Madrid Airport 6th October 2007
On previous occasions when I’ve visited Madrid, we’ve used Terminal 3 at Barajas Airport. The only argument I had with it was that it was such a long way to the Metro station. But, there was good news! It only cost one Euro to go anywhere in the city on it.
I had heard from people who had used the new Terminal 4, to which the Metro didn’t go. You had to either use a shuttle bus to the Metro station, or travel into town by bus. But, then, again, that only cost a Euro.
Last April, the Metro line was extended to Terminal 4, and they’re paying for the line by introducing an ‘airport supplement’ of … one Euro.
This time, we arrived and departed through Terminal 4 (I was on an Iberia flight, which always uses that terminal, rather than EasyJet, which uses Terminal 3) … and I wondered if the primary object of the exercise was to provide a terminal, or show how clever the architect was. After passing through Passport Control, we had to board an unmanned Underground railway to get to the baggage hall and the rest of the things. On the way home, that train took us from Security to the departure hall. And, I couldn’t help thinking … if the train had no driver, why did it need headlights?
In the departure hall, I had a chance of a more detailed look around. There were plenty of shops … but, unless you bought something to eat or drink, there seemed to be nowhere to sit until you were told which boarding gate to use. Still, the beer and panini were nice, and the bar I chose gave a good view of the apron.
And, the acoustics! Great for a concert hall … but, ever been in such a contrivance when there’s a kid bellowing? Of course you have … any supermarket or shopping mall exhibits the same qualities. I swear the little so-and-so knew he could have been heard over a quarter of Madrid!
I’ve already dealt with the abysmal terminal at Gatwick and praised the one at Kuala Lumpur. I’ll let someone else tell about my favourite, and my favourite airline, which uses it for a hub. Go to http://tamarindandthyme.wordpress.com/2007/11/15/singapore-airlines-and-changi-airport/ for an excellent account.
