M. R. Štefánik Airport (BTS)

Common Complaints

• Unprofessional and Rude Staff: A recurring and prominent complaint is the unhelpful, arrogant, and rude attitude of airport staff, particularly at security and passport control.
• Limited Food and Drink Options: Travelers often find the food and beverage choices to be scarce, overpriced, and of poor quality, especially airside. There's a notable lack of basic water fountains, with staff sometimes refusing to provide water.
• Inconsistent Security Procedures: Some passengers report illogical and inconsistent security procedures, such as mandatory shoe removal for certain ankle boots but not for thick trainer soles, and not consistently checking liquid bags.
• Limited Seating and Amenities Airside: Beyond security, particularly in the non-Schengen area, seating can be sparse, and the area is described as dark and uninviting, lacking sufficient facilities for a full plane of passengers.
• Expensive Duty-Free: Duty-free shops are often noted for having significantly higher prices compared to larger international airports.
• Slow Passport Control: Although security can be quick, some experiences highlight long queues and slow processing at passport control, with electronic barriers sometimes not working.

Overall, M. R. Štefánik Airport is often seen as a functional, small, and clean airport with good city connections, ideal for quick transits. However, recurring issues with staff attitude and limited airside amenities, especially regarding food and water, significantly detract from the overall traveler experience for many.