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Lisbon International Airport

I was in Lisbon for the first time in October. I took a cruise from Southampton to Lisbon so I arrived by cruise ship and left by plane.

I stayed at a hotel on Rue Augusta and the cruise port was so close to my hotel that I could walk if I had chosen to. The cruise port is very central and in a nice area. There is a lot of public transportation in the immediate area as well as a taxi stand across from where you disembark.

I flew home and this is about the airport. It is information for the first timer as well as a review of my experience as a first time visitor

I took public transportation to the airport. I began on the green line and transferred ot the red line. There was a lot of walking and there were spots where there was no elevators, escalators or lifts. I had to take stairs.

I am old and have mobility issues. Fortunately, there was always someone who very kindly offered to help me.

I would not recommend public transportation if you have a lot of luggage and or any kind of mobility issues.

If I returned, I would take a Uber or taxi to the airport. Also, my hotel arranges private transport so you might ask at your hotel

I arrived at the airport very early.

My memory is there was no information booth and the airport was very crowded, busy and for me somewhat chaotic. And this was very early in the morning.

I had to print out my boarding pass and the only option available was for checked bags. I had not planned on checking my bag but now I was going to have to.

I had to look for the Delta desk. It was not yet open because I had arrived so early . I think that it did not open until 8 am. It turned out to be a one person rinky dink booth that was buried by much larger desks. I was sort of shocked because Delta has such a large presence at other airports that I have been to.

I waited for it to open and I was told to go to Area F, straight down and take a first left so I probably did not have to wait for the Delta table to open. I probably could have just gone to Area F when arriving at the airport.. I guess that i could have asked the agent to print out a boarding pass that would have allowed me carry on only but I was very tired and very confused by now.

Area F was very easy to find but there was a lot of people and moving people. I did not see Delta and had to ask the moving people. Someone pointed Delta out and it was against the wall. I went over to Delta and checked my bag. My vague memory is that I had to walk through people to get to Delta.

There was no iine at Delta so it was easy to check my baggage. I had a stop over in Boston and found out that the baggage does not get checked through to final destination. I was going to have to get my luggage in Boston and then recheck it in Boston but that turned out to be very easy.

My memory is that i went through security first and that was very easy but I did not realize that there was also a second line that i had to go through for passport control or immigration. I went to what I thought was my gate nd sat down. Eventually i realized that I had another line to go through and found my way to passport control or immigration.

And this was to be a real problem. The passport control staff had decided to go on strike. The line was "out the door". I have an arthritic knee and spinal stenosis. The waiting in line was very difficult and it was obvious to airport staff who took mercy on, took me out of this line and put me in priority screening. I was through in a matter of minutes.

Now I was in the terminal. I vaguely remember a lot of walking to the Delta terminal and it seemed like a really lot of walking. Perhaps if I was familiar with the airport, it wuld not have seemed like so much walking. I passed many places to eat and other shops but i kept walking.

Finally I found the Delta terminal and there were lots of gates. My gate was another long walk. At least that is my vague memory.

To be conrtinued

Posted by
2621 posts

I had to print out my boarding pass and the only option available was for checked bags. I had not planned on checking my bag but now I was going to have to.

I had to look for the Delta desk. It turned out to be a one person rinky dink booth that was buried by much larger desks. I was sort of shocked because Delta has such a large presence at other airports that I have been to.

Do you have the Delta app on your phone? The app allows you to check-in online, so no need to find the Delta desk if you're not planning to check a bag. You can check-in on the app 24 hours before with just the push of a button and your boarding pass (in the form of a QR code) will appear.

Posted by
2328 posts

And now I finally found my gate. There were already other passengers who were going to be on the same flight. I sat down and finally was able to relax.

As it turned out, the Delta Terminal was huge and modern with lots of gates.

But after a while I wanted a cup of coffee and something to eat. I looked around and there were no food places. I had walked by so many on the way to my gate but now there was no food places around.

I found an airport employee and asked about a cup of coffee. Actually there was a place against the wall that i did not notice because of a very long line or two. I had no idea why there were these very long lines. Maybe they were boarding but I had to walk through the lines to get to the stand selling coffee and other foods. It was a small stand, maybe even a mobile stand.

