Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)

Common Complaints

• Prolonged Immigration and Passport Control Wait Times: This is the most consistent and significant complaint, with many non-EU travelers reporting "horrendous," "dysfunctional," and "ridiculously long queues," often exceeding an hour. Issues include closed e-gates, insufficient staff, and slow processing.
• Rude and Unhelpful Staff: Numerous reviews describe airport personnel, especially at passport control and security, as "uninterested," "disgraceful," "belittling," and generally unhelpful.
• Inconsistent Terminal Quality and Congestion: While Terminal 1 is generally well-regarded, Terminal 2 is often described as older, less clean, and with fewer amenities, particularly Terminal 2C. Travelers also mention long walking distances and congestion in certain areas, with limited food and shopping options past passport control at Terminal 1's D and E gates.
• Lack of Air Conditioning: Several reports indicate that some areas of the airport, particularly older sections or during peak seasons, suffer from inadequate air conditioning, making the environment uncomfortably hot.
• Baggage Handling Issues: Some travelers have reported delays and issues with baggage handling upon arrival.

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport offers a robust array of services and good connectivity, but travelers should be prepared for potential frustrations, particularly with passport control wait times and the demeanor of some staff. Planning extra time for immigration, especially for non-EU passengers, and being aware of inter-terminal transfer needs are key recommendations for a smoother experience.