Gayle and I flew home from the Sydney International Terminal on United to LAX. This International Airport has the things you expect: multiple check-in-halls, security and immigration lines, duty free, lots of other shops, and the excitement of foreign travel. Yet, the old girl feels a little tired and certainly doesn't have the oomph that Gayle and I have experienced with Istanbul or Singapore. If and when we come back to Australia, it won't be through this airport. Why? The new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is currently in its final testing and operational readiness phase, with passenger services scheduled to begin in October 2026. read more

Before traveling to Australia as foreign visitors with eligible passports, we applied for an electronic tourist visa through the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) about 4 months before we departed from Honolulu. We were granted an electronic visa for tourism within 72 hours of our application and excitedly awaited our upcoming travel this March. We were a bit apprehensive about finding our way through Sydney's International Terminal, but were quickly relieved by clear directional signs and quick, easy electronic passport screening. We were impressed with the modern, sleek yet friendly-looking facility, the multiple new electronic security kiosks designed to handle the large number of incoming visitors and returning residents, and the local artwork displays. I must say it took us around 15 minutes from the arrival gate to baggage claim, then to check in and pass through immigration, as we didn't have anything to declare. Once we exited immigration, we met with our driver, who was proudly showing a company placard with our names boldly printed. This was by far the best and most efficient arrival procedures and processing into a foreign country that we have ever encountered. We'd happily return. read more

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Sydney Airport is pretty big so allow plenty of time. Signs are everywhere and are helpful. There are plenty of shops, diners, and lounges. The variety of amenities makes traveling through SYD fairly convenient. We flew out on Delta and the line was really efficient throughout the journey. read more

Sydney Airport can be daunting when you arrive on an international flight. That being said, the signage and actual staff all around make it much easier to figure out what to do. It's probably the busiest airport I've ever been in, but the long queues go surprisingly quick because of how efficient it is. The drug sniffing dog is a surprise, but he also gets the job done quickly. Even collecting baggage is fast-- already on the carousel after going through customs. With a new airport opening in Western Sydney in a year or two, it will be interesting to see how Kingsford-Smith changes. read more

Arrived into Sydney International Airport on an early Monday morning, and the process to get into the country was stream-lined and well implemented. Delta has 2 late night flights non-stop from LAX to SYD. My brother and I chose the later of the two (departing around 22:30) because it was slightly cheaper, and gets you into Sydney (local time) around 07:00 two days later....it's about a 15 hour flight. Learned that even though it is operated by Delta, the way to get on the upgrade list is by using a global certificate to move up one level. They do have Premium seats, so would have to purchase that to be eligible for the lie-flat Delta One suites (maybe someday). One thing to note was that all seats in Comfort Plus was taken (including middle in a 3-3-3 configuration), but there were entire rows in Economy empty (the plane was probably half full)...so in this case, it would have been better to sit behind in an empty row. The Comfort plus does give you a bit more extra legroom, which is useful when the seat in front of you reclines. When we boarded the plane, we were handed paper custom declaration form to fill out during the trip. Announcements warned us that all food and agriculture products had to be declared, and we were not to take any of the food served to us during the journey. Once we deplaned, we walked to the passport control, which are all automated, with 12 or more kiosks scanning your passport and taking your picture (the line for any kiosk was no more than 3 deep). We had been told to purchase an ETA before our trip, whose approval comes via email. But since it is tied to your passport, we didn't need to have that email, instead passport control confirmed it with a passport scan and picture and handed us a paper slip. we then exited the control area by taking another picture. We then headed to baggage retrieval (all bags must be retrieved here, even if this is only a pass-through). We then exited the baggage claim area, going through customs where we handed the agent the passport slip and our filled out declaration. The entire process took under 25 minutes. Very fast and efficient. The free airport wide wifi was very useful as well. read more

Sydney International Terminal - Baggage Claims - Airport Terminals Near Me - Mascot, NSW

This really as an efficient airport. Going through security and customs is a breeze. I've been to this airport quite a few times within the last two years now and I never had to wait more than 30 minutes at all different times. All staff I've interacted with have been very kind and helpful. There's also so much shopping here with the "pricier" name brand stores that I know a lot of people love. I am not a "brand" person, so these stores do not interest me. There also a lot of food options throughout and jacks to plug up your devices. Bathrooms have always been clean. Definitely one of my favorite airports/terminals to visit ! read more

