I had the misfortune to pass through Gold Coast airport on Saturday 15 September. 4 International flights departing in the space of an hour. The Security queue stretched back over 50 metres. One x ray machine only used. Domestic x ray machine unmanned and not brought into service. Total disorganisation, and many stressed passengers, departure lounge was chokka, standing room only. The planes were so far away from the terminal I thought I was walking to new Zealand!! They need to do some serious investment before I will be back
Thank you for your feedback regarding your experience on Saturday and We appreciate your comments. Currently Saturday afternoon is our busiest travel day with the majority of flights to New Zealand scheduled in addition to our daily domestic services.
Since March 2007, the Australian Government implemented new security measures for international
passengers for screening for liquids, aerosols, and gels. At present, our Terminal 2 only has two security screening counters and therefore we have maintained one that is for domestic security check in and one for international, for our passengers travelling to New Zealand. (Both are
utilised for domestic check-in when there is not a flight to New
Zealand). This explains why only one x-ray machine was available for your international flight to New Zealand.
We do acknowledge the increased congestion at our airport on Saturdays in recent months due to the increase in passengers utilising Gold Coast Airport. In recognition of this we have ordered another security check in for international screening, coming very soon. In addition, last week the Australian Government also approved our Major Development Plan which includes a $AU100million terminal redevelopment and we expect to commence construction early 2008.
Details of our master plan and terminal re-development to facilitate the strong and continued growth we do expect to see through Gold Coast Airport is available on our website
4 new weekly flights from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur and 5 new weekly flights from Gold Coast to China will begin operating in late October. I am wondering whether the statement is true or not; due to the lack of advertising so far. Additionally, if that statement is true, will the International Terminal be able to cater for the mass number of passengers using the terminal?
Thanks
Thank you for your comments. There has not been any advertising through Gold Coast Airport as currently we have not announced any new flights from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur as of yet. Our runway extension was completed in March 2007 and opened in May so we can now operate flights to Asia. Subject to regulatory approval, we are hoping to have flights operating by the end of the year. As soon as this is confirmed we will be advertising on our website and through the newspapers.
If you would like to be one of the first to know when this flights will operate, please register our our outbound mailing list. To register please click here.
Hi Admin
Thanks for your comments to my post of 22 September. I don’t think the airport company have addressed the issues in a timely enough manner, and are now expecting passengers to the airport, to “bear” with you while you try and fix things up, rather belatedly.
You state that the new regulations came into force in March. It was not an overnight decision. Where was the preplanning, and why after 6 months are passengers still having to cope with one screening point, with the promise of a second machine “coming very soon” is that next week, next month, next year?? Any redevelopment is a long way off, and you will only grow the facilities if the airlines continue to bring passengers to you, if the passengers have an unpleasent experience they may choose to go elsewhere next time. I note that you are now the Australian hub for some Asian budget airline, I hope based on your earlier comments that they are not planning to fly out on Saturday afternoon!!
You will be pleased to know that we now have the additional screening machine in place which has drastically reduced the queuing time for our international flights, even on Saturdays. In addition, now that AirAsia X has also confirmed they will be flying into Gold Coast Airport we have another screening machine on order.
Please be assured we do recognise our customers concerns and appreciate your comments. I hope that you will again use Gold Coast Airport so that you can see for yourself the reduction in queuing time.
We look forward to welcoming you again to Gold Coast Airport.
I tried to find the required information but it’s not mentioned in the website.
I will be arriving at gold coast 5.20pm with AirAsiaX initially and flying off to sydney with virginblue last flight of the day 8.00pm to sydney. However, AirAsiaX just informed that there will be 3 hours flight delay after purchasing the ticket which means I’ll have to wait till the next day before I am able to leave the airport. Does the airport has a waiting or resting area for transit passengers?Is the airport opened 24 hours? Else, what do you suggest?
Thank you for your email. At this stage, our airport is not opened 24 hours, unless due to a late flight arrival or departure.
The airport is in very close proximity to a variety of accomodation options. Our Customer Service team at the Information Desk outside of International arrivals in Terimanl 2 can also assit with enquiries once you arrive.
We are undergoing a terminal re-development commencing mid-2008 and appreciate your feedback and will consider this scenario during our construction stage.
It was certainly dissapointing to not be able to change money, withdraw cash, buy a magazine or newspaper, or watch tv after my flight was delayed 1hr.
These may seem small gripes, but it all adds to the satisfaction of the passengers travelling through your airport.
Thre are alot of people desperate for Gold Coast to Cairns and return service. Since the demise Of Australiam Airlines there is no service from the Gold Coast. We have to do the drudge to Brisbane. The flights from Brisbane to Cairns are always full with all the Ma
Thre are alot of people (desperate) for Gold Coast to Cairns and return service. Since the demise Of Australiam Airlines there is no service from the Gold Coast. We have to do the drudge to Brisbane. The flights from Brisbane to Cairns are always full with all the Major Airlines from Qntas, Qantas Link, Virgin Blue and Jet Star, please help!!!
Could someone let me know where I can send a complaint about the security staff of the Gold Coast airport please. One particular officer was way out of line and I’d like someone to know about it. Thanks.
After the recent “perfect storm” traffic chaos when despairing travellers were forced to walk 400 m plus to get to the terminal I think it is obvious that the access to the the airport from GCH needs improving.
I know the main roads are doing some work on extending the turning lane but the real solution is a FLYOVER across the highway.
Even when the Tugan Bypass is opened there still will be delays turning off the highway to the airport.
In fact the opening of the Bypass is not going have any positive effect on traffic turning into the airport.
Start lobying the goverment - state and local about the benefits.
Also, there needs to be a entry statement where they currently have the population counter.
I recently visited Sanya in China and they have a big TV screen promoting the region. Better then a population counter - how boring! What do tourists care about the population number.
I intend to book Jet Star from Christchurch to Gold Coast to connect Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur. I have 1 hour 50 min. for transit. Normally how much time do i need to check in at counter. Do i need to go out of the airport and immigresen for check in?
If not enough time, I will have to fly 1 day earlier? Do Gold Coast Airport open 24 hours for stayin over the night at the airport lounge. If not do we need an australian visa just to go out of airport to stay for the night? We have Malaysian passport with PR in New Zealand.
thanks.
Hello James
Thank you for your email. According to AirAsia X’s website, www.airasia.com it states: That their check in counters are open three (3) hours before the scheduled flight departure time. The counters close sixty (60) minutes before the scheduled light departure time; You must be in possession of a boarding pass by the ime check in closes, or you will not be accepted for the flight.
You will need to clear customs and re-check in for the AirAsia X flight, however it is in the same terminal.
Gold Coast Airport is not open 24 hours, we are open between 4:30am and 22:30pm, however there are nearby hotels and hostels in Coolangatta and Tugun.
In regards to your visa and passport requirements, more information can be found at your embassy or the Australian Department of Immigration on www.immi.gov.au.
Many thanks and we look forward to welcoming you to the Gold Coast Airport.
I wish to congratulate Jetstar on their recent introduction of a daily Gold Coast-Osaka direct service. In saying that, I also want to congratulate Gold Coast Airport Management in preparing facilities to cater for more international services; I hope to see more International services, perhaps direct flights to Hong Kong, Singapore and even Tokyo, perhaps. I think there is a lot of potential for the Gold Coast. Living in Brisbane, I would say that most visitors usually spend more time down at the Gold Coast than in Brisbane. I understand that Brisbane is a state capital and it is an international city by its own right. I just hope there will be more international airlines/arrivals to the Gold Coast, boosting the Tourism Industry for South-East Queensland as a whole region.
During the very rainy la nina season, walking through wind and rain to planes has been very annoying, uncomfortable not to mention dampening. Umbrellas do not hold up in the wind.
As an international airport, I would have thought you would have supplied buses.
Me and my fiancee, Swedish and Polish passport holders, will (probably) be flying from NZ to Asia and need to connect at the OOL airport. Since we will be changing planes (to AirAsiaX) there, I was wondering if we require a visa or if we can transit without one? We will probably need to pick-up our bags and check them in again with AirAsiaX (I dont think that any carriers from NZ will be able to check them in all the way from NZ to Kuala Lumpur). We have previously had a transit in Sydney and since the transit time was under 8h, we didn’t require a visa - but then again we didn’t need to recheck-in our luggage either. What are the procedures at your airport?
Thank you for an answer
Greetings
I will be flying from Gold Coast to KL on Air Asia X in September. I wonder what is the best way for me to reach GC airport from Springfield Lakes? Take the train from Darra to Central Station and then another train from Central to Helensvale and then a bus transfer to GC airport? I was told the whole trip takes 3 hrs. Is there any bus coach that delivers doorstep to GC airport? I do not mind paying $60-70 per trip as I do not want to waste time travelling to GC airport.
Thankyou
I am a very regular user of GCA. Two issues I want to mention:
1) Get rid of the smokers from the entrances to the terminal. It is a awful smell as you your first welcome to the GC plus the mess the smokers leave behind. GC prides iself as a clean and healthy place. Set a precedent and make GCA precinct A SMOKE FREE ZONE.
2) I saw someone from the airport who was selling space on a planned mural for the new terminal. This is a silly idea because it will date very quiclky and will look tacky. A much better idea would be to install a large TV screen in the terminal. It can be used to promote special events, live sport like when the Titans play the Gold Coast Marathon etc and you can make a fortune from selling the advertising space and finally it will NOT date.
i review the comments still not clear with the procedures.my case is that i will be arriving on 725am by airasia. intended to take transist by jetsar around 925am.do i have enough time to check in for transist.during arrival do i have to clear custom n immigration at gold coast airport n check in for jetstar outside again or do they have such transfer custom check in in side.
Passengers connecting on other airlines and destinations through Gold Coast Airport must clear Australian customs and immigrations, collect baggage and then re-check in for your next flight.
For information on Australia visa requirements please visit www.immi.gov.au and for Australian customs requirments please visit www.customs.gov.au.
I have spent 2 weeks on Honeymoon on the Gold Coast leaving Saturday 30th August 2008 on Air NZ at 6:05pm. The customs officers at your airport are the most rude, arrogant and ignorant people I have met. Being on Honeymoon we purchased two very special and expensive bottles of red wine to bring home to celebrate and advised the Air NZ personal at check-in that they were in our hand luggage as we didn’t want them broken. When we went through customs the lady there told us it was prohibited and confiscated the wine having asked me to take out my wife’s and my passports to show her, also she said…who cares if it was a honeymoon! As I walked through the security arch the man there abused me for carrying the passports through. After that we went through immigration and the person there could see we were visibly upset and asked us what had happened. We told that person, who told us “give some of those people a uniform and they think they are god!”
After proceeding through immigration we entered the duty free shop where we could have purchased many bottles and taken them on board the aircraft….something does not seem right. It is not the first time I have experienced this type of thing with your customs people as I visit the Gold Coast regularly…I think it is time for a change! My next trip is planned for the Xmas so maybe we should reconsider and perhaps visit the Sunshine Coast and fly to Brisbane.
I am not a happy traveller.
Since March 2007, the Australian Government implemented new security measures for international
passengers for screening for liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGS). This means that you are no longer able to bring any liquids, such as wine, through security when boarding an international aircraft. This is not a Gold Coast only regulation, however an Australian Government implementation as a response to tightened security concerns.
More information regarding Australian security requirements can be found at www.customs.gov.au
I understand your comments about the wine, but that doesn’t excuse the rude arrogant attitude of the staff at customs, it is disgusting and I heard similar comments from other travellers in the departure lounge.
Regards,
Ian
With the redevelopement of the terminal buildings and the increase in airlines using Gold Coast Airport is any consideration being given to a viewing area either inside the terminal buildings or outside. I am also interested to know what will happen to the Tiger Airlines use of terminal 3 once the terminal is complete
Thanks for your email. At this stage Tiger Airways will continue to operate out of Terminal 3. In regards to viewing areas, the redeveloped terminal will have open high ceilings with two storey floor to glass windows looking across the runway to the hinterland, and also offer viewing opportunities.
With the re-development of the airport has there any consideration been given to improving parking especially long term parking. Two recent flights on a Saturday to Sydney and Canberra resulted in inconvenience to get a family member to pick up my car due to the long term parking being closed on one occasion and the other occasion, access could be gained to the long term car park but there were no spaces available.
I am a frequent flyer and Cairns is one of my destinations, and I really hate the traffic travelling to Brisbane Airport for the flight. Approxiamately 2 years ago after Australian Airlines ceased operations I contacted G.C. Airport, and to my dismay was informed that there were no immediate plans by any airlines to include Cairns as a direct flight destination.
I am wondering if that may soon change ??????????