There were a lot of people running to get their plane. It seemed like I was surrounded by running people. I do not know if this was because of the passport control strike or if this is normal.

It was chaos and I was glad to get back to my gate where I felt safe.

When it came time to board, we had to move to the gate next to the one that e were sitting at.

And my memory is that everything went smoothly.

So to sum up some information about Lisbon International Airport.

Public Transportation is available but there may be places where you have to walk down a long flight of stairs. I suggest taking public transportation only if you are traveling light and have no or limited mobility problems.

As a first timer to Lisbon international Airport, I found the place confusing and chaotic but if I were to use it a second tme, it might be less confusing and chaotic.

Also as said, passport control staff had decided to go on strike. I do do not know if this was a planned strike or a last minute strike. I had not heard anything about a strike. Almost certainly the strike added to my confusion and the chaos.

Going through security was no problem but the lines for passport control were "out the door" because of the strike. Be very certain to give yourself lots of time just in case of the unexpected.

My memory is that Delta has a huge terminal at the Lisbon Airport with a lot of gates and you might be doing a lot of walking to get to your gate.

If you have time and want a cup of coffee or something to eat, stop and get it before your gate because I finally found my gate and no food places immediately around.

Posted by
2328 posts

Hi Mary,

I have the app on my iPad and I did check in on my iPad. I think that I had a QR code but did not realize that that was sufficient.

I am not good with apps or QR codes.

So I guess that was all that I needed, correct? I did not need to print out a boarding pass?

It would have helped me if there was an information booth when I got to the airport.

Or if I had just relaxed until the Delta table opened at 8 am and asked for information and help. At other airports that I have been to, Delta had a booth and opened early like 4 or 5 am.

Posted by
2621 posts

You're correct. All you need is the QR code in the app. At least now you know for next time 🙂

Posted by
5487 posts

Just how early did you arrive at the airport? The recommendation is 3 hours before your flight. It's not unusual for check in counters to limit just how early you can physically check in at the counter.

In the future, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the airport's website if the airport is new to you. There is a wealth of information on them. For instance, Lisbon's site tells you all you need to know about checking in, security, and passport control. There are maps of the airport. And yes, it is a very big airport- serving over 31 million pax/year. Of course the departures area will be busy and crowded- especially in the morning.

Most important, for someone with your oft stated frailty, there is free assistance for those with mobility impairments. All you had to do was add the request for assistance in advance with your airline. This is commonly available at practically every large airport in the world. And the airport website spells this out in multiple places. Something to consider the next time you fly.

Posted by
1554 posts

I will second CJean’s suggestion. My husband has had a hip replacement and is 80 years old. He cannot walk long distances, walk quickly, or stand for long stretches. A few years ago I started requesting wheelchair assistance when I booked our flights. At some airports we have to get to the ticket counter to get the assistance, at others we ask an employee and the wheelchair comes to us. This service is free, though some locations allow for tips. Without this service I’m not sure we would be able to travel.

When you travel again you might look into this service. It’s not only helpful for your walking issue but the assistants know exactly where to take you also saving time and worry.

Posted by
2328 posts

Hi Carol,

I really do not need a wheelchair yet. I have just started using a cane and that is very helpful.

So when I book a ticket, I am asked if I need special assistance. I have always said no but if I say yes, then what. What else is offered besides a wheelchair?

I do know persons who do not really need a wheelchair but they say yes or their kids do it for them and they do use a wheelchair.

Posted by
2328 posts

Gail

If I ever go back to Lisbon, I think that I might do better at the airport. Maybe. At least, I think that I would be less confused. I would be better prepared.

I usually do spend the night at airports before I fly. Why did you spend the night at the Lisbon airport? Did you have an early flight?

Posted by
2328 posts

Cjean

I am not really frail. I am old and have arthitis of the knee. A lot of old people have similar problems.

I got to the airport about 5 hours ahead of time but I ate my breakfast in a box first and relaxed before I began the experience.