Coming in early on Saturday morning to make a quick connection. Very quick. I was pretty sure I was going to miss it. There are two domestic buildings and one international. None are within walking distance of each other. My international flight was late arriving. I had to retrieve one checked bag and still clear customs. Now head outside and catch a shuttle bus. The first was too full. Then I had the wait for the next one to be full enough to move on. There's a big difference between Virgin Australia or Quantas. So know before you get on the bus. Departing passengers go in main door but walk up to the second floor to check baggage and get boarding pass. Ground level is for arrivals and picking up baggage. Security wasn't nearly as long as it can be in the states - thank heavens. So I actually made my connection with time to spare. Since I was in a rush the first two times I used, I can't really say much about the place. Third visit to head home I had more time. Check in and loading bags was easy. TSA this time was very long, almost an hour to past through. They take lots of pictures of you coming and going. Seating at gates were large and filled chairs. But recharging stations were hard to find. There's a large duty free shop for last minute purchases. And a few chain restaurants to grab a quick bite at. United has its private lounge. That morning I use The House, a smaller lounge by Priority. It's quite nice. read more

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Hallelujah for the Lockdown Gates have reopened! Australia has welcomed traveller's to the Continent Country as of December 2021. All inbound traveller's must be vaccinated and tested prior to entry into the State of NSW. Prior to departure, my employer provided an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Test Kit. Results appear in 15 minutes or less. Upon arrival into Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, you will be walking through Immigration Hall. Use a self service kiosk to print your Passport Ticket. From there, make your way take your picture to clear Customs. You'll be met by an Immigration Officer who will take your ticket and guide you to a queue # depending on what goods/money/etc to declare or not. Everything moves very quickly as many International Carriers arrive all throughout the day. At Baggage Claim, you'd typically find Foreign Currency Exchange, which our USD is very strong right now! Make your way to the 2nd Level and exit Check-In Lobbies. Cross the street and you'll find Histopath Diagnostic Specialists. It's basically a make-shift testing site for all foreign traveller's to bypass a very strict 14 day mandatory quarantine. Because I was here on business, out of pocket this would cost $59.00 (AUD), includes 10% tax. Departing SYD was just as seamless. From Check-in, you must clear Immigration, then security. Walk through aisles and lots of Duty Free Stores, eateries can be found either at check-in Lobby as well as departing gate. Free WiFi available, people movers, clean restroom facilities, and one of the jolliest people operating an airport to make your experience calm and stress-free. Travel tip. Upload your personal contact information into the Covid Service NSW app because every business establishment will require you to check-in. apply.service.nsw.gov.au read more

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This airport is massive so you simply cannot arrive here and locate anyone without cell service. Please do not do what I did and get yourself a SIM card. They sell them right there when you get out of customs. Be aware that if you are flying in from outside of the country that they will not stamp your passport, they changed everything to electronic "stamp" just like the Visa you have to apply for. When departing, I highly encourage you to arrive as early as possible because the lines to check-in, obtain boarding passes and/or check luggage is absolute chaos. You will want time to to do all of that, get through TSA and shop for last minute souvenirs before boarding your flight home. read more