Arrived in Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur on an Air Asia ticket using the XL and was flown in using a charterd air plane from Cathay Pacific. Was given the business class seat. Paying almost double the normal air fare so that I can have a comfortable seat to sleep for the night on 7 November.I was one of the early check in and when on arrival I was the first person to step out of the plane. It was devasting to wait for my lugguage almost to the end of everyone lugguage on the economy fair flight. Though Air Asia specifically mentioned their XL flight with the business class seat but no other frills. All I expected for paying almost double of the ticket price of a normal fare is having my lugguage come in first. What is the point of me being first out of the plane and then waited another hour for my luggage to come?
Another question I have to ask. It seem funny but true.
Normally on arrival at Brisbane airport or Sydney Airport the air plane is being sprayed internally when landed. Why was it not sprayed on this flight to Gold Coast? Does it mean that this flight does not carry virus/bacteria/germs/inscets to endanger Australia crops?
having travelled through through the gold coast airport several times I find it confusing that the airport
terminal is split in two,even with the current renovations.It is a pity that it is not similiar to sydney or
adelaide airports with all airlines sharing a common area.If a passenger makes the mistake of going to
the wrong check in or baggage reclaim ,with all airlines in together it is not hard to find the correct
check in or baggage reclaim.As it is now if a passenger goes to ,for example, the virginblue check in
or baggage reclaim then it is a long walk to find the correct check in or baggage reclaim if one is travelling with jetstar .If it is confusing for an australian how do foreigners cope with this.More and clearer signage is definitely required, but the obvious answer is ,as mentioned before. to join both
terminals and make it less stressful for passengers.Also shopowners should be encouraged to keep
their businesses open to fit in with all arrivals and departures.This ensures that passengers have something to do while waiting and possibly more revenue for that business.
Thank you for your feedback, we are currently undergoing a terminal redevelopment which will have a common user terminal including common user check in, security and gate area. We appreciate your patience while we building this new and improved terminal.
Very happy to see the new flights to Tokyo-Narita take-off a few days ago. It’s been very impressive to see the total of international destinations increase significantly over the year. More airlines are flying into the Gold Coast Airport because of your impressive work. Your terminal redevelopment will certainly come in handy because it will attract more airlines, more international destinations (in particular) and that’s economically beneficial for Gold Coast and its tourism industry.
Donna, the Jetstar flights to Cairns will begin in February 2008. There’s a news article on the Gold Coast Airport homepage which gives more detail.
We are heading to Japan on Jetstar in mid-January, flying Sydney-Gold Coast-Narita. Our flight has been changed from an international to a domestic departure from Sydney.
We have purchased new skis and wish to claim the GST refund. These items cannot be carried on as hand luggage. I know that Customs allows oversize goods that cannot be taken on board as hand luggage to be sighted by customs prior to airline check-in.
Could you please let me know the procedure for this process at Gold Coast Airport. Specifically, the location of the appropriate counter and the time needed for the process.
I did email the airport with this question but am yet to receive a reply.
I am responding to your email regarding your GST claim at Gold Coast Airport enroute to Japan.
The procedure here will be as follows:
1) Proceed to Jetstar International check-in after collecting your bags.
2) Advise a Jetstar attendant (while in the queue or at the counter) that you need to see a customs officer prior to checking in your equipment.
3) A customs officer will come out immediately and sight the goods & approve the invoice / docket for you to claim the GST.
4) Following check-in, proceed to Departure lounge where the TRS desk is located and show your invoice to receive your refund.
Jan, we are working with Customs to expedite this process by having roaming duty free / customs staff who will action this automatically - in fact they may be in place by the time you fly.
When will the Arrival & Departure screen show the correct times. We noticed on Sunday night the times for Tiger flights where still showing even tho the flight was cancelled. Also why are all the airlines that use GCA shown e.g.Jetstar. This information is not shown on the individual airines websites as one would think that the GCA site would be as up to date as the airport is. (sad)
The new Jetstar terminal is great. I had a smooth run to the plane and I was happy that Gold Coast airport was looking like the airport it should be. I also saw the signs for the JQ lounge and can’t wait until that opens. Overall I think it is a great airport and once the airport is completely finished it will look even better.
Attention: Gold Coast Airport Management. The Gold Coast Airport terminal will, I hope, one day be worthy of the destination. But right now, construction makes it very 2nd rate. But with all the fanfare of making the terminal to suit the needs of the travelling public, why will there not be any aero bridges to the aircraft. PLEASE do not give me the story that because of such beautiful weather on the Gold Coast, they are not needed. Been looking out of your ivory tower offices lately? It rains and it rains hard on the Gold Coast and it’s not going to get better. Standing in line waiting to board at the aircraft steps with a howling wind and torrential rain is not a great way to start a trip. You have missed out on making the Gold Coast Airport one for the future.
Attention Jared. I agree entirely. However, for now it remains something of a building site, like work in progress. On the upside, I would add that Jetstar as an airline has lifted its game recently and is an option well worth taking.
I flew out of the Gold Coast airport to Kuala Lumpur in March and again in May. This airport is unworthy of being called an International Airport. We were drenched getting on the plane to KL, there was running water all over the tarmac and our feet were soaking wet and the umbrellas (provided by Air Asia, not the airport authorities) were useless against the driving rain. The security checks boarding the plane were unsympathetic to mothers carrying children-a woman carrying a child was asked to remove her belt with no assistance whilst she was minding two young children. Staff at security checks were rude to Asians who didn’t speak much English, asking them if they understood “What art of removing your liquids from your hand luggage do you not understand?”
The cafes at the airport were dirty, tables unclean and the whole departure area looked dingy and tired. Hopefully when the terminal is finished, things will look better but cleanliness needs to be maintained. On a positive note, immigration officials were pleasant.
I appreciate the relaxed relatively unofficial atmosphere at the Coolangatta Airport. Also it is so handy to the Gold Coast, where many travellers want as their destination.
I am one of many Wellington Kiwi’s now residing on the Coast and use to frequently use Gold Coast airport to travel back to Wellington. From memory the flights were always full !!
Now, unfortunately this connection does not seem to be regularly availalbe, except for Air New Zealand’s service which is exsorbently expensive. Because of this we now travel to Brisbane for our connection.
Is it possible to encourage another of the Gold Coast’s airlines to take advantage of this and provide (even twice a week) some competition. I for one would support them.
I do thank Virgin for the service via Auckland, but this takes far too long.
I fly to & from this airport between 60 & 80 times a year and have been very frustrated at times with some of the tempory facilities and procedures that have been put in place durring the upgrade works, especially those queues for screening we endured until the new one’s arrived; and the very long walk to planes seemed bizarre when the old system of jetstar at one end (closest to their end) and Virgin at the other end near their lounge worked pretty well, although I totally understand that upgrades of this nature are going to upset someone, however with all the new layouts and retail outlets now openning, everyone is understanding the reason for the pain, it looks great, but the PA system would have to be the worst audio I have every heard in any building or venue and can only hope the airport project management team have not excepted it as complete and we are waiting for its acoustic tune. I would say that audible words were not more than 5 out of 10 in most cases. It is a shame that so much money is being spent and the simple things let it down.
Kind Regards
David
I have confirmed with our Commercial Manager that the PA system has now been fixed, as indeed there had been some communication problems. It was making nice clear announcments as of this morning, 16 June.
We look forward to welcoming you again to Gold Coast Airport
Help……How can I get from the airport to….?
Practical public transport information would save a lot of frustration, especially for those who are not aware of School holidays and the subsequent absence of hire cars.
As the Gold Coast airport is now an ” International Airport”, there needs to be information on transport links to New South Wales and Queensland for those who are using it as a gateway to Australia, not only information on local tours.
Hi..I will be departing to Kuala Lumpur from Gold Coast airport. However, I am coming from Brisbane airport and I don’t know how to reach Gold Coast airport from Brisbane Airport. If I were to take the Airtrain, to which station do I get off? And from the station, how do I get to the Gold Cast Airport. I tried to find info about public transportation to and from the airport from this website but I could not find any..I hope the management is kind enaugh to inform me about it. Thank You.
There are two ways to travel from Brisbane/Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast Airport and vs versa.
From Brisbane Airport you can take the Airtrain to Robina Station in the Gold Coast and connect to the Surfside Bus #765 to the Gold Coast Airport.
An alternative is the AA Express shuttle which operates shuttle bus from Brisbane CBD to Gold Coast Airport for each departing and arriving AirAsia X flights. Their website is www.aaexpress.com.au
We recognise that our international passenger numbers have grown and we are currently investigating ways to improve the quality of the information on our website. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and we look forward to welcoming you to Gold Coast Airport.
I had the misfortune earlier this year of being one minute late for a Tiger flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne. I was held-up in unexpected traffic delays. My passenger in the car (who was the one flying) was on a walking stick and was travellling home to see her terminally ill father. We arrived at the airport at 12.01pm for a 12.45pm flight. The girl at the check-in more or less said bad luck there is nothing we can do about it and mid way through our conversation just stood-up and walked out of the building - leaving us stunned. We were not the only ones in this prediciment - there was another couple who had to be in Melbourne to catch an international flight - they were also very distressed at the lack of help or concern for their prediciment. When we went to security (where they were checking the hand luggage) they told us they could not help as they were not Tiger Airways staff but by this time the terminal was deserted of all Tiger Airline staff. They suggested we wait for the Tiger staff to return (after the flight departed) and see what they could do for us!! (a bit late then!!). When the staff returned - after the flight departed - they informed us that they had another flight that evening but the airport terminal was closing shortly until 2 hours before the evening flight! And if we wanted to get on the flight we would have to wait elsewhere until the airport terminal reopened and pay some ridiculous price for the flight (we had lost our air ticket due to being one minute late). We declined their offer, went home and booked a flight for a couple of days later with Virgin for a fraction of the price that Tiger Airways wanted (we paid about 20% of the price that Tiger wanted to charge us). I left the airport feeling sick with my passenger distraught and in tears. I was ashamed in front of the international couple who asked me if Australia was a third world country and disgusted with Tiger Airways. I will never travel with them, even if they offered 1c airfares to anywhere - you are a disgrace. I now warn other travellers to avoid Tiger Airways.
For an international airport…
1. There should be more than two points for people to go through Quarantine. This process is too slow when more than one flight comes through.
2 Please improve the transfer process. Passengers transfering need a “Transit Lounge”, especially if they do not speak English. Currently, it is very confusing. Following the sign “International Departures”, on arrrival from another flight, means you have no boarding pass/haven’t checked in. It is not clear that ALL passengers have to exit and then check in again AND go through security TWICE again before, finally, Customs. It’s confusing, time consumming, tiring, and frustrating. Travel is expensive, involves more than 20 hours door to door from Sydney to Kyoto. PLEASE…
Please, just give us a transit lounge. I travel to and through the GC often. I have a group of 20 Japanese students coming through in Feb to Melbourne, alone, who can’t speak that much English and I am worried that this will be a horrible welcome to Australia for them.
3. Please put a few public phones in the departure area. If the flight is delayed passengers who want to make an interrnational call using a cheap Iinternational phone card need a public phone. I was there in Feb and July 2009 and there weren’t any public phones in the Departure Lounge.
4. Internet access: Jetstar Lounge advertise wireless interrnet access. I almost paid $15 to enter, just for this service going from GC to SYD in July 2009. On the way back, I was flying Star class and was very disappointed to find that I could not access the Internet in the Jetstar lounge. If it is adverrtised, it should be avaliable.
5. Please provide Internet access for all passengers who have gone through security/customs in the International departures lounge. There is nothing now: No phone, No Internet…no carrier pigeons (I asked. Yes, I was desperate!)
All of these things are normal for an Interrnational Airport. Please consider my requests. International passengers, old people, Non-English speakers, frequent flyers, really need the suggestions to be implemented or they will use any other airline that does not involve flying through the Gold Coast.
hello.
now that you have almost completed the new terminal i would like to see the limousine pick up area relocated to the new arrivals area at the southern end of the terminal. a lot of our clientel are elderly and its hard work for them to walk to the northern end especially with luggage.
these clients pay good money for our services and deserve better than a 200 meter walk,especially if its raining.
SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST I HAD A DISAGREEMENT WITH THE OUTBOUND CUSTOMS PEOPLE. I PURPOSELY REDUCED THE CONTENTS OF A 125ML BOTTLE OF EXPENSIVE SUNSCREEN AND SAME WITH A NOT SO CHEAP TUBE OF MCLEANS TOOTHPASTE, BOTH TO WELL BELOW THE 100ML LIMIT. THE INSPECTOR WOULD NOT ACCEPT THIS, TOOK THEM FROM ME STATING MALAYSIA WAS VERY STRICT ON INCOMING PASSENGERS AND IT WOULD REFLECT ON THE COOLANGATTA CUSTOMS STAFF IF THEY PICKED UP ON IT.
