack of organisation, with one passenger describing the security control as a "free-for-all". The airport's baggage reclaim process has also been criticised for lengthy delays, with some passengers reporting that it took over an hour for their luggage to arrive. In addition, there are reports of rude and unprofessional staff, with one traveller recounting an experience where a staff member insisted on throwing away their travel bottles despite meeting the size requirements. The airport's layout has also been described as cramped, contributing to the overall feeling of chaos and discomfort.
The passport control and immigration processes at Geneva Airport have been particularly scrutinised for their inefficiency and excessive wait times. Non-EU passport holders often face lengthy queues, with some travellers reporting wait times of over an hour to pass through passport control. This has been attributed to a lack of staff and the priority given to EU passport holders, who can use automated machines to expedite their passage. The situation is further exacerbated by the behaviour of staff, with some travellers describing them as "hopeless" and "absolutely rude".
The facilities at Geneva Airport have also been characterised as average, with some travellers noting the lack of 4G connectivity and the need to find a booth to obtain a printout receipt for WiFi access. The food options are limited and expensive, with a burger costing around 30 CHF, which is approximately £30. The seating availability is insufficient, with many people resorting to sitting on the ground due to the lack of chairs.
The check-in process at Geneva Airport has also been a source of frustration for travellers. There are reports of uninformed and impolite staff who question baggage allowances and make passengers feel uncomfortable. Additionally, there have been instances of separation of travelling companions during security checks, which can be distressing for those who require assistance with their luggage. The overall experience is often described as stressful and chaotic, with travellers feeling like they are viewed as a problem rather than valued customers.
Geneva Airport has also faced criticism for its lack of investment and modernisation. While the airport has introduced a new terminal pier for long-haul flights and non-Schengen destinations, there has been no mention of an upgrade to Terminal 2, which was constructed in 1946 and remains in use today. This terminal is primarily associated with EasyJet, a low-cost airline, and other major airlines have threatened to leave if EasyJet receives preferential treatment in terms of landing charges. As a result, Geneva Airport may be missing out on opportunities for improvement and expansion by neglecting to invest in its facilities and infrastructure.
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Lack of seating
Geneva Airport, also known as Geneva Cointrin Airport, has received numerous negative reviews online, with some travellers even deeming it one of the worst airports in the world. One of the most frequently cited issues is the lack of seating available.
Several reviews mention the crowded nature of the airport, with passengers resorting to sitting on the ground due to the insufficient number of seats. This problem is exacerbated by the long queues often experienced at passport control and security, causing travellers to spend extended periods standing or sitting on the floor.
The issue of limited seating is particularly prominent during peak travel times, such as school holidays, when the airport is likely to be busier than usual. In such cases, travellers have reported facing significant delays and crowded conditions due to the high volume of passengers.
The lack of seating contributes to an overall sense of discomfort and stress for travellers using Geneva Airport. It is important for airports to provide adequate seating to ensure the well-being of their passengers, especially during prolonged waiting periods.
While Geneva Airport has been praised for its eco-friendly initiatives and efficient train connections to the city centre, the lack of seating remains a significant concern for travellers. Addressing this issue could help improve the overall traveller experience and alleviate some of the negative perceptions associated with the airport.
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Expensive food
Geneva Airport has been described as having “only one food court with the same food at most stands". The food options are limited to small food stands spread out with snacks, drinks, and trinkets. There are no restaurants on that side. This lack of variety in food options can be a contributing factor to the high prices charged for food at the airport.
The high cost of food at airports is influenced by several factors, including high operating costs, limited competition, and a captive audience. Firstly, airport vendors face significant business operating costs, including high rent, commission, and other fees. Airports often charge premium rental rates for commercial spaces, and vendors must submit detailed proposals and lease agreements, which include monthly rates and a percentage of sales as commission. This high rent is a significant cost for food vendors, and airports have no cap on rental prices, allowing them to charge a premium.
Additionally, airport food vendors face logistical challenges, such as the requirement to have food and supplies delivered past security checkpoints, resulting in higher delivery fees. They also have to deal with limited storage space, leading to more frequent and less cost-effective deliveries. These logistical hurdles contribute to the overall increase in food prices.
Airports also control the number of vendors operating within their premises, reducing competition and allowing existing vendors to charge higher prices without the pressure of being undercut by competitors. This dynamic further contributes to the high food prices at airports, including Geneva Airport.
Lastly, airports have a captive audience of travellers who, once they have checked in and passed through security, have limited alternatives for obtaining food. This lack of options increases demand and allows vendors to charge premium prices, knowing that travellers have few other choices.
While Geneva Airport may have expensive food options, it is not uncommon for airports to have higher food prices due to these various factors, including rent, logistics, limited competition, and a captive audience.
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Frequently asked questions
Geneva airport has received poor reviews for its long queues, disorganisation, and rude staff. Travellers have complained about the lack of seating, high food prices, and crowded check-in counters. Some have also experienced issues with baggage reclaim and passport control, with non-EU passport holders facing particularly long waits.
Despite the negative reviews, some travellers have praised Geneva airport for its quick service, ease of connection, and regular free train trips to the city centre.
To improve the airport experience, Geneva airport should focus on reducing wait times, improving staff training and efficiency, and providing better facilities for travellers. Streamlining processes, increasing staff, and improving communication can help reduce the long queues and disorganisation that travellers often face.