It's a good thing that I did get there very early because there was a problem at the airport with a strike. I saw a lot of passengers running for their plane while I was relaxing at my gate.

And I agree. Next time I fly, I might check that I need assistance when I purchase my ticket but I do not need a wheelchair.

I have just begun to use a cane and it is so much help. I wish that i had taken one on my last trip.

I do what I consider to be a lot of research about airports that I am going to be using but it does not always help me when it comes to the reality.

.

Posted by
5487 posts

And I agree. Next time I fly, I might check that I need assistance
when I purchase my ticket but I do not need a wheelchair.

Allow me to disagree. You have stated time after time that you cannot walk quickly, you cannot walk more than a short distance without pain, and you are to put it gently, directionally challenged. A wheelchair at the airport solves all of these limitations. No one is suggesting you revert to using one all the time. But don't let false pride get in the way of a painless and less confusing and tiring transit through airports. And I say that as someone who has needed a brace and a cane to walk for over 25 years.

Posted by
11606 posts

bostonphil, I strongly agree with the other posters about your asking for a wheelchair. Every airport is different and thus confusing. It will relieve stress too.

Posted by
8121 posts

Just to add, at the Lisbon airport they use the system where departure check-ins are done at long rows of desks given alpha designations (and then I believe numbers for individual desks). There is a monitor that will tell you the desks being used. In the OPs case, this was Row F, Delta may regularly use F, but the assigned space may vary depending on traffic, and could be different for you.

Posted by
2328 posts

Oh Paul

you are refreshing my memory. Delta was F, right? When I asked at the Delta table and was told to go straight and take my first left and something about Area F, he was telling me that Delta was F. I remember now that there was E and I was trying to find F. The whole space was not F. It was Delta that was F.

I remember the E but. Delta was all the way over to the other side of the room.

Posted by
1554 posts

Bostonphil7: don’t be afraid to ask for a wheelchair. Airline websites that I have used ask if you have trouble walking long distances, if you can climb stairs, and if you can board the plane or something to that effect. You get the level of assistance you requested. The first time I requested a wheelchair my husband was embarrassed. He said he really could walk, but he realized that he really couldn’t. When we see the lines at passport control we know he would not be able to stand that long. The wheelchair assistant takes us to the front of the line. As I said, without the assistance we might not be able to travel. When we get to our destination we are in control of the distance we walk and our time constraints. We can always find some place to rest for as long as we need. Not so in the airport and the stress makes things worse.

It might feel hard to ask for help but it’s better than exhausting yourself, getting confused with where to go, and starting or ending a trip with a bad experience.

Take care of yourself so you can travel for more years if you would like to do so. Best wishes.

Posted by
2328 posts

Thank you Carol.

I may try that next time I book a ticket for air.

The cane really seems to be helping.

Posted by
1554 posts

Great! Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. The first time is the hardest.
Best wishes.
Carol

Posted by
353 posts

I guess I wouldn't say the Lisbon Airport is chaotic. But, it is small-ish and handles a larger crowd than it's designed for. But then again, I grew up in a developing country so maybe that's why Lisbon's Airport doesn't seem chaotic to me. But, I agree that it isn't the most organized.

The one bit that caught me really by surprise, because I hadn't seen it anywhere else and there were not signs to that effect, is that upon departure, there is a passport exit control that is not only after security, but also after most of the substantial shopping ! That is nutty. First, not every country has passport exit control, but in and of itself, having it isn't nutty. It's fine that Portugal has it though I don't know why they would. What's nutty is that it comes AFTER a substantial number of shops including the major duty free shop. Why?

I was not expecting to have any more control barrier procedure after going through security so my husband and I got into relaxed mode and started shopping a bit here and there. I saw a book that I really wanted to get but thought let me make a better assessment by seeing what other books in other shops are offered before deciding whether to purchase this or another book. As we wandered, we suddenly saw passport control ahead and I "freaked" out a little bit because I saw long lines and I started worrying whether we might miss our flight. So we marched straight on to queue up. Luckily, it didn't take us too long to go through passport control. After that, I decided we needed to just walk to our gate to see if there are any further control barriers, because if there are, we want to be sure to go through all of them before relaxing. Luckily, there were none.