I THOUGHT THE SECURITY LIMIT WAS FOR ONBOARD THE AIRCRAFT NOT WHAT YOU COULD TAKE INTO A COUNTRY. ANYWAY, WHEN WE ARRIVED AT KUALA LUMPUR, WE HAD TO WAKE THE CUSTOMS TO ASK IF THEY WANTED TO SEE IN THE BAG AND THEY WAVED US THROUGH.
GUESS COOLANGATTA CUSTOMS STAFF HAVE NEED TO REDUCE THEIR WEEKLY PHARMACY BILLS AT OUR EXPENSE.
On Sunday 23 Aug 09, the Tiger Air afternoon flight to Melbourne was cancelled and the reason passengers were given was that he Airport was closed due to weather. It seemed a perfect day and there were no high winds. There was nothing in the news or in the papers and a lot of people were inconvenienced as well as having to meet additional accomodation expenses. Was the Airport closed or was it just a excuse dreamed up by Tiger to cover up a cancelled flight.
Unfortunately several flights yesterday, Sunday 23 August were divereted to Brisbane between 1530 and 1640 due to a low cloud base at Gold Coast Airport. These diversison would have resulted in flights out of Gold Coast Airport being delayed or cancelled in the afternoon.
I fly to and from Melbourne out of Coolangatta roughly every 2-3 weeks. I have found the new terminal to be much better than the old one, but there are a couple of issues that travellers should be alerted to ;
1) The PA system is still largely inaudible despite assurances earlier this year it has been improved. The designers have not allowed for acoustic “bouncing” in the building design.
2) The parking machines in the car park STILL do not accept any of my visa, amex or mastercard credit cdards. Keep getting the message “Turn Card Over” repeatedtly. This means I am forced to go through the manned booth which should be unnecessary. I have spoken many times to the staff on the booth who confirm this is an ongoing problem and many travellers complain of the same thing. If this is so, THEN WHY IS THE PROBLEM NOT FIXED???????? Especially as the cost to park is not reducing !
3) The absolute shortage of toilets for male passengers in the terminal after security. Around gates 1-4, there appears to only be two cisterns for men to use and these are ALWAYS being used. Grossly insufficient for the number of flights that leave (particularly the 6am flight I usually catch)
4) Car Parking…Forget it on the weekend. Better to park on the opposite side of the highway as you have better chance of getting a park.
Dear Management,
Id like to complain about one of your renta car companies operating at the Airport.
I was on holidays on the gc last month and arrived thru Coolangatta Airport. Upon arrival a scruffy looking gent walked us to the carpark where our car was. I thought it strange to wait whilst he reversed a van next to a car and started cleaning the inside of a 10yo model when we had confirmed a new car! Wanting to make a complaint to management ,I asked for the address.. His reply was “c/of carpark bay Gold Coast Airport”..
With current OWPHS and liability issues, I am amazed GCAL permit this type of business practice in an Airport car park. I was assured by the rentacar guy their “Off Airport license” included running the business out of a van full of cleaning equipment and dirty baby seats. After speaking with hotel staff, its appears its only 1 or 2 small backyard type operators using your carpark (and credibility) to ruin a families holiday.
For the money we saved flying into Coolangatta instead of Brisbane, we spent on a second rental! Id be surprised if we get a refund after the transport department removed the registration!.
Update on my post of 10th September. All passengers be warned the car park ticket machines now do not work at all and last night, at 10PM, it took exactly 22min to exit the car park as every vehicle had to pay manually to exit the car park. It is quicker to exit Melbourne multi level airport than Gold Coast airport.
I travelled to the gold coast airport from NZ with my wife and 2 kids (ages 3 & 5) on wednesday sept 2nd. We visit australia Regularly (brisbane, mel, and syd). I would have to say that our experience was terrible. Firstl;y after waiting in a line for nearly an hour to get through customs (only 4 customs officers on) we then had to wait another 25 mins to go through and get our bags x-rayed, so nearly 1.5 hours after arriving we got out the other side to collect a rental car which took another 40 mins. The airport is a construction zone at present but it does not forgive the fact that this place is very poorly managed and the staff are quite rude. Where is the fast track line for people travelling with kids, anyone who has kids knows they are restless enough after a 4hour flight but to have to wait in a line for another hour and a half is a joke.
on a good day in brisbane we can be off the plane and outside the terminal within 25 mins. I won’t use gold coast airport again, all the management replys on here just seem to be excuses! when will some one take heed and sort out what seems to be yuor many issues rather that serve up feeble excuses. I await your reply.
Could you please speak to whoever runs your internet website for the arrivals / departures as it is inconsistant nearly everyday with the flights at the airport. It would be better to have no information, rather than mis-information, which your website is presently showing nearly every day. Why cant it be linked to what is showing in your terminals? It is very frustrating to arrive at the airport to find that the flight has been delayed for an hour, or that it is showing that it hasnt landed , yet the passengers have disembarked and are waiting to be picked up!
Thank you for your email. The information on our website comes from the feed from the screen at the terminal, which is directly updated by the airlines.
Congratulations to Gold Coast Airport for its passenger growth, particularly for international flights. Best wishes for the coming year. I hope more airlines will see the benefits of flying to Gold Coast as an important tourist destination.
There has been a lot of negative reports about flybridges but a simple solution for this is to erect semi expandable covered walkways to the planes to be used in events of rain and inclement weather
HI! I’m from malaysia & thinking of traveling to queensland by airasia. it only will land at gold coast. could i take the airtrain from ool to brisbane airport? if yes, how much will it cost to take the airtrain, and do u think it would be a burden for me to take the airtrain with a 30kg luggage and one hand luggage? i’m a student, and trying to my destination, queensland uni.
i’d appreciate it if u replied and give me some information! it would be very helpful! Thank you
The best way to reach Brisbane after arriving on AirAsia is book on the AA Express coach service which departs after every arriving AirAsia flight. Bookings can be made on www.aaexpress.com.au.
The alternative is to catch bus #765 which shops near the airport to Robina Train Station. From there you can catch the train to Brisbane. More information can be found on our transfer page: http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/transfers.php
Dear Management, I would like to respond to a couple of rather unfair/uninformed comments that have been aimed at Australian Customs Service Staff at your airport in relation to the current Liquids Aerosols and Gels requirements.
Ref Ian Hunt Sept 1st 2008 and Ron Fisk Aug21 2009. Having worked at several Australian International Airports and travelled extensively through most of them since LAAGs came into force, it has been my experience that Private Security Staff (prior to any Customs contact) perform the security and LAAGs function. So maybe the collective tirades of Messers Hunt and Fisk need to be directed elsewhere?? Keep up the good work Customs.
P.S. to my last.
In some airports you may pass through Immigration/Passport Control first (This function is performed by Australian Customs Staff) and then proceed through the Security Check Point (Staffed by Private Security Staff). Australian Customs Officers are easy to identify. Blue Shirts with ‘CUSTOMS’ on the shoulder worn with Grey Trousers. They also wear Customs Identification Badges on the breast pocket.
Private Security Staff wear a variety of uniforms that vary from airport to airport around Australia.
Hope this helps to clarify some ‘grey areas’ about who does what around airports.
i would like to say to everyone who is complaining on here, it is utterly ridicolous. Gold Coast is not a major city in Australia it is a BIG town so dont compare it to any other major city airport, cos we aint one…
So that is why we have a big shed with a couple of palm tress and this is our airport. I personally enjoy walking along the tarmac, if at all it is raining, umbrellas are always available to you.
People with kids should also be aware of taking the kids on holidays( especially through peak travelling times) And NO there should not be a special line for people with kids, as it does not matter how you transport kids, they will always be naughty if they want to be..( maybe give some attention and stop ignoring them or screaming at them cos they are embarrassing).. My suggestion make the flight more enjoyable for your kids, like music, video games and maybe some educational crosswords, get their brain to work… KIDS WILL BE KIDS… If you dont like the hassle with kids , dont have them or leave them at home, dont ask everyone else to bow down to you ( cos you have kids) and people like me , who get no discounts, pay full fare , why should i have to wait longer for you, cos i chose a life without kids as i can see there is a population problem these days amongst humans( plague proportions we are) , so me helping the population problem, should allow you to go through quick and swiftly if you have kids IS RIDICULOUS….
I think Gold coast airport is doing GREAT.. I have travelled through this airport now for the last four years and i have never been delayed and always plenty of room to seat.. and found staff to be very friendly, i find them having to be forceful with the customers that want everything for free and done their way..
. Also im sure this PACKED Situations everyone is talking about is through peak times of travel. ( PEAK MEANS BUSY TIME) or did everyone happen to forget all that.. I THINK THEY ALL HAVE…
We all should be glad that we can be transported to other countries as freely as we like….ITS NOT A SURE GIVEN THING….. BE thankful, and when you are travelling, the experience starts when you leave home and doesnt end till you reach your destination… so make it worth it, talk to people travelling around you, meet people, make your kids a part of the experience.
Delays- i have heard from my friends, the delays mostly always run with NZ flights , is this because all these flights are packed to the brim every flight as more than 250,000 people come into gold coast this way. from new zealand…. TELL NZ There are other places to fly as well. maybe tassie, SA, , but no Gold coast and perth seem to be the only destinations.. then maybe not so many delays…. and organise holidays better, me personally never fly during peak time….
People are complaining also about the reconstruction and the works at the GCA Are u kidding, do you want it bigger or not??? i hear you all want a bigger airport, with better services, well im sorry to tell you , THESE THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT… Wait and be patient, and if you dont like being patient , then you shouldnt have asked for a bigger airport then !!!!!! or alternatively fly somewhere else…
Hi,
I would like to ask thru air asia flghts from KL, what transport do we use to go to Surfer’s paradise? how long will that take?
using Virgin blue, we want to go to Sydney and back to Gold Coast, do we travel thru Gold coast airport or Brisbane airport? Am confused where to go. My friend told me airport is at Brisbane and we take car to Gold Coast– or is there now flights directly taking off and flying from Gold Coast Airport?
Hi Melody
From Gold Coast Airport is there is public bus, #702 that departs every half hour to Surfers Paradise. It will take approximately 30 minutes.
There is no need to travel to Brisbane airport at all. AirAsia flies direct into Gold Coast Airport and Virgin Blue flights depart and arriive into Gold Coast Airport. No need for a car!
We look forward to welcoming you to Gold Coast Airport
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
Firstly, as a Gold Coast resident, allow me say how excellent the new terminal facilities are following the recent upgrade. The functionality and atmosphere are first class (for a city of 600,000 people).
Reading today’s news announcement of the official opening, it states:
“…The airport’s chief operating officer Paul Donovan said the focus of the redevelopment was to ensure the terminal is fast and efficient.
“There is just one main check-in area for ALL AIRLINES with self-service kiosks, a single baggage collection and screening point with 10 minute maximum baggage travel time, and one main departures and arrivals area,” he said.”…..
Can you advise when Tiger Airways’ operations will be moved to the new ‘all inclusive’ check-in main terminal?
Thank you kindly for your comments. We are very proud of the new terminal and have received fantastic feedback from passengers (both locals and visitors).
In relation to your question regarding the Tiger Airways terminal, there are no immediate plans for Tiger to operate out of the main T1 terminal; they will continue to operate in T2.
In relation to your question about the order in which posts are displayed, at this stage we are unable to alter this. We will be looking to modify the format of the blog in the near future.
Thank you again Bronwyn, we look forward to welcoming you to Gold Coast Airport.
Yes, lockers are available at Gold Coast Airport in various sizes, these are listed below. Prices vary according to the number of hours required to store your luggage.
Large: 870mm high, 450mm wide, 900mm deep
Medium: 500mm high, 450mm wide and 900mm deep.
Small: 400mm high and 450mm wide and 900mm deep
We hope you enjoy your visit to Gold Coast Airport,
Gold Coast Airport Management.
May I know the price to use the locker for 9 ~ 10 hours.
Locker size is “Large: 870mm high, 450mm wide, 900mm deep”.
Is it safe to store the luggage in the locker? Any missing or burglary case happen before?
Do you mind to provide the map of gold coast airport which show the location of locker?
If not possible to provide map, kindly please show me the direction by description.
Hi Jane
The lockers are secure and there have not been any cases of theft in the past. Prices to utilise the large lockers are listed below:
0-4 hrs - $8
4-8 hrs - $10
8-24 hrs - $12
You will find a terminal map located on our website, which shows where the lockers are located http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/terminal_map.php. They are directly in front of the Rainbow Bay Ale House (between the car park and the terminal).
