Checkpoint lack only complaint about ORT
OR Tambo ‘very nice airport’
I THOUGHT I should respond, after reading Brendan Seery’s column on OR Tambo (October 25).
Other than one incident of a rather rude demand for “passport!” from a security guard, as I got into the terminal building (just off those passages that link to the planes), I cannot complain about Cape Town, King Shaka or ORT airports.
One area which could be improved on is the number of security checkpoints which are open at peak times.
I have never had any luggage go missing or items stolen and was very pleased to read there has been a noticeable improvement in that respect.
My mom reported staff at Perth airport were quite rude. I found the staff at Dallas unfriendly and unhelpful.
Bole International in Addis Ababa was my worst experience. Try standing in a check-in queue from 11pm to 1.15am, when the flight was due to leave at 1.15am.
Then there are two lots of metal detectors, where I am surprised they do not insist that one removes one’s fillings. (Spectacles have to go with all other worldly possessions.)
I do wish “they” would come up with a standard set of regulations regarding bottles of water and cigarette lighters.
Inter nally in Ethiopia, cigarette lighters have to be put in one’s checkedin luggage.
At Bole International and Asuncion (Paraguay), lighters and water are confiscated at departure, although they have flown in and been on umpteen flights already.
Neil Weston REGARDING your article about OR Tambo, I agree that it is now a first class airport. Twenty years ago, when I first came to SA, it wasn’t, but now it is.
I do not tavel frequently, only about once a year internationally. I find it easy to navigate, it is well signaged and I’ve never experienced a problem. Okay, just maybe the odd minor thing or two.
My mom, who visited two years ago, needed a wheelchair. When she and the gentleman reached the section where only the passengers are allowed as they then go through passport control, he even waved goodbye to us as he was pushing her! It’s a very nice airport.
Thank you very much.
Francesca Pyatt