Whayaye, the Toon has a great airport (Newcastle International Airport (NCL))

Member Name: Dinah93

Product:	Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
Date:	18/12/08 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Local, efficient, competative

Disadvantages: Doesn't serve as many destinations as larger cities

I travel through Newcastle International Airport at least twice per month, and I choose to use Newcastle as it is run very efficiently. The airport rarely has delays and bags are handled promptly. The atmosphere at Newcastle airport is what sets it apart though, as a fairly frequent flier I'm used to the security procedures, but at Newcastle frequently there is a bit of banter from the security team, some cheeky jokes about taking off your shoes, belts, coats, but no more, don't need the full monty this early thank you!

There is only a relatively small duty free airside, and a few little shops and a food court with a Burger King. There is a small bar as well as pay per use computer terminals for checking emails etc. Prices are the usual level akin to a first morgage as seen at airports all over the UK, but the bar is smart and relaxed and good for calming pre-flight nerves. It's even open for calming 5am nerves too!

The airport is a fairly modern building, however is starting to look a little worn simply due to the volume of traffic. The departure lounges are basic but always clean. The downside to Newcastle Airport is the way the airplane parking is laid out, you almost always have to get a bus to the terminal which seems to take longer to arrive than the actual plane flight! Being a regional airport there are not as many destinations as served by the bigger airports in the South, however the flights are cheaper because of this. They have recently started offering a Newcastle-Shanon service which is fantastic for me, as it cuts down on travelling from Cork all the way up to Limerick.

Summary: Fantastic value airport with friendly staff and the planes always seem to be on time