The opening hours of the TRS desk coincide with all international flights. The TRS desk is located in International Departures area. You will certainly be able to claim prior to your 9am departure.
HI
Is the AIRASIA from Coolangatta to KL often late arriving at KL? I am flying later this month and want to fly onwards from KL on the same day but do not want to be late and miss my connecting flight. Does anyone know about the the timeliness of AirAsia to KL from COOLangatta? I read elsewhere that this airline has delays in their Asian routes.
Thanks
Dave
hi GC airport management,
would like to check what are the operating hours for the GST counter at the GC airport terminal? as my departing flight is at 8:40am, will i be able to make my GST claim at the refund counter on time? thanks!!
We are not currently aware of this suggested service. Gold Coast Airport continuously work co-operatively with our existing airline partners to ensure the viability of existing services. Tiger Airways currently fly to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide from Gold Coast Airport.
It is impossible for airlines to guarantee there won’t be delays, as unforeseen circumstances do at times occur. We would recommend a travel itinerary that takes any possible delays to services into account. If you still have concerns we would recommend contacting your airline carrier direct.
I will be flying out from GC to Syd with Tiger Airways. I have a rented car ( Avis ) with me. I read that Tiger Airways check-in area is in T2. Is that a long walk from where you drop the rented car? Or I should drop the passengers and luggage first, before returning the car. Appreciate the help as I am travelling with 3 young children and luggages
We will transit in Gold Coast next week on our connecting flight to Osaka. I was wondering when in the transit lounge is there a Duty Free store there? We are flying Jetstar if this helps..
My girlfriend’s parents (japanese) will be arriving on JQ20 from Osaka in a month or so and need to transfer to domestic flight JQ431 to Melbourne. I would like to know if JQ431 leaves from T1 or T2. I guess either way it is just a matter of going through immigration, pick up luggage and then customs followed by checking in for the domestic flight? It is their first time overseas so just wanted to make sure everything goes smoothly. Last thing is there any help offered at the airport in Japanese by any chance?
Thank you for your post. Yes, you will be pleased to know that we have a fantastic new Duty Free store available in the International departure lounge which can be accessed by transit passengers.
Both the Jetstar international and domestic flights all arrive and depart from T1. It is only Tiger Airways that utilises T2. You can view terminal maps on our website, to assist you. http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/terminal_map.php
A very popular service that we offer at Gold Coast Airport is assistance by our Japanese Liaison Officers (or JLO’s as we call them). All arriving Jetstar Asia flights are met by the Japanese Liaison Officers to assist passengers as required. Our JLO’s do a fantastic job and are very popular amongst our arriving passengers.
Thank you for your post Daniel,
Gold Coast Airport Management Team.
You have a very comprehensive and well laid out website and blog! Bravo!
Just a quick couple of questions:
1. I am co-ordinating our company trip to Gold Coast, Australia arriving this 13th of May 2010 and we have a few staff who do not speak English primarily, as such may have some issues with understanding Immigration / Customs officers questions. Does the Airport / Immigration / Customs have a Malay language interpreter or can we act as interpreters for them?
2. We have made prior reservations with Hertz for rental cars. Would their office be far from where AirAsia X lands?
Thank you for your answers in advance Sir / Madam!
Thank you for your questions and comments on our blog.
The below information was provided by Customs regarding passengers who do not speak English:
The declaration that passengers complete on the aircraft is available in Malaysian. If the passengers are not given a Malaysian version on the aircraft (sometimes stocks are low on board), it will be available from Customs on arrival at Gold Coast Airport. If an interpreter is needed for general questions, we will use a member of the travelling group. Official telephone interpreters can be utilised if the need arises.
In relation to your question on rental cars, you will be pleased to know that all of the rental car companies, including Hertz, are located within the terminal. After you come through the international arrivals area, head to your right, and you will find the rental car companies located outside of the domestic arrivals area. It is a very short walk.
I frequently travel through the GC. On Monday the 3rd of May on the first flight out of Coolangatta there was a security guard who was way out of line and he atively targeted and bullied me that if I had not had to be at a business meeting that day I would have taken umbrage and met him at his bluff and perhaps missed my flight. The general demeanor of the Gold Coast Security guards is quite offensive in comaprison to their counterparts in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. I saw when I googled it that many people are having the same experience with the security gaurds at the Gold Coast Airport. We are the paying customer and not cattle and should be treated courteously by the security staff as we are by the staff or the airlines that we fly with. GC Airport Management should act to curb the nasty, petty and bullying manner of the ISS Security staff at the GC Airport , they are beging to act as a law unto themselves . It really is not good enough….
Thank you for your post. The feedback we receive from passengers in relation to contracted security personnel at Gold Coast Airport is generally very positive. It is concerning to hear of your experience and therefore we would like to investigate the matter further. We will email you directly to obtain further details.
I think it is ridiculous that there is NO transit lounge for international passengers. Namely, of Japan-GC-NZ.
It’s not only the airport. What is the point of being eligible for Transit Without Visa, if there is an international airport without a Transit Lounge in your country! > Australian Government
And even if there is one, the tiny “canteen” in the departure lounge will bore us and starve us to death.
With many clients & friends arriving & departing thru the airport,one common comment I hear is;’there is no central information booth for directions,queries & general assistance within the complex.’
I see many dis-orientated people arriving at the airport,standing there wondering which direction to go,or where to book in.
Personally speaking,while flying overseas thru K.L. in Malaysia,there are several booths & information officers available for directions,advice,reccommendations,warnings[touting taxi drivers].A first happy experience at GCA,will be very good PR for the area.Generally,i have found the staff happy to help,but are very busy themselves.
First impressions are so important these days,particularly in the tourism industry & we need to show this to everyone arriving & departing thru GCA.
e.g. with all the extra visitors here for wintersun,would be ideal to promote our area & hospitality.
Being a local of the area,seeing the airport grow from its humble beginnings,is simply amazing & congratulations on your expansion.You are at the front gate of our region….A welcome smile & hello goes a long way.
If you agree with my thoughts ,maybe you could employ my experience within your complex,being an ambassador of the GCA & what it really has to offer visitors.Hospitality plus!!!
I was fishing in the Gold Coast seaway this morning (Monday 14 June 2010) and saw a 737/A320 (possibly larger) sized aircraft with an unfamiliar livery lining up to land at Gold Coast Airport.
It would have been between 9-10 am, and the aircraft had stripes on its underbelly.
Thank you for your post and your kind comments regarding the new terminal, we too are very pleased with it.
The ambassador concept is something that we may consider for the future. Based on investigations into other airports and destinations which have implemented a program such as this, it is quite a demanding program in terms of resources and coordination, and therefore at this stage is not a viable option.
At present Surfside is under contract to provide an information service to passengers. Surfside are located opposite the rental car desks towards the arrivals end of the terminal.
Thank you again for your interest in Gold Coast Airport and your valuable suggestions.
Relax, If your on holiday in the GC then you go by GC time. why are kiwi’s always ina rush to get nowhere fast. I bet you made your flight on time and you know people have a job to a want to do it properly if that means taking up afew extra seconds of your prescious time. If your on holiday then act like it and chill. Obv kiwis are way to high stessed and easily frustrated. Thanks full to be a Gold Coaster!!
Hey
In reference to the atms located at gold coast airport (travelex), do these allow withdrawals in mutliple currencies including US. Have already searched travelex website and was unable to confirm if the gold coast airport atms had this function. Also are there additional fees charged by travelex for this service or is it up to you banking card?
Thanks
jonny
Thanks for your post. We have contacted Travelex, and they have provided the following info:
Travelex currently has three multi-currency ATMs located within the Gold Coast Airport, allowing customer’s fast self service access to Japenese Yen, New Zealand and Australian Dollars. The rate and fee structure for the ATMs is set inline with our Gold Coast Airport stores and ranges from $2 to $25 per transaction. For any further foreign exchange inquiries please contact the store directly on 0755368249.
Will you be starting a service from Singapore in the near future. I would imagine this would be a highly popular route and I for one would be the first to start using it ! Here’s hoping ! Harald Svensen / Spore
We would love to welcome a new service to/from Singapore. We will continue to work closely with our airline partners towards establishing this service in the future.
To stay up-to-date, sign up to receive our enewsletter featuring regular updates on new routes and great offers. www.goldcoastairport.com.au
The sound system in the new G.Coast airport is dreadful, you cannot understand anything that is being said.
The security staff outside by the drop off areas etc are VERY rude. They told my husband that he was taking too long to load his luggage into the car. he has a heart condition and was packing as quickly as possible,. Please train them to have some brains… it’s not as if he was standing around doing nothing….
I travel all over the world, and the GC airport has to be one of the most horrible and unfriendly I have ever travelled through..
Gold Coast management need to get on top of a problem with the security staff asap.
Japanese tourists are being made fun of by Security when passing through through into the lobbies.
What is wrong with these morons? Get people in who will do the job properly!
Security are verbally parroting the goodbyes and other words of Japanese tourists leaving teh country. Not a good memory to leave with for one of your largest customer groups! When teh family member here says Sayonara, a condescending version of teh same word is then uttered by security personnel, The departing member then says “Arigato” and again we have the condescending security personnel repeating it.
I will begin taking names and numbers next week if it continues. The Japanese themselves are too polite to report it directly.
Please address it Gold Coast Airport management.
I have heard of good things about the customer service here and I can’t wait to experience it first hand. Looking forward to spend time at the Gold Coast soon!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I like the blog, looks great and very informative!
September 22nd, 2007 at 6:47 pm
I had the misfortune to pass through Gold Coast airport on Saturday 15 September. 4 International flights departing in the space of an hour. The Security queue stretched back over 50 metres. One x ray machine only used. Domestic x ray machine unmanned and not brought into service. Total disorganisation, and many stressed passengers, departure lounge was chokka, standing room only. The planes were so far away from the terminal I thought I was walking to new Zealand!! They need to do some serious investment before I will be back
September 24th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Dear Tony
Thank you for your feedback regarding your experience on Saturday and We appreciate your comments. Currently Saturday afternoon is our busiest travel day with the majority of flights to New Zealand scheduled in addition to our daily domestic services.
Since March 2007, the Australian Government implemented new security measures for international
passengers for screening for liquids, aerosols, and gels. At present, our Terminal 2 only has two security screening counters and therefore we have maintained one that is for domestic security check in and one for international, for our passengers travelling to New Zealand. (Both are
utilised for domestic check-in when there is not a flight to New
Zealand). This explains why only one x-ray machine was available for your international flight to New Zealand.
We do acknowledge the increased congestion at our airport on Saturdays in recent months due to the increase in passengers utilising Gold Coast Airport. In recognition of this we have ordered another security check in for international screening, coming very soon. In addition, last week the Australian Government also approved our Major Development Plan which includes a $AU100million terminal redevelopment and we expect to commence construction early 2008.
Details of our master plan and terminal re-development to facilitate the strong and continued growth we do expect to see through Gold Coast Airport is available on our website
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
September 26th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
4 new weekly flights from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur and 5 new weekly flights from Gold Coast to China will begin operating in late October. I am wondering whether the statement is true or not; due to the lack of advertising so far. Additionally, if that statement is true, will the International Terminal be able to cater for the mass number of passengers using the terminal?
Thanks
September 27th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Dear Wing
Thank you for your comments. There has not been any advertising through Gold Coast Airport as currently we have not announced any new flights from Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur as of yet. Our runway extension was completed in March 2007 and opened in May so we can now operate flights to Asia. Subject to regulatory approval, we are hoping to have flights operating by the end of the year. As soon as this is confirmed we will be advertising on our website and through the newspapers.
If you would like to be one of the first to know when this flights will operate, please register our our outbound mailing list. To register please click here.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Hi Admin
Thanks for your comments to my post of 22 September. I don’t think the airport company have addressed the issues in a timely enough manner, and are now expecting passengers to the airport, to “bear” with you while you try and fix things up, rather belatedly.
You state that the new regulations came into force in March. It was not an overnight decision. Where was the preplanning, and why after 6 months are passengers still having to cope with one screening point, with the promise of a second machine “coming very soon” is that next week, next month, next year?? Any redevelopment is a long way off, and you will only grow the facilities if the airlines continue to bring passengers to you, if the passengers have an unpleasent experience they may choose to go elsewhere next time. I note that you are now the Australian hub for some Asian budget airline, I hope based on your earlier comments that they are not planning to fly out on Saturday afternoon!!
October 11th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Dear Tony
Thank you again for your reply.
You will be pleased to know that we now have the additional screening machine in place which has drastically reduced the queuing time for our international flights, even on Saturdays. In addition, now that AirAsia X has also confirmed they will be flying into Gold Coast Airport we have another screening machine on order.
