Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Common Complaints

• Passport Control & Immigration: This is a major source of dissatisfaction, with consistently long lines, understaffed booths, and a lack of automatic gates leading to extended wait times, often up to 45 minutes or more for non-EU citizens. Current estimates place immigration wait times at around 53-55 minutes.
• Unfriendly and Unhelpful Staff: Numerous reviews highlight staff being perceived as cold, rude, unapologetic, and unhelpful, particularly at passport control and security checkpoints.
• Cleanliness: Some travelers have described the airport as dirty.
• Lack of Seating: There are frequent complaints about a scarcity of seating in terminal areas, with reports of many chairs being removed, leaving only paid coffee shop areas with available seats.
• High Costs (General): Beyond certain food options, the airport is generally considered expensive, including shuttle services. The Arlanda Express train, while fast, is noted as being particularly costly.
• Poor Signage and Layout: Travelers report issues with unclear signage, contradictory instructions from staff, and a confusing terminal layout, especially when transferring between terminals. Long walking distances in Terminals 4 and 5 are also mentioned.
• Inconsistent Security Process: Inconsistencies in liquid rules between terminals (e.g., Terminal 2 being stricter than Terminal 5) and outdated security technology requiring removal of all items from bags are noted.
• Unfriendly to Families with Babies: Families traveling with infants report not receiving priority at security, despite disability signage, and being directed to regular queues.
• Cold Terminals: Several reviews mention the airport being consistently cold, advising travelers to bring warm clothing for layovers.

Overall, while Stockholm-Arlanda Airport performs well in terms of flight punctuality and offers efficient transport links to the city, recent traveler experiences are significantly hindered by substantial wait times at immigration, pervasive complaints about staff demeanor, and perceived shortcomings in terminal facilities and cleanliness.