A nice little airport but in need of more facilities (Innsbruck)

Member Name: nicki--martin

Product:	Innsbruck
Date:	29/06/08 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: clean, modern

Disadvantages: no facilities really

I am reviewing Innsbruck airport, not the resort. Easyjet, British Airways and Monarch all fly into Innsbruck from the UK and it is growing in popularity for people going ski-ing within a radius of about 70 miles of the airport.

The descent into the airport is tricky for pilots (so we have been told) as it is right in the middle of a mountainous valley. However on a clear and calm day the views are stupendous. However, on one occasion the landing was very very rough because there was poor weather in the valley, and many people on board the plane left feeling rather ill!

The airport itself is quite small but very clean and modern. However, it is lacking in facilities such as restaurants once you go through security - there is only one small cafe which gets extremely busy. So beware and make sure that if you want to eat before you fly, go to the restaurant upstairs at the airport before you go through security.

The security checks are quite stringent - one of our bags was scanned five times and emptied before we were allowed through. They are also enforcing the no liquids rule very toughly.

There is a duty free shop but it is pretty small and not a great attraction if you have a long time to kill before your flight. There is no other shops at all once you're through security, and the departure lounge gets very busy.

The toilets are clean and modern and there is both baby changing facilities and disabled toilets.

The airport is also very well set up for wheelchairs and buggys, and during the winter season there is often a line of injured skiiers waiting in wheelchairs to be transferred to the plane.

Also beware that if you are coming in the winter, when you land you will have to wait outside the airport to get into the security checks. The first year we went we waited for about 30 minutes in minus temperatures, and one person in our party had packed their jacket in the hold!

All in all this airport does what it is supposed to, but it could be greatly improved with more facilites.

Summary: does what its supposed to