We got to our gate and saw there was nothing to it, then we started wandering around again to shop and relax. It was at that point I realized that the bulk of shops was BEFORE passport control and I had missed my opportunity to buy that Lisbon-specific book. It didn't exist in any of the shops past passport control! And, I don't think I could exit the passport control area to get to that shop, and then queue up again for passport control.

Anyhow, it seems to be such a dumb idea to have passport control after the shops. It should be the other way around: security, passport control, then shops. After all, if someone has to go through yet another barrier before they get to their gate, why are they going to want to linger around and shop and risk being caught up in passport control and miss their flight? Stupid idea. Maybe this is a result of an airport not designed to handle the size of the crowds it sees these days, so passport control is placed in an awkward location.

Posted by
2328 posts

Muriel S

Yes, agreed. Lisbon has been discovered by the world.

The airport is old or older and it may be time for a new airport. It was possibly built when Lisbon had a lot less visitors. Lisbon has outgrown its airport.

I think that I remember the Delta terminal and gates being attractive and nice. I think that is what I remember. It is a blur.

I have a friend living in South Portugal who came up to visit me. She said something about hating the Lisbon Airport and that Lisbon needed a new airport.

But you know building a new airport is no small thing. It is always a mess.

I remember walking by brightly lit shops on my way to passport control but I was on auto pilot. Someone had told me to head towards McDonald's.

You have a very good reason to go back to Lisbon and that is to get your Lisbon specific book at the airport.

Posted by
1 posts

Just flew out of LIS yesterday, and I have to say, DH and I found it to be a chaotic mess. We will be avoiding it in the future, if at all possible.

We had a 7:30 am flight on LH. Our cruise line arranged for airport transportation that had us curbside at the airport a little after 4:00 am. By the time my wheelchair and our luggage were off the bus and a wheelchair pusher was there, it was around 4:30 am. We were inside the airport and by the elevators shortly thereafter. The wheelchair pusher dropped us off with our luggage at the LH business class line (which was unusually long, but, then, so was the line for economy check-in). This seemed to make passengers who came in behind us upset, as the line was long and they thought we were using "their" line because of my wheelchair (in point of fact, we were business class passengers, but I digress). The couple ahead of us, also with our cruise line, discovered that their flight had been cancelled. It took awhile to sort them out. When we got to the counter, it turned out the airport had no idea about my wheelchair, even though the app clearly showed the reservation had the information about it all along. Sigh. So it took awhile to sort us out, almost causing a riot about how the business class line should not be catering to wheelchair passengers, until the agent told the complaining gentleman that we were also business class passengers. When our issues were finally resolved, we were told to wait in a cafe for another wheelchair pusher to take us through security and to our gate.

He picked us up awhile later, and took us through the outdoors area of the airport, which has a homelesss population (mostly asleep at that hour). We were taken through crew and special needs security, then to our gate. The gates are . . . awful. Gate announcements are incredibly loud and ceaseless, made in Portuguese (obviously), English, as well as the languages of the airline, and the languages of the country the flight is traveling to. So it is a constant, extremely loud assault of announcements. After awhile, people just tune them out, so the gate agents find themselves in the unenviable position of having to shout at the top of their lungs when it is final call for a particular flight, as people sprint to their gates. We watched this in action more than once: IBERIA!!!!!! FINAL CALL FOR IBERIA!!!!!!! IBERIA TO MADRID BOARDING NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! As the last of the passengers ran from heaven only knows where, and the ceaseless, incredibly loud announcements (Now boarding for TAIPEI!) continued their unending assault on the eardrums and the mind. It was awful. I had a migraine within half an hour of this.

Meanwhile, a carry-on was left unattended. Several passengers alerted the gate agents. They alerted airport police. The police officer showed up about an hour later, and he called someone who finally (FINALLY!). had the bag removed. We moved to the one and only shop we found to try to be as far from the bag as we could. We honestly could not remember who had been sitting there. That was a frightening experience.