Having traveled through the two domestic terminals at Sydney Airport, I have to say that the International Terminal is not quite as good. The domestic terminals have a more laid back feel like you are traveling through a smaller airport, whereas the International Terminal is more atypical of the big city airports that I am used to flying out of with tons of people passing through. Australia is a country that requires a visa to enter if you are an US citizen. Though the process to get one is easy by getting a ETA which can be done online. Upon arriving into Sydney, go to a ePassport Self Service kiosk. Try to go to the first ones you see, rather than going to ones further down the arrivals hall. This saved me a lot of time. I found the customs process to be the most intuitive that I have come across and one of the quickest as I think it was only about a half hour to go through everything including collecting my luggage. If you need to change money at the airport, there are a few money changers at this terminal. But in general, I wouldn't recommend it since the exchange rate is bad. I would recommend changing money at an ATM instead. I believe there is one in the arrivals level, but I would recommend going up to the departures level in which there are several near the Australia Post store. If you are taking money out of the ATM, make sure to decline the bank's exchange rate. Used a Westpac ATM at the airport and the difference was $25 USD between the bank rate offered and the current USD-AUD exchange rate for $700 AUD. I do like how close the airport is to Sydney CBD which is about a 15 minute ride into the city via Airport Link. Being so close means it isn't as costly to take a taxi here if you need one. Taking Airport Link to and from the airport is a bit expensive for such a short ride though as there is a $13.40 station access fee added on to the base fare for taking a train to and from the International Airport Station. Making a connection between the two domestic terminals and International Terminal can be a bit of a burden as well. While Qantas and Virgin Australia offer their passengers a shuttle service to connect between the Domestic and International terminals, this isn't offered to all passengers. Hence you need to pay to take the Airport Link, a T-Bus or a taxi to the other terminal. If you want to have a meal here, I would recommend eating at the food court before going through security as there are less options airside. Post-Security is primarily filled with expensive duty-free shops along with a few cafes. If you want something cheap, I did notice that there is a McDonald's after customs. I did find the check-in process to be quite easy despite the airport being busy. And despite the crowds, the security screening process is efficient and moves quickly. It is basically the same process as in the US, except you don't need to take off your shoes. Interestingly, my passport and ticket wasn't reviewed at security but when I got to the flight gate it was checked before I could enter the departure area. I like how close Sydney Airport is to Sydney CBD and how efficient it runs, but there are things like food options after customs that could be improved on. Overall, I do like the International Terminal but can't give it the same score that I gave to Terminal 2 which is more pleasant to travel through. Hence the 3 stars. read more

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Sydney International Airport is perhaps one of the most efficient airports when it comes to Security and Immigration Clearance! It is like an expensive shopping Mall with Name Brand stores inside but the prices as expected inside any airport it's extremely high even for retail standards! I would not recommend anyone to buy anything in these airport retail stores as they are aimed towards travelers who have a last minute urge to splurge! read more

Sydney International Terminal - Airport Terminals Near Me - Mascot, NSW

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This airport was sparkling clean, fairly easy to navigate, and had efficient security. I can't complain. Compared to other major international airports, this one has many duty-free stores but has fewer food options (which is fine by me, because I always come prepared with snacks galore). I also hear that other major international airports have spas, showers, and extra amenities, but that was nowhere to be found here. Luckily, my flight left on time so I didn't have to worry about that, but if you get delayed you might be on the lookout for those things. Keep in mind that if you are a U.S. citizen and are flying back to the U.S, you'll be pulled aside by Australian security officials, get your passport checked and will be asked a few questions by them. But no sweat, as long as you answer the questions honestly and have good intentions, you'll be out of their hands in no time. read more

Like everything in Australia the airport is super clean. There are lots of expensive brand stores to shop and numerous typical airport restaurants to eat at. It's big bright and sparkling. One of the nicest I've been to. read more

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In A Nutshell: -The Sydney T1 International Terminal needs better wifi. -It also needs more lounges, but it does offer free showers in select bathrooms (they had vending machines w/ soap, etc..I should have took a photo to see if it sold towels, so not sure), you just gotta find them. -For Priority Pass card members, there are no lounges available. -But there are 3 restaurants offering up to $36 AUD in credit for you and your guests. -Only 1 of 3 is located before security, so it's becomes valuable real estate if you need a place to eat/chill. -The train to go from T1 (international terminal) to T2/T3 (domestic terminals) isn't free. -It will cost you $6 AUD to connect. -Follow the yellow "Express Pick-up" signs if you want to use Uber. Overall, this airport can be a challenge, so prep well ahead of time. Doing so will ensure a smoother travel experience. read more

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Much better than the last time I was here. Many many shops and options! You can shop. You can eat. You can have desert. Large duty free. Friendly service. Check in and going through security was fast, friendly and thorough. read more