Please be assured we do recognise our customers concerns and appreciate your comments. I hope that you will again use Gold Coast Airport so that you can see for yourself the reduction in queuing time.
We look forward to welcoming you again to Gold Coast Airport.
January 26th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Dear Management,
I tried to find the required information but it’s not mentioned in the website.
I will be arriving at gold coast 5.20pm with AirAsiaX initially and flying off to sydney with virginblue last flight of the day 8.00pm to sydney. However, AirAsiaX just informed that there will be 3 hours flight delay after purchasing the ticket which means I’ll have to wait till the next day before I am able to leave the airport. Does the airport has a waiting or resting area for transit passengers?Is the airport opened 24 hours? Else, what do you suggest?
January 29th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Dear Kelvin
Thank you for your email. At this stage, our airport is not opened 24 hours, unless due to a late flight arrival or departure.
The airport is in very close proximity to a variety of accomodation options. Our Customer Service team at the Information Desk outside of International arrivals in Terimanl 2 can also assit with enquiries once you arrive.
We are undergoing a terminal re-development commencing mid-2008 and appreciate your feedback and will consider this scenario during our construction stage.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
March 18th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
To the Gold Coast Airport Manager,
Why in your international departures area are there NONE of the following-
TVs
Newspapers
Magazines
ATM
Travel exchange
Smokers Lounge
It was certainly dissapointing to not be able to change money, withdraw cash, buy a magazine or newspaper, or watch tv after my flight was delayed 1hr.
These may seem small gripes, but it all adds to the satisfaction of the passengers travelling through your airport.
March 24th, 2008 at 6:47 am
does anyone knows if there is any other information about this subject in other languages?
April 1st, 2008 at 11:41 am
Thre are alot of people desperate for Gold Coast to Cairns and return service. Since the demise Of Australiam Airlines there is no service from the Gold Coast. We have to do the drudge to Brisbane. The flights from Brisbane to Cairns are always full with all the Ma
April 1st, 2008 at 11:43 am
Thre are alot of people (desperate) for Gold Coast to Cairns and return service. Since the demise Of Australiam Airlines there is no service from the Gold Coast. We have to do the drudge to Brisbane. The flights from Brisbane to Cairns are always full with all the Major Airlines from Qntas, Qantas Link, Virgin Blue and Jet Star, please help!!!
April 3rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Why is there no jet star flights in departures/arrivals for flights to/from gold coast?
Where can I find this information? as I know many flights to sydney were cancelled due to winds today.
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Could someone let me know where I can send a complaint about the security staff of the Gold Coast airport please. One particular officer was way out of line and I’d like someone to know about it. Thanks.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
After the recent “perfect storm” traffic chaos when despairing travellers were forced to walk 400 m plus to get to the terminal I think it is obvious that the access to the the airport from GCH needs improving.
I know the main roads are doing some work on extending the turning lane but the real solution is a FLYOVER across the highway.
Even when the Tugan Bypass is opened there still will be delays turning off the highway to the airport.
In fact the opening of the Bypass is not going have any positive effect on traffic turning into the airport.
Start lobying the goverment - state and local about the benefits.
Also, there needs to be a entry statement where they currently have the population counter.
I recently visited Sanya in China and they have a big TV screen promoting the region. Better then a population counter - how boring! What do tourists care about the population number.
Good luck!
May 26th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I intend to book Jet Star from Christchurch to Gold Coast to connect Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur. I have 1 hour 50 min. for transit. Normally how much time do i need to check in at counter. Do i need to go out of the airport and immigresen for check in?
If not enough time, I will have to fly 1 day earlier? Do Gold Coast Airport open 24 hours for stayin over the night at the airport lounge. If not do we need an australian visa just to go out of airport to stay for the night? We have Malaysian passport with PR in New Zealand.
thanks.
May 27th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Hello James
Thank you for your email. According to AirAsia X’s website, www.airasia.com it states: That their check in counters are open three (3) hours before the scheduled flight departure time. The counters close sixty (60) minutes before the scheduled light departure time; You must be in possession of a boarding pass by the ime check in closes, or you will not be accepted for the flight.
You will need to clear customs and re-check in for the AirAsia X flight, however it is in the same terminal.
Gold Coast Airport is not open 24 hours, we are open between 4:30am and 22:30pm, however there are nearby hotels and hostels in Coolangatta and Tugun.
In regards to your visa and passport requirements, more information can be found at your embassy or the Australian Department of Immigration on www.immi.gov.au.
Many thanks and we look forward to welcoming you to the Gold Coast Airport.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
May 27th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I wish to congratulate Jetstar on their recent introduction of a daily Gold Coast-Osaka direct service. In saying that, I also want to congratulate Gold Coast Airport Management in preparing facilities to cater for more international services; I hope to see more International services, perhaps direct flights to Hong Kong, Singapore and even Tokyo, perhaps. I think there is a lot of potential for the Gold Coast. Living in Brisbane, I would say that most visitors usually spend more time down at the Gold Coast than in Brisbane. I understand that Brisbane is a state capital and it is an international city by its own right. I just hope there will be more international airlines/arrivals to the Gold Coast, boosting the Tourism Industry for South-East Queensland as a whole region.
June 13th, 2008 at 9:50 am
During the very rainy la nina season, walking through wind and rain to planes has been very annoying, uncomfortable not to mention dampening. Umbrellas do not hold up in the wind.
As an international airport, I would have thought you would have supplied buses.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:22 am
Hi,
Me and my fiancee, Swedish and Polish passport holders, will (probably) be flying from NZ to Asia and need to connect at the OOL airport. Since we will be changing planes (to AirAsiaX) there, I was wondering if we require a visa or if we can transit without one? We will probably need to pick-up our bags and check them in again with AirAsiaX (I dont think that any carriers from NZ will be able to check them in all the way from NZ to Kuala Lumpur). We have previously had a transit in Sydney and since the transit time was under 8h, we didn’t require a visa - but then again we didn’t need to recheck-in our luggage either. What are the procedures at your airport?
Thank you for an answer
August 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Greetings
I will be flying from Gold Coast to KL on Air Asia X in September. I wonder what is the best way for me to reach GC airport from Springfield Lakes? Take the train from Darra to Central Station and then another train from Central to Helensvale and then a bus transfer to GC airport? I was told the whole trip takes 3 hrs. Is there any bus coach that delivers doorstep to GC airport? I do not mind paying $60-70 per trip as I do not want to waste time travelling to GC airport.
Thankyou
August 11th, 2008 at 5:32 am
it looks like a nice site, but it would better with multi language support, for example spanish.. but thanks..
August 25th, 2008 at 7:25 am
I am a very regular user of GCA. Two issues I want to mention:
1) Get rid of the smokers from the entrances to the terminal. It is a awful smell as you your first welcome to the GC plus the mess the smokers leave behind. GC prides iself as a clean and healthy place. Set a precedent and make GCA precinct A SMOKE FREE ZONE.
2) I saw someone from the airport who was selling space on a planned mural for the new terminal. This is a silly idea because it will date very quiclky and will look tacky. A much better idea would be to install a large TV screen in the terminal. It can be used to promote special events, live sport like when the Titans play the Gold Coast Marathon etc and you can make a fortune from selling the advertising space and finally it will NOT date.
August 26th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
i review the comments still not clear with the procedures.my case is that i will be arriving on 725am by airasia. intended to take transist by jetsar around 925am.do i have enough time to check in for transist.during arrival do i have to clear custom n immigration at gold coast airport n check in for jetstar outside again or do they have such transfer custom check in in side.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Dear Passengers
Passengers connecting on other airlines and destinations through Gold Coast Airport must clear Australian customs and immigrations, collect baggage and then re-check in for your next flight.
For information on Australia visa requirements please visit www.immi.gov.au and for Australian customs requirments please visit www.customs.gov.au.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
September 1st, 2008 at 9:35 am
I have spent 2 weeks on Honeymoon on the Gold Coast leaving Saturday 30th August 2008 on Air NZ at 6:05pm. The customs officers at your airport are the most rude, arrogant and ignorant people I have met. Being on Honeymoon we purchased two very special and expensive bottles of red wine to bring home to celebrate and advised the Air NZ personal at check-in that they were in our hand luggage as we didn’t want them broken. When we went through customs the lady there told us it was prohibited and confiscated the wine having asked me to take out my wife’s and my passports to show her, also she said…who cares if it was a honeymoon! As I walked through the security arch the man there abused me for carrying the passports through. After that we went through immigration and the person there could see we were visibly upset and asked us what had happened. We told that person, who told us “give some of those people a uniform and they think they are god!”
After proceeding through immigration we entered the duty free shop where we could have purchased many bottles and taken them on board the aircraft….something does not seem right. It is not the first time I have experienced this type of thing with your customs people as I visit the Gold Coast regularly…I think it is time for a change! My next trip is planned for the Xmas so maybe we should reconsider and perhaps visit the Sunshine Coast and fly to Brisbane.
I am not a happy traveller.
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:20 am
Hi Ian
Since March 2007, the Australian Government implemented new security measures for international
passengers for screening for liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGS). This means that you are no longer able to bring any liquids, such as wine, through security when boarding an international aircraft. This is not a Gold Coast only regulation, however an Australian Government implementation as a response to tightened security concerns.
More information regarding Australian security requirements can be found at www.customs.gov.au
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:26 am
I understand your comments about the wine, but that doesn’t excuse the rude arrogant attitude of the staff at customs, it is disgusting and I heard similar comments from other travellers in the departure lounge.
Regards,
Ian
September 27th, 2008 at 6:50 am
With the redevelopement of the terminal buildings and the increase in airlines using Gold Coast Airport is any consideration being given to a viewing area either inside the terminal buildings or outside. I am also interested to know what will happen to the Tiger Airlines use of terminal 3 once the terminal is complete
September 29th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your email. At this stage Tiger Airways will continue to operate out of Terminal 3. In regards to viewing areas, the redeveloped terminal will have open high ceilings with two storey floor to glass windows looking across the runway to the hinterland, and also offer viewing opportunities.
Many thanks for your comments.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management.
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
With the re-development of the airport has there any consideration been given to improving parking especially long term parking. Two recent flights on a Saturday to Sydney and Canberra resulted in inconvenience to get a family member to pick up my car due to the long term parking being closed on one occasion and the other occasion, access could be gained to the long term car park but there were no spaces available.
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I am a frequent flyer and Cairns is one of my destinations, and I really hate the traffic travelling to Brisbane Airport for the flight. Approxiamately 2 years ago after Australian Airlines ceased operations I contacted G.C. Airport, and to my dismay was informed that there were no immediate plans by any airlines to include Cairns as a direct flight destination.
I am wondering if that may soon change ??????????
October 4th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Dear Management,
Could you please advise if and when flights to and from Honolou will be departing and arriving at
Gold Coast airport.
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:09 am
Arrived in Gold Coast from Kuala Lumpur on an Air Asia ticket using the XL and was flown in using a charterd air plane from Cathay Pacific. Was given the business class seat. Paying almost double the normal air fare so that I can have a comfortable seat to sleep for the night on 7 November.I was one of the early check in and when on arrival I was the first person to step out of the plane. It was devasting to wait for my lugguage almost to the end of everyone lugguage on the economy fair flight. Though Air Asia specifically mentioned their XL flight with the business class seat but no other frills. All I expected for paying almost double of the ticket price of a normal fare is having my lugguage come in first. What is the point of me being first out of the plane and then waited another hour for my luggage to come?
Another question I have to ask. It seem funny but true.
Normally on arrival at Brisbane airport or Sydney Airport the air plane is being sprayed internally when landed. Why was it not sprayed on this flight to Gold Coast? Does it mean that this flight does not carry virus/bacteria/germs/inscets to endanger Australia crops?
December 15th, 2008 at 7:37 am
having travelled through through the gold coast airport several times I find it confusing that the airport
terminal is split in two,even with the current renovations.It is a pity that it is not similiar to sydney or
adelaide airports with all airlines sharing a common area.If a passenger makes the mistake of going to
the wrong check in or baggage reclaim ,with all airlines in together it is not hard to find the correct
check in or baggage reclaim.As it is now if a passenger goes to ,for example, the virginblue check in
or baggage reclaim then it is a long walk to find the correct check in or baggage reclaim if one is travelling with jetstar .If it is confusing for an australian how do foreigners cope with this.More and clearer signage is definitely required, but the obvious answer is ,as mentioned before. to join both
terminals and make it less stressful for passengers.Also shopowners should be encouraged to keep
their businesses open to fit in with all arrivals and departures.This ensures that passengers have something to do while waiting and possibly more revenue for that business.
December 16th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Hi Bryan
Thank you for your feedback, we are currently undergoing a terminal redevelopment which will have a common user terminal including common user check in, security and gate area. We appreciate your patience while we building this new and improved terminal.
