Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)

Common Complaints

• Security Wait Times and Experience (Departures): This is a frequent and significant source of dissatisfaction. Travelers consistently report extremely long security lines both before check-in and again before passport control, often requiring several hours. Security questioning can be invasive, with detailed inquiries about travel history and personal belongings, sometimes leading to extensive manual baggage inspections and private searches. It is recommended to arrive at least 3-5 hours before an international flight.
• Staff Attitude: Numerous reviews highlight unpleasant, rude, unhelpful, or even menacing behavior from staff across security, passport control, and gate areas.
• Immigration/Passport Control (Arrivals): Non-Israeli citizens occasionally face extended waits at passport control due to a limited number of open lines.
• Check-in and Baggage Handling: Complaints include slow check-in processes due to insufficient open counters, especially for certain airlines, and issues with "oversized" luggage areas causing considerable delays. There are also reports of delayed or lost baggage.
• Overcapacity and Infrastructure: The airport is experiencing overcapacity, with rapidly increasing passenger numbers straining existing infrastructure and contributing to longer wait times.
• Parking: The Israel Airports Authority has issued warnings against using unauthorized "valet parking" services (locally known as "chappers") due to reports of fraud, vehicle damage, and fines incurred from illegal parking.
• Impact of Regional Conflict: Recent geopolitical tensions have resulted in flight cancellations, disruptions, and heightened security measures, affecting traveler confidence and airline operations.

Overall, Ben Gurion International Airport offers modern facilities and can provide an efficient arrival experience for many. However, travelers should be prepared for potentially lengthy and rigorous security procedures during departures, inconsistent staff professionalism, and the challenges posed by the airport's increasing passenger traffic. It is strongly advised to allow ample time for all departure processes to mitigate potential stress.