I mean. Look. If you haven't been to Changi, or Schiphol, or, hell, SFO or Seattle, Sydney Airport is perfectly serviceable. Everything you need, nothing you don't. But if you've been to some of the benchmark airports with their meditation rooms and video game lounges, ours is a bit meh. Pro tip: if you're flying internationally, eat before you go through passport control, the food options on the passenger side are meagre and rubbish, there are heaps more options on the public side. Trying really hard not to mention the outrageous and exorbitant and just plain money-grubbing parking fees, the most expensive in the waking world, that Sydney Airport Charges but I'm just not a big enough man. MAP Airports, the parent company, should be ashamed of their rabid and misanthropic corporate avarice. But they don't care, they're billionaires, why would they? read more

Sydney International Terminal - You stay classy Sydney Airport - Airport Terminals Near Me - Mascot, NSW

Eh, not the worst airport I have ever been through. I mean it does have a lot of shops, and the food court situation is fine. However, my mega delay did afford the opportunity to check out all the construction which is massive. But maybe I am just being a little hard on the place because of my 6hr + delay. Maybe everything looks magical when you are cruising through to your next connection. read more

Clean beautiful airport! They have a variety of stores! So many food options and they have 2 smoothie bars (from what I saw, maybe there's more). read more

My first place of the Northern American continent was supposed to be somewhere in Italy. Instead I landed in Sydney after 17 hours from Los Angeles. Almost any airport is great compared to SJC so it was great to touchdown here not the best airport ive been in but far from the worst. I guess things are always more wondrous when theyre 10,000 miles away read more

Considering this is not that big of an airport, they definitely have everything one would need to make the airport process easier. There are a ton of great dining options as well as shopping options. They have a huge selection of items in their main Duty Free Shopping center. It's easy to get around the airport and everything is labeled very well. Going through customs was also fairly easy. All in all, Sydney International Airport is a great airport to fly through, despite its size. read more

OK, slightly different take on this review. We all know that airports are expensive (especially Sydney's apparently), be it from parking for more than 30 seconds, to getting through the gate then having to pay through the nose for a sandwich. However, on this occasion I'm giving the airport 5 stars for its geographical location! So many times you get on a plane and your ticket says your heading for - e.g. London Gatwick - and you're thinking, that's a relief, I'll be in *London* and not have to worry about too much travelling. But most of the time, they've just stuck the city name in front of the airports in order to give you a false sense of location/hope and usually you'll end up being nearer a neighbouring country than your final destination. However, Sydney airport is IN Sydney! OK, not in the CBD, that would be silly, but when you come into land, you can quite clearly see they sky within not-ridiculous-over-priced-taxi distance. And it's quite a skyline to fly over too - and if the winds are in the right direction (that's how they do it right?) then you'll come in over the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, which beats the Bridge Climb for a view! So if you are coming to Sydney for the first time, and your ticket reads Sydney International (or Kingsford Smith to give it it's official title), then don't fret, you will be landing in Sydney as opposed to New Zealand! read more

Sydney International Terminal - See....plane and city! - Airport Terminals Near Me - Mascot, NSW

Lovely int'l airport with plenty of things to help you pass the time if your flight gets delayed, or if you didn't have time to get souvenirs for friends and family and are scrambling at the end of your trip. This airport is clean, modern, and also has pharmacies in every section in case you find yourself with the sniffles before or after your flight. The folks who work here are friendly and helpful from the airline employees, to the security checkpoint staff. When you're here you really feel a sense of what travel was like 20 years ago with all the niceties of modern technology. Get here early so you have time to enjoy all that this airport has to offer! read more

Although Sydney International is clean, modern, and similar to a shopping mall in terms of retail stores and layout, I knew stepping foot into this airport meant I had to return home and leave behind beautiful Sydney. Allowing plenty of free time before my departure flight back home, I shopped around at some of the touristy shops, intending to use all my loose coins. Dining selection was plentiful as well, and it's located next to the check-in area for convenience. The one thing I disliked was the single line for security. It was long, but thankfully not as chaotic and slow as I had anticipated. I don't understand why the domestic terminals are located at a separate airport from the international. It's actually two different structures, and you need to take a shuttle between the two. So, make sure you're being dropped off at the correct one before your driver leaves. read more

Food options inside the international terminal are the glaring weakness here....once you get past security, the restaurants remind me of airports of old with unattractive food court style eateries and subpar yet expensive ethnic restaurants (japanese, chinese, etc). I probably should have eaten before security as the european cafe/restaurant place was busy and looked good. Other than that, the international terminal looks nice inside and there's plenty of well laid-out gift shops with high quality merchandise. read more