Kind regards
Frances
December 19th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Very happy to see the new flights to Tokyo-Narita take-off a few days ago. It’s been very impressive to see the total of international destinations increase significantly over the year. More airlines are flying into the Gold Coast Airport because of your impressive work. Your terminal redevelopment will certainly come in handy because it will attract more airlines, more international destinations (in particular) and that’s economically beneficial for Gold Coast and its tourism industry.
Donna, the Jetstar flights to Cairns will begin in February 2008. There’s a news article on the Gold Coast Airport homepage which gives more detail.
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:56 am
We are heading to Japan on Jetstar in mid-January, flying Sydney-Gold Coast-Narita. Our flight has been changed from an international to a domestic departure from Sydney.
We have purchased new skis and wish to claim the GST refund. These items cannot be carried on as hand luggage. I know that Customs allows oversize goods that cannot be taken on board as hand luggage to be sighted by customs prior to airline check-in.
Could you please let me know the procedure for this process at Gold Coast Airport. Specifically, the location of the appropriate counter and the time needed for the process.
I did email the airport with this question but am yet to receive a reply.
Kind regards, Jan
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
Dear Jan
I am responding to your email regarding your GST claim at Gold Coast Airport enroute to Japan.
The procedure here will be as follows:
1) Proceed to Jetstar International check-in after collecting your bags.
2) Advise a Jetstar attendant (while in the queue or at the counter) that you need to see a customs officer prior to checking in your equipment.
3) A customs officer will come out immediately and sight the goods & approve the invoice / docket for you to claim the GST.
4) Following check-in, proceed to Departure lounge where the TRS desk is located and show your invoice to receive your refund.
Jan, we are working with Customs to expedite this process by having roaming duty free / customs staff who will action this automatically - in fact they may be in place by the time you fly.
Best regards and enjoy your trip
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
December 29th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Many thanks,
This information was also sent to me direct by email. I appreciate the response and the information is just what I needed.
Kind regards, Jan
January 26th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
When will the Arrival & Departure screen show the correct times. We noticed on Sunday night the times for Tiger flights where still showing even tho the flight was cancelled. Also why are all the airlines that use GCA shown e.g.Jetstar. This information is not shown on the individual airines websites as one would think that the GCA site would be as up to date as the airport is. (sad)
January 26th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
My apologies re info about Jetstar as it is shown.
February 20th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Great Blog seems that getting a reply is about as difficult as getting up to date flight info.
April 15th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
The new Jetstar terminal is great. I had a smooth run to the plane and I was happy that Gold Coast airport was looking like the airport it should be. I also saw the signs for the JQ lounge and can’t wait until that opens. Overall I think it is a great airport and once the airport is completely finished it will look even better.
Jared.
April 21st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Attention: Gold Coast Airport Management. The Gold Coast Airport terminal will, I hope, one day be worthy of the destination. But right now, construction makes it very 2nd rate. But with all the fanfare of making the terminal to suit the needs of the travelling public, why will there not be any aero bridges to the aircraft. PLEASE do not give me the story that because of such beautiful weather on the Gold Coast, they are not needed. Been looking out of your ivory tower offices lately? It rains and it rains hard on the Gold Coast and it’s not going to get better. Standing in line waiting to board at the aircraft steps with a howling wind and torrential rain is not a great way to start a trip. You have missed out on making the Gold Coast Airport one for the future.
May 25th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Attention Jared. I agree entirely. However, for now it remains something of a building site, like work in progress. On the upside, I would add that Jetstar as an airline has lifted its game recently and is an option well worth taking.
June 7th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I flew out of the Gold Coast airport to Kuala Lumpur in March and again in May. This airport is unworthy of being called an International Airport. We were drenched getting on the plane to KL, there was running water all over the tarmac and our feet were soaking wet and the umbrellas (provided by Air Asia, not the airport authorities) were useless against the driving rain. The security checks boarding the plane were unsympathetic to mothers carrying children-a woman carrying a child was asked to remove her belt with no assistance whilst she was minding two young children. Staff at security checks were rude to Asians who didn’t speak much English, asking them if they understood “What art of removing your liquids from your hand luggage do you not understand?”
The cafes at the airport were dirty, tables unclean and the whole departure area looked dingy and tired. Hopefully when the terminal is finished, things will look better but cleanliness needs to be maintained. On a positive note, immigration officials were pleasant.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
I appreciate the relaxed relatively unofficial atmosphere at the Coolangatta Airport. Also it is so handy to the Gold Coast, where many travellers want as their destination.
I am one of many Wellington Kiwi’s now residing on the Coast and use to frequently use Gold Coast airport to travel back to Wellington. From memory the flights were always full !!
Now, unfortunately this connection does not seem to be regularly availalbe, except for Air New Zealand’s service which is exsorbently expensive. Because of this we now travel to Brisbane for our connection.
Is it possible to encourage another of the Gold Coast’s airlines to take advantage of this and provide (even twice a week) some competition. I for one would support them.
I do thank Virgin for the service via Auckland, but this takes far too long.
regards from this traveller
June 16th, 2009 at 10:30 am
I fly to & from this airport between 60 & 80 times a year and have been very frustrated at times with some of the tempory facilities and procedures that have been put in place durring the upgrade works, especially those queues for screening we endured until the new one’s arrived; and the very long walk to planes seemed bizarre when the old system of jetstar at one end (closest to their end) and Virgin at the other end near their lounge worked pretty well, although I totally understand that upgrades of this nature are going to upset someone, however with all the new layouts and retail outlets now openning, everyone is understanding the reason for the pain, it looks great, but the PA system would have to be the worst audio I have every heard in any building or venue and can only hope the airport project management team have not excepted it as complete and we are waiting for its acoustic tune. I would say that audible words were not more than 5 out of 10 in most cases. It is a shame that so much money is being spent and the simple things let it down.
Kind Regards
David
June 16th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Dear David
I have confirmed with our Commercial Manager that the PA system has now been fixed, as indeed there had been some communication problems. It was making nice clear announcments as of this morning, 16 June.
We look forward to welcoming you again to Gold Coast Airport
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
June 18th, 2009 at 10:33 am
I flew yesterday and all was nice and clear. I guess all good things just time.
Thanks
David
June 24th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Can you please tell me if the airport closes overnight?
June 24th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Hi Yvonne
The airport closes after our curfew of 11pm and reopens at 4 am in the morning.
There are local hostels and hotels nearby in Coolangatta, Bilinga and Kirra.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
July 17th, 2009 at 8:50 am
why cant I find out about earlier than 8am arrivals?
July 17th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Help……How can I get from the airport to….?
Practical public transport information would save a lot of frustration, especially for those who are not aware of School holidays and the subsequent absence of hire cars.
As the Gold Coast airport is now an ” International Airport”, there needs to be information on transport links to New South Wales and Queensland for those who are using it as a gateway to Australia, not only information on local tours.
Lori
July 20th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Hi..I will be departing to Kuala Lumpur from Gold Coast airport. However, I am coming from Brisbane airport and I don’t know how to reach Gold Coast airport from Brisbane Airport. If I were to take the Airtrain, to which station do I get off? And from the station, how do I get to the Gold Cast Airport. I tried to find info about public transportation to and from the airport from this website but I could not find any..I hope the management is kind enaugh to inform me about it. Thank You.
July 21st, 2009 at 11:08 am
Hi Josh and Lori
There are two ways to travel from Brisbane/Brisbane Airport to the Gold Coast Airport and vs versa.
From Brisbane Airport you can take the Airtrain to Robina Station in the Gold Coast and connect to the Surfside Bus #765 to the Gold Coast Airport.
An alternative is the AA Express shuttle which operates shuttle bus from Brisbane CBD to Gold Coast Airport for each departing and arriving AirAsia X flights. Their website is www.aaexpress.com.au
Information regarding this an other transfer and transport options can be found under our transfer page. www.goldcoastairport.com.au/transfers.
We recognise that our international passenger numbers have grown and we are currently investigating ways to improve the quality of the information on our website. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and we look forward to welcoming you to Gold Coast Airport.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
The following information can be found on our transfer page: www.goldcoastairport.com.au/transfers
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I had the misfortune earlier this year of being one minute late for a Tiger flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne. I was held-up in unexpected traffic delays. My passenger in the car (who was the one flying) was on a walking stick and was travellling home to see her terminally ill father. We arrived at the airport at 12.01pm for a 12.45pm flight. The girl at the check-in more or less said bad luck there is nothing we can do about it and mid way through our conversation just stood-up and walked out of the building - leaving us stunned. We were not the only ones in this prediciment - there was another couple who had to be in Melbourne to catch an international flight - they were also very distressed at the lack of help or concern for their prediciment. When we went to security (where they were checking the hand luggage) they told us they could not help as they were not Tiger Airways staff but by this time the terminal was deserted of all Tiger Airline staff. They suggested we wait for the Tiger staff to return (after the flight departed) and see what they could do for us!! (a bit late then!!). When the staff returned - after the flight departed - they informed us that they had another flight that evening but the airport terminal was closing shortly until 2 hours before the evening flight! And if we wanted to get on the flight we would have to wait elsewhere until the airport terminal reopened and pay some ridiculous price for the flight (we had lost our air ticket due to being one minute late). We declined their offer, went home and booked a flight for a couple of days later with Virgin for a fraction of the price that Tiger Airways wanted (we paid about 20% of the price that Tiger wanted to charge us). I left the airport feeling sick with my passenger distraught and in tears. I was ashamed in front of the international couple who asked me if Australia was a third world country and disgusted with Tiger Airways. I will never travel with them, even if they offered 1c airfares to anywhere - you are a disgrace. I now warn other travellers to avoid Tiger Airways.
July 27th, 2009 at 12:55 am
For an international airport…
1. There should be more than two points for people to go through Quarantine. This process is too slow when more than one flight comes through.
2 Please improve the transfer process. Passengers transfering need a “Transit Lounge”, especially if they do not speak English. Currently, it is very confusing. Following the sign “International Departures”, on arrrival from another flight, means you have no boarding pass/haven’t checked in. It is not clear that ALL passengers have to exit and then check in again AND go through security TWICE again before, finally, Customs. It’s confusing, time consumming, tiring, and frustrating. Travel is expensive, involves more than 20 hours door to door from Sydney to Kyoto. PLEASE…
Please, just give us a transit lounge. I travel to and through the GC often. I have a group of 20 Japanese students coming through in Feb to Melbourne, alone, who can’t speak that much English and I am worried that this will be a horrible welcome to Australia for them.
3. Please put a few public phones in the departure area. If the flight is delayed passengers who want to make an interrnational call using a cheap Iinternational phone card need a public phone. I was there in Feb and July 2009 and there weren’t any public phones in the Departure Lounge.
4. Internet access: Jetstar Lounge advertise wireless interrnet access. I almost paid $15 to enter, just for this service going from GC to SYD in July 2009. On the way back, I was flying Star class and was very disappointed to find that I could not access the Internet in the Jetstar lounge. If it is adverrtised, it should be avaliable.
5. Please provide Internet access for all passengers who have gone through security/customs in the International departures lounge. There is nothing now: No phone, No Internet…no carrier pigeons (I asked. Yes, I was desperate!)
All of these things are normal for an Interrnational Airport. Please consider my requests. International passengers, old people, Non-English speakers, frequent flyers, really need the suggestions to be implemented or they will use any other airline that does not involve flying through the Gold Coast.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
hello.
now that you have almost completed the new terminal i would like to see the limousine pick up area relocated to the new arrivals area at the southern end of the terminal. a lot of our clientel are elderly and its hard work for them to walk to the northern end especially with luggage.
these clients pay good money for our services and deserve better than a 200 meter walk,especially if its raining.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST I HAD A DISAGREEMENT WITH THE OUTBOUND CUSTOMS PEOPLE. I PURPOSELY REDUCED THE CONTENTS OF A 125ML BOTTLE OF EXPENSIVE SUNSCREEN AND SAME WITH A NOT SO CHEAP TUBE OF MCLEANS TOOTHPASTE, BOTH TO WELL BELOW THE 100ML LIMIT. THE INSPECTOR WOULD NOT ACCEPT THIS, TOOK THEM FROM ME STATING MALAYSIA WAS VERY STRICT ON INCOMING PASSENGERS AND IT WOULD REFLECT ON THE COOLANGATTA CUSTOMS STAFF IF THEY PICKED UP ON IT.
I THOUGHT THE SECURITY LIMIT WAS FOR ONBOARD THE AIRCRAFT NOT WHAT YOU COULD TAKE INTO A COUNTRY. ANYWAY, WHEN WE ARRIVED AT KUALA LUMPUR, WE HAD TO WAKE THE CUSTOMS TO ASK IF THEY WANTED TO SEE IN THE BAG AND THEY WAVED US THROUGH.
GUESS COOLANGATTA CUSTOMS STAFF HAVE NEED TO REDUCE THEIR WEEKLY PHARMACY BILLS AT OUR EXPENSE.
August 24th, 2009 at 5:49 am
On Sunday 23 Aug 09, the Tiger Air afternoon flight to Melbourne was cancelled and the reason passengers were given was that he Airport was closed due to weather. It seemed a perfect day and there were no high winds. There was nothing in the news or in the papers and a lot of people were inconvenienced as well as having to meet additional accomodation expenses. Was the Airport closed or was it just a excuse dreamed up by Tiger to cover up a cancelled flight.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Dear Gerry
Unfortunately several flights yesterday, Sunday 23 August were divereted to Brisbane between 1530 and 1640 due to a low cloud base at Gold Coast Airport. These diversison would have resulted in flights out of Gold Coast Airport being delayed or cancelled in the afternoon.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
September 10th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
I fly to and from Melbourne out of Coolangatta roughly every 2-3 weeks. I have found the new terminal to be much better than the old one, but there are a couple of issues that travellers should be alerted to ;
1) The PA system is still largely inaudible despite assurances earlier this year it has been improved. The designers have not allowed for acoustic “bouncing” in the building design.
2) The parking machines in the car park STILL do not accept any of my visa, amex or mastercard credit cdards. Keep getting the message “Turn Card Over” repeatedtly. This means I am forced to go through the manned booth which should be unnecessary. I have spoken many times to the staff on the booth who confirm this is an ongoing problem and many travellers complain of the same thing. If this is so, THEN WHY IS THE PROBLEM NOT FIXED???????? Especially as the cost to park is not reducing !
3) The absolute shortage of toilets for male passengers in the terminal after security. Around gates 1-4, there appears to only be two cisterns for men to use and these are ALWAYS being used. Grossly insufficient for the number of flights that leave (particularly the 6am flight I usually catch)
4) Car Parking…Forget it on the weekend. Better to park on the opposite side of the highway as you have better chance of getting a park.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hi, is the airport opens 24 hours? Thank you!
September 17th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Dear Management,
Id like to complain about one of your renta car companies operating at the Airport.
I was on holidays on the gc last month and arrived thru Coolangatta Airport. Upon arrival a scruffy looking gent walked us to the carpark where our car was. I thought it strange to wait whilst he reversed a van next to a car and started cleaning the inside of a 10yo model when we had confirmed a new car! Wanting to make a complaint to management ,I asked for the address.. His reply was “c/of carpark bay Gold Coast Airport”..
With current OWPHS and liability issues, I am amazed GCAL permit this type of business practice in an Airport car park. I was assured by the rentacar guy their “Off Airport license” included running the business out of a van full of cleaning equipment and dirty baby seats. After speaking with hotel staff, its appears its only 1 or 2 small backyard type operators using your carpark (and credibility) to ruin a families holiday.
For the money we saved flying into Coolangatta instead of Brisbane, we spent on a second rental! Id be surprised if we get a refund after the transport department removed the registration!.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Me again.. I just found on their website..
Licenced Gold Coast Airport Operator
Cars at the airport, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
No need to be transfered to an off airport office.
Except I could not find them on your list??
September 21st, 2009 at 7:35 am
Update on my post of 10th September. All passengers be warned the car park ticket machines now do not work at all and last night, at 10PM, it took exactly 22min to exit the car park as every vehicle had to pay manually to exit the car park. It is quicker to exit Melbourne multi level airport than Gold Coast airport.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I travelled to the gold coast airport from NZ with my wife and 2 kids (ages 3 & 5) on wednesday sept 2nd. We visit australia Regularly (brisbane, mel, and syd). I would have to say that our experience was terrible. Firstl;y after waiting in a line for nearly an hour to get through customs (only 4 customs officers on) we then had to wait another 25 mins to go through and get our bags x-rayed, so nearly 1.5 hours after arriving we got out the other side to collect a rental car which took another 40 mins. The airport is a construction zone at present but it does not forgive the fact that this place is very poorly managed and the staff are quite rude. Where is the fast track line for people travelling with kids, anyone who has kids knows they are restless enough after a 4hour flight but to have to wait in a line for another hour and a half is a joke.
on a good day in brisbane we can be off the plane and outside the terminal within 25 mins. I won’t use gold coast airport again, all the management replys on here just seem to be excuses! when will some one take heed and sort out what seems to be yuor many issues rather that serve up feeble excuses. I await your reply.
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Could you please speak to whoever runs your internet website for the arrivals / departures as it is inconsistant nearly everyday with the flights at the airport. It would be better to have no information, rather than mis-information, which your website is presently showing nearly every day. Why cant it be linked to what is showing in your terminals? It is very frustrating to arrive at the airport to find that the flight has been delayed for an hour, or that it is showing that it hasnt landed , yet the passengers have disembarked and are waiting to be picked up!
September 25th, 2009 at 10:30 am
Dear Steve
Thank you for your email. The information on our website comes from the feed from the screen at the terminal, which is directly updated by the airlines.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
September 25th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Please note Gold Coast Airport is opened from 4:15am until 11pm.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Congratulations to Gold Coast Airport for its passenger growth, particularly for international flights. Best wishes for the coming year. I hope more airlines will see the benefits of flying to Gold Coast as an important tourist destination.
December 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
There has been a lot of negative reports about flybridges but a simple solution for this is to erect semi expandable covered walkways to the planes to be used in events of rain and inclement weather
December 8th, 2009 at 1:56 am
HI! I’m from malaysia & thinking of traveling to queensland by airasia. it only will land at gold coast. could i take the airtrain from ool to brisbane airport? if yes, how much will it cost to take the airtrain, and do u think it would be a burden for me to take the airtrain with a 30kg luggage and one hand luggage? i’m a student, and trying to my destination, queensland uni.
i’d appreciate it if u replied and give me some information! it would be very helpful! Thank you
(:
December 8th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Hi Jesslyn
The best way to reach Brisbane after arriving on AirAsia is book on the AA Express coach service which departs after every arriving AirAsia flight. Bookings can be made on www.aaexpress.com.au.
The alternative is to catch bus #765 which shops near the airport to Robina Train Station. From there you can catch the train to Brisbane. More information can be found on our transfer page:
http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/transfers.php
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
December 27th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Dear Management, I would like to respond to a couple of rather unfair/uninformed comments that have been aimed at Australian Customs Service Staff at your airport in relation to the current Liquids Aerosols and Gels requirements.
Ref Ian Hunt Sept 1st 2008 and Ron Fisk Aug21 2009. Having worked at several Australian International Airports and travelled extensively through most of them since LAAGs came into force, it has been my experience that Private Security Staff (prior to any Customs contact) perform the security and LAAGs function. So maybe the collective tirades of Messers Hunt and Fisk need to be directed elsewhere?? Keep up the good work Customs.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:56 am
P.S. to my last.
In some airports you may pass through Immigration/Passport Control first (This function is performed by Australian Customs Staff) and then proceed through the Security Check Point (Staffed by Private Security Staff). Australian Customs Officers are easy to identify. Blue Shirts with ‘CUSTOMS’ on the shoulder worn with Grey Trousers. They also wear Customs Identification Badges on the breast pocket.
Private Security Staff wear a variety of uniforms that vary from airport to airport around Australia.
Hope this helps to clarify some ‘grey areas’ about who does what around airports.
January 7th, 2010 at 9:57 am
i would like to say to everyone who is complaining on here, it is utterly ridicolous. Gold Coast is not a major city in Australia it is a BIG town so dont compare it to any other major city airport, cos we aint one…
So that is why we have a big shed with a couple of palm tress and this is our airport. I personally enjoy walking along the tarmac, if at all it is raining, umbrellas are always available to you.
People with kids should also be aware of taking the kids on holidays( especially through peak travelling times) And NO there should not be a special line for people with kids, as it does not matter how you transport kids, they will always be naughty if they want to be..( maybe give some attention and stop ignoring them or screaming at them cos they are embarrassing).. My suggestion make the flight more enjoyable for your kids, like music, video games and maybe some educational crosswords, get their brain to work… KIDS WILL BE KIDS… If you dont like the hassle with kids , dont have them or leave them at home, dont ask everyone else to bow down to you ( cos you have kids) and people like me , who get no discounts, pay full fare , why should i have to wait longer for you, cos i chose a life without kids as i can see there is a population problem these days amongst humans( plague proportions we are) , so me helping the population problem, should allow you to go through quick and swiftly if you have kids IS RIDICULOUS….
I think Gold coast airport is doing GREAT.. I have travelled through this airport now for the last four years and i have never been delayed and always plenty of room to seat.. and found staff to be very friendly, i find them having to be forceful with the customers that want everything for free and done their way..
. Also im sure this PACKED Situations everyone is talking about is through peak times of travel. ( PEAK MEANS BUSY TIME) or did everyone happen to forget all that.. I THINK THEY ALL HAVE…
We all should be glad that we can be transported to other countries as freely as we like….ITS NOT A SURE GIVEN THING….. BE thankful, and when you are travelling, the experience starts when you leave home and doesnt end till you reach your destination… so make it worth it, talk to people travelling around you, meet people, make your kids a part of the experience.
Delays- i have heard from my friends, the delays mostly always run with NZ flights , is this because all these flights are packed to the brim every flight as more than 250,000 people come into gold coast this way. from new zealand…. TELL NZ There are other places to fly as well. maybe tassie, SA, , but no Gold coast and perth seem to be the only destinations.. then maybe not so many delays…. and organise holidays better, me personally never fly during peak time….
People are complaining also about the reconstruction and the works at the GCA Are u kidding, do you want it bigger or not??? i hear you all want a bigger airport, with better services, well im sorry to tell you , THESE THINGS DO NOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT… Wait and be patient, and if you dont like being patient , then you shouldnt have asked for a bigger airport then !!!!!! or alternatively fly somewhere else…
January 7th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Hi,
I would like to ask thru air asia flghts from KL, what transport do we use to go to Surfer’s paradise? how long will that take?
using Virgin blue, we want to go to Sydney and back to Gold Coast, do we travel thru Gold coast airport or Brisbane airport? Am confused where to go. My friend told me airport is at Brisbane and we take car to Gold Coast– or is there now flights directly taking off and flying from Gold Coast Airport?
January 8th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Hi Melody
From Gold Coast Airport is there is public bus, #702 that departs every half hour to Surfers Paradise. It will take approximately 30 minutes.
There is no need to travel to Brisbane airport at all. AirAsia flies direct into Gold Coast Airport and Virgin Blue flights depart and arriive into Gold Coast Airport. No need for a car!
We look forward to welcoming you to Gold Coast Airport
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management
January 28th, 2010 at 9:22 am
Firstly, as a Gold Coast resident, allow me say how excellent the new terminal facilities are following the recent upgrade. The functionality and atmosphere are first class (for a city of 600,000 people).
Reading today’s news announcement of the official opening, it states:
“…The airport’s chief operating officer Paul Donovan said the focus of the redevelopment was to ensure the terminal is fast and efficient.
“There is just one main check-in area for ALL AIRLINES with self-service kiosks, a single baggage collection and screening point with 10 minute maximum baggage travel time, and one main departures and arrivals area,” he said.”…..
Can you advise when Tiger Airways’ operations will be moved to the new ‘all inclusive’ check-in main terminal?
January 28th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Oh, just another question….can you set this comment site so that the comments read ‘newest to oldest’ rather than the reverse as it is now? Regards,
February 2nd, 2010 at 9:27 am
Hi Bronwyn
Thank you kindly for your comments. We are very proud of the new terminal and have received fantastic feedback from passengers (both locals and visitors).
In relation to your question regarding the Tiger Airways terminal, there are no immediate plans for Tiger to operate out of the main T1 terminal; they will continue to operate in T2.
In relation to your question about the order in which posts are displayed, at this stage we are unable to alter this. We will be looking to modify the format of the blog in the near future.
Thank you again Bronwyn, we look forward to welcoming you to Gold Coast Airport.
Kind regards,
Gold Coast Airport Management
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:21 pm
May I know is there any locker to store luggage (22~24″ size)?
Thank you.
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:29 am
Hi Jane
Yes, lockers are available at Gold Coast Airport in various sizes, these are listed below. Prices vary according to the number of hours required to store your luggage.
Large: 870mm high, 450mm wide, 900mm deep
Medium: 500mm high, 450mm wide and 900mm deep.
Small: 400mm high and 450mm wide and 900mm deep
We hope you enjoy your visit to Gold Coast Airport,
Gold Coast Airport Management.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Thank you for your quick response.