The e-passport self service kiosks are the fastest way to get through security. The checked bag lines are pretty slow. The security lines are fast. The duty free stores have everything that you could possibly want. They are also over priced. read more

This is another one of the FEW places in Sydney that we could find free wi-fi, although the service was a bit spotty. It's also VERY expensive. It seemed like more a mall than an airport! We did meet a very nice tourism lady who asked me some questions about our visit, and then chatted with me for quite a while. Airport though? Nothing spectacular. read more

Security wasn't too bad here. But there was not a lot of food options at my terminal. My terminal was also way out of the way that there was no restrooms near it either. Everything was on a separate level. On top of that my flight was delayed by several hours which did not make anything better. The workers here are very friendly though I will give them that. read more

I finally encountered an airport experience during our two weeks in Australia-the Sydney international terminal. The place is absolutely frenetic and when we were passing through on January 7th teeming with hyper active kids screeching and carrying on. Now I have two kids of my own so I'm not a kid hater but traveling through here today was like being at a Chuckie Cheese pizza parlor. On top of that noise and activity, there are constant booming announcement for late passengers. Perhaps they got lost in the endless gauntlet of duty free shops, at least three different clusters that you are forced to walk through on the way to the gate. All in all a stressful experience. read more

Easy, clean terminal. Came through when I landed in Sydney from New York. Easy to get through border patrol, once you get in the right line (so many people!). Once you are out of security you can grab a bite to eat, pick up a sim card, etc. before you go out to experience Sydney! read more

Great airport. I was here for a 10 hour international layover. The customs process was so quick and easy. They have these self serve stations. I didn't even get interviewed! Just walked right on out. Kind of sad I didn't get a Sydney stamp but oh well. Public transportation into the city is super easy $35 for a Opal card round trip to Circular Quay! Very helpful and kind staff. Shoutout to Qantas! read more

The airport is clean. Their local TSA is efficient and attentive. The terminal has a lot of clear signage. They also have good deals on telecommunications (just bring your unlocked phone & you're ready to go!) There are shuttles, Limos, Taxis, trains, rental cars, etc... Which of course make getting off airport a breeze! So that you can begin to enjoy your travel destination. read more

Sydney International Terminal - Welcome to Sydney mate! - Airport Terminals Near Me - Mascot, NSW

I'm of the 'drop and go' variety when it comes to international farewells, alas my betrothed has been schooled in the 'drag out the emotions for as long as possible' method and so when we head to the International Terminal, we must bypass the 'drop zone' and head for the multi-storey carpark. As with the journey to the airport, it's well signposted, so we easily find a space in a roomy spot and disband. We take the bridge over to the 1st level and arrive at the Terminal 1 International Departures. Check-in for a midday mid-week flight was a breeze and even at peak times - there is a quiet efficiency at this airport. In my numerous trips through this airport I've never encountered the overwhelming bedlam that is London Heathrow or Bangkok! The temperature is always well controlled too, which is an added plus for those already a little nervous of flying. The terminal facilities have undergone a grooming recently and though it doesn't have the mega-dollar glitz of some international airports, you can still wile your time and your cash away. The offering in terms of food is probably a little better before customs though, so if plane food sends shivers down your spine then fuel up pre-passport check. After a quick coffee and the final protracted goodbye, we head back to the car minus one and are greeted with a $21 fee for the pleasure. It's by no means a cheap to swoop through here but it is a pretty hassle free experience. read more

Sydney International Terminal - Airport Terminals Near Me - Mascot, NSW

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Very efficient immigration and customs processing. The design is modern and fresh. The transfer from the international terminal to the domestic terminals is crowded but very efficient. Overall a great experience. read more

Large international departures entry point is a bit confusing; but sorted itself out with the aid of agents for your airline. Aussies are really nice and courteous :o) A nice woman traveler reassured us that the queue we were in was the correct one; and that the Delta Air Lines ticketing agents had not yet opened up their stations. read more