May I know the price to use the locker for 9 ~ 10 hours.
Locker size is “Large: 870mm high, 450mm wide, 900mm deep”.
Is it safe to store the luggage in the locker? Any missing or burglary case happen before?
Do you mind to provide the map of gold coast airport which show the location of locker?
If not possible to provide map, kindly please show me the direction by description.
Thank you for your help.
February 5th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Hi Jane
The lockers are secure and there have not been any cases of theft in the past. Prices to utilise the large lockers are listed below:
0-4 hrs - $8
4-8 hrs - $10
8-24 hrs - $12
You will find a terminal map located on our website, which shows where the lockers are located http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/terminal_map.php. They are directly in front of the Rainbow Bay Ale House (between the car park and the terminal).
Kind regards,
Gold Coast Airport Management .
February 17th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
What time is the TRS desk open? Will I still be able to make a claim if I have a flight departing 9am?
February 19th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Hi Brad
Thank you for your enquiry.
The opening hours of the TRS desk coincide with all international flights. The TRS desk is located in International Departures area. You will certainly be able to claim prior to your 9am departure.
Happy flying,
Gold Coast Airport Management.
February 25th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Hi, please advise if a Westpac ATM operates at the airport.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Hi Viv
There is not a Westpac specific ATM located at the Gold Coast Airport, however there are 6 Travelex ATMs available which accept most cards.
Kind regards,
Gold Coast Airport Management
March 1st, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Hi GC Airport Managment, I have heard rumors that Tiger are thinking of flying GC - PPP - CNS. Any comment on this?
Regards
Trev
March 1st, 2010 at 3:30 pm
HI
Is the AIRASIA from Coolangatta to KL often late arriving at KL? I am flying later this month and want to fly onwards from KL on the same day but do not want to be late and miss my connecting flight. Does anyone know about the the timeliness of AirAsia to KL from COOLangatta? I read elsewhere that this airline has delays in their Asian routes.
Thanks
Dave
March 4th, 2010 at 1:14 am
hi GC airport management,
would like to check what are the operating hours for the GST counter at the GC airport terminal? as my departing flight is at 8:40am, will i be able to make my GST claim at the refund counter on time? thanks!!
March 4th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Hi Susan
Please refer to the blog reply above dated 19th Feb. Brad had a similar enquiry to you in relation to the TRS desk.
Happy flying!
Gold Coast Airport Management.
March 4th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Hi Trev
We are not currently aware of this suggested service. Gold Coast Airport continuously work co-operatively with our existing airline partners to ensure the viability of existing services. Tiger Airways currently fly to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide from Gold Coast Airport.
Kind regards,
Gold Coast Airport Management Team.
March 4th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Hi David
It is impossible for airlines to guarantee there won’t be delays, as unforeseen circumstances do at times occur. We would recommend a travel itinerary that takes any possible delays to services into account. If you still have concerns we would recommend contacting your airline carrier direct.
Kind regards,
Gold Coast Airport Management.
March 24th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Hi,
I will be flying out from GC to Syd with Tiger Airways. I have a rented car ( Avis ) with me. I read that Tiger Airways check-in area is in T2. Is that a long walk from where you drop the rented car? Or I should drop the passengers and luggage first, before returning the car. Appreciate the help as I am travelling with 3 young children and luggages
March 25th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Hi Simon
T2 is located very close to where you will return your rental car. It is approximately 40 metres walk.
Happy flying!
Gold Coast Airport Management.
March 26th, 2010 at 7:52 am
Hi GCAM.
We will transit in Gold Coast next week on our connecting flight to Osaka. I was wondering when in the transit lounge is there a Duty Free store there? We are flying Jetstar if this helps..
Thank you.
March 27th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
G’day there,
My girlfriend’s parents (japanese) will be arriving on JQ20 from Osaka in a month or so and need to transfer to domestic flight JQ431 to Melbourne. I would like to know if JQ431 leaves from T1 or T2. I guess either way it is just a matter of going through immigration, pick up luggage and then customs followed by checking in for the domestic flight? It is their first time overseas so just wanted to make sure everything goes smoothly. Last thing is there any help offered at the airport in Japanese by any chance?
regards
March 30th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Hi Alam
Thank you for your post. Yes, you will be pleased to know that we have a fantastic new Duty Free store available in the International departure lounge which can be accessed by transit passengers.
Happy flying!
Gold Coast Airport Management Team.
March 30th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Hi Daniel
Both the Jetstar international and domestic flights all arrive and depart from T1. It is only Tiger Airways that utilises T2. You can view terminal maps on our website, to assist you.
http://www.goldcoastairport.com.au/terminal_map.php
A very popular service that we offer at Gold Coast Airport is assistance by our Japanese Liaison Officers (or JLO’s as we call them). All arriving Jetstar Asia flights are met by the Japanese Liaison Officers to assist passengers as required. Our JLO’s do a fantastic job and are very popular amongst our arriving passengers.
Thank you for your post Daniel,
Gold Coast Airport Management Team.
April 12th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Dear Gold Coast Airport Management,
You have a very comprehensive and well laid out website and blog! Bravo!
Just a quick couple of questions:
1. I am co-ordinating our company trip to Gold Coast, Australia arriving this 13th of May 2010 and we have a few staff who do not speak English primarily, as such may have some issues with understanding Immigration / Customs officers questions. Does the Airport / Immigration / Customs have a Malay language interpreter or can we act as interpreters for them?
2. We have made prior reservations with Hertz for rental cars. Would their office be far from where AirAsia X lands?
Thank you for your answers in advance Sir / Madam!
Cheers,
Kenneth Lim.
April 22nd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Hi Kenneth
Thank you for your questions and comments on our blog.
The below information was provided by Customs regarding passengers who do not speak English:
The declaration that passengers complete on the aircraft is available in Malaysian. If the passengers are not given a Malaysian version on the aircraft (sometimes stocks are low on board), it will be available from Customs on arrival at Gold Coast Airport. If an interpreter is needed for general questions, we will use a member of the travelling group. Official telephone interpreters can be utilised if the need arises.
In relation to your question on rental cars, you will be pleased to know that all of the rental car companies, including Hertz, are located within the terminal. After you come through the international arrivals area, head to your right, and you will find the rental car companies located outside of the domestic arrivals area. It is a very short walk.
Have a wonderful trip Kenneth.
Kind regards,
Gold Coast Airport Management.
May 5th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
I frequently travel through the GC. On Monday the 3rd of May on the first flight out of Coolangatta there was a security guard who was way out of line and he atively targeted and bullied me that if I had not had to be at a business meeting that day I would have taken umbrage and met him at his bluff and perhaps missed my flight. The general demeanor of the Gold Coast Security guards is quite offensive in comaprison to their counterparts in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. I saw when I googled it that many people are having the same experience with the security gaurds at the Gold Coast Airport. We are the paying customer and not cattle and should be treated courteously by the security staff as we are by the staff or the airlines that we fly with. GC Airport Management should act to curb the nasty, petty and bullying manner of the ISS Security staff at the GC Airport , they are beging to act as a law unto themselves . It really is not good enough….
May 10th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Hi Leonard,
Thank you for your post. The feedback we receive from passengers in relation to contracted security personnel at Gold Coast Airport is generally very positive. It is concerning to hear of your experience and therefore we would like to investigate the matter further. We will email you directly to obtain further details.
Kind regards
Gold Coast Airport Management.
May 31st, 2010 at 11:20 pm
I think it is ridiculous that there is NO transit lounge for international passengers. Namely, of Japan-GC-NZ.
It’s not only the airport. What is the point of being eligible for Transit Without Visa, if there is an international airport without a Transit Lounge in your country! > Australian Government
And even if there is one, the tiny “canteen” in the departure lounge will bore us and starve us to death.
Hope in the new building, things are improved….
Regards
June 8th, 2010 at 4:10 am
With many clients & friends arriving & departing thru the airport,one common comment I hear is;’there is no central information booth for directions,queries & general assistance within the complex.’
I see many dis-orientated people arriving at the airport,standing there wondering which direction to go,or where to book in.
Personally speaking,while flying overseas thru K.L. in Malaysia,there are several booths & information officers available for directions,advice,reccommendations,warnings[touting taxi drivers].A first happy experience at GCA,will be very good PR for the area.Generally,i have found the staff happy to help,but are very busy themselves.
First impressions are so important these days,particularly in the tourism industry & we need to show this to everyone arriving & departing thru GCA.
e.g. with all the extra visitors here for wintersun,would be ideal to promote our area & hospitality.
Being a local of the area,seeing the airport grow from its humble beginnings,is simply amazing & congratulations on your expansion.You are at the front gate of our region….A welcome smile & hello goes a long way.
If you agree with my thoughts ,maybe you could employ my experience within your complex,being an ambassador of the GCA & what it really has to offer visitors.Hospitality plus!!!
June 14th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Hi,
I was fishing in the Gold Coast seaway this morning (Monday 14 June 2010) and saw a 737/A320 (possibly larger) sized aircraft with an unfamiliar livery lining up to land at Gold Coast Airport.
It would have been between 9-10 am, and the aircraft had stripes on its underbelly.
Any idea what aircraft this was?
Thanks!
June 16th, 2010 at 9:14 am
Hi Adam
The aircraft you would be referring to was an A310.
Kind Regards
Gold Coast Airport Management.
June 16th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Hi Tim
Thank you for your post and your kind comments regarding the new terminal, we too are very pleased with it.
The ambassador concept is something that we may consider for the future. Based on investigations into other airports and destinations which have implemented a program such as this, it is quite a demanding program in terms of resources and coordination, and therefore at this stage is not a viable option.
At present Surfside is under contract to provide an information service to passengers. Surfside are located opposite the rental car desks towards the arrivals end of the terminal.
Thank you again for your interest in Gold Coast Airport and your valuable suggestions.
Gold Coast Airport Management.
July 1st, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hey Toni,
Relax, If your on holiday in the GC then you go by GC time. why are kiwi’s always ina rush to get nowhere fast. I bet you made your flight on time and you know people have a job to a want to do it properly if that means taking up afew extra seconds of your prescious time. If your on holiday then act like it and chill. Obv kiwis are way to high stessed and easily frustrated. Thanks full to be a Gold Coaster!!
Peace
July 5th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Hey
In reference to the atms located at gold coast airport (travelex), do these allow withdrawals in mutliple currencies including US. Have already searched travelex website and was unable to confirm if the gold coast airport atms had this function. Also are there additional fees charged by travelex for this service or is it up to you banking card?
Thanks
jonny
July 8th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Hi Jonny,
Thanks for your post. We have contacted Travelex, and they have provided the following info:
Travelex currently has three multi-currency ATMs located within the Gold Coast Airport, allowing customer’s fast self service access to Japenese Yen, New Zealand and Australian Dollars. The rate and fee structure for the ATMs is set inline with our Gold Coast Airport stores and ranges from $2 to $25 per transaction. For any further foreign exchange inquiries please contact the store directly on 0755368249.
Kind Regards
Gold Coast AIrport Management.
July 26th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Will you be starting a service from Singapore in the near future. I would imagine this would be a highly popular route and I for one would be the first to start using it ! Here’s hoping ! Harald Svensen / Spore
July 27th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Hi Harald
We would love to welcome a new service to/from Singapore. We will continue to work closely with our airline partners towards establishing this service in the future.
To stay up-to-date, sign up to receive our enewsletter featuring regular updates on new routes and great offers. www.goldcoastairport.com.au
Kind Regards
Gold Coast Airport Management.
August 8th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
The sound system in the new G.Coast airport is dreadful, you cannot understand anything that is being said.
The security staff outside by the drop off areas etc are VERY rude. They told my husband that he was taking too long to load his luggage into the car. he has a heart condition and was packing as quickly as possible,. Please train them to have some brains… it’s not as if he was standing around doing nothing….
I travel all over the world, and the GC airport has to be one of the most horrible and unfriendly I have ever travelled through..
August 10th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Gold Coast management need to get on top of a problem with the security staff asap.
Japanese tourists are being made fun of by Security when passing through through into the lobbies.
What is wrong with these morons? Get people in who will do the job properly!
Security are verbally parroting the goodbyes and other words of Japanese tourists leaving teh country. Not a good memory to leave with for one of your largest customer groups! When teh family member here says Sayonara, a condescending version of teh same word is then uttered by security personnel, The departing member then says “Arigato” and again we have the condescending security personnel repeating it.
I will begin taking names and numbers next week if it continues. The Japanese themselves are too polite to report it directly.
Please address it Gold Coast Airport management.
August 21st, 2010 at 9:16 pm
I have heard of good things about the customer service here and I can’t wait to experience it first hand. Looking forward to spend time at the Gold Coast soon!