My experience with Sydney's International Terminal has been one of the most stress-filled experiences of my life. First of all, I'm used to crowded airports. Originally from San Francisco, I've flown in and out of SFO for much of my life and I have a lot of experience with LAX too. That being said, I have never seen anything like what went down in Sydney. ~ Sydney International Terminal hosts prime examples of what is known as the Bystander Effect - where if you are in obvious need of help, the more people are nearby the less of a chance you will be helped. But with employees too? Imagine a tiny little girl (such as myself) struggling with 2 large suitcases and trying to get them onto a trolley before giving up. This one employee was staring at me the whole time and didn't even bother to come and ask if I needed help. Maybe I shouldn't have been so socially awkward beta and asked for help, but the principle still stands. ~ Outrageously long lines. And by outrageously long, I mean OUTRAGEOUSLY long. 30 minutes in the line to check papers, 45 in a line to GET OUT of the terminal. I nearly missed my flight but managed to rush with 3 minutes to spare. Basically, if you're going to be in this place, come prepared. read more

On the off chance I decided against flying Air New Zealand to go back to the good ol' USofA direct, Qantas made me stick it out at Sydney International Airport for about 6 hours with just enough time to NOT be able to take the train out to the city for a nice jaunt before boarding my flight to SFO. 6 whole hours. What can one do in that amount of time stuck in an international terminal, you say? Quick list: - Eat - Drink lots of coffee - Window shop - Tap the free WiFi and FB with friends - Read another 10 chapters of Game of Thrones - Break a handbag strap and not repair it - Lug your carry-on through Duty Free and do wine tasting at 9am in the morning All in all, it was an interesting 6 hours as I'd never been to Sydney Airport, but I wouldn't ever want to do it again. read more

Like the domestic terminal, the international terminal is in need of a makeover as well. [Pluses] - Never too packed. Maybe it is because there arent too many flights landing/ taking off at each hour. - The foodcourt at the departure hall (before immigration) has heaps of food choices - Plenty of seating area (after immigration) - Lots of shops (after immigration) [Minuses] - Not all bathrooms are clean / smell-free :( - Security line can be horrendous (depends on your luck) - Departure hall could use more walking space TIPS: Remember to fill in your departure form (Australians and non-Australians) before getting in line at immigration !!! So you dont look like a fool when you are sent away by the immigration officer :) read more

A few weeks ago, I was flying from San Francisco International airport with United Airlines to Sydney, where I caught a connecting Qantas airlines flight to Adelaide. Once I got to Sydney's international airport, I had to collect my bags and go through Quarantine area as it was my first stop in Australia. Trying to go through quarantine after baggage claim is HELL!!! There are only 4 entry ways to continue onto the quarantine area, and there was one employee guiding people to which quarantine section they are required to enter. People TRY to line up to enter these doorways, but there are always tons of people filling up space beside you or in front of you. When you have large suitcases to yourself, its a bit of a struggle to move forward when people are weaving their way around you. All I can say is: Be Ruthless. read more

I feel like a rat in a maze made of dollar bills, (figures I'd be a high-class rat) sidewinding myself between displays of Moët & Chandon reserve twin packs and Emporio Armani maxi bags all Apollo Ono style. But in the same way Ikea is designed as maze to get to the meatballs, Sydney International is a maze to get to the Qantas lounges. They want to make sure you have to snake your way through high-end shopping, dining, relaxing, duty free, books and magazines, snacks for the journey, before you get to that sweet, sweet finish line where most all of these things are offered for free, if you have status on your airline. Even if you don't, because the airport offers free wifi terminal-wide, it's not a problem to plop down at one of the aforementioned pitstops for a squirt of perfume, a shot of free alcohol, a charge for your phone, a snack for the plane, and a few more minutes of relaxation in a clean, modern airport before cramming yourself onto a flight with recycled air for the next day of your life. Look, it's no Heathrow Terminal 5, but it's moving in the right direction. read more

And here we go again. I must be on some sort of fly watch list because I enjoy such a glorious experience through customs... "Please come aside m'am. We need to verify your ID ..." And then followed by the seemingly "random" random check/full body invasion of privacy frisk. Blah blah same shakedown outgoing and incoming everytime. I rate them 3 stars on consistency alone as it always happens. It must be the sunnies. read more