Security checks at Palma airport. Bit of a joke aren't they? Absolute chaos reigns with just about 15 staff to thousands of departing holidaymakers.
And they even have movable chairs fencing off the passage to the metal detectors! I wonder how many people have missed their flights due to this chaos?
Anybody experienced it this summer?

I think they cope well, had no problems and we went at busiest time of summer.

Did anyone miss your flight ? If people arrive in good time for their flight they will have no problems it is only those who arrive a few minutes before their flight who may get stuck ay security !!!!

I had to wait longer at UK airport departing and there were only 2 flights out per hour .

Dave.

You were lucky then Dave. My experience was early on Sunday morning. I must admit I go through quite regularly and it has never been as bad as this time and they normally cope well. Perhaps they had a skeleton shift on or something. Funny thing was people were climbing over those queue barriers and opening security gates to get in or jump the queue and security staff were distracted trying to get everyone back in line. Sometimes, it was comical! Guess it wouldn't take too much for someone to create a diversion and another to push the chairs out the way to get air side. Absolute joke!

We went in the main school holidays and got through with no problems what so ever and there were fourteen of us

We patiently wait in the queue and just do what we are told. If they tell us to take off our jewellery etc, then we do it without question. We don't answer back as we figure out they have a very hard and responsible job to do and don't need any more problems. Also, they have the power to stop you flying if you cause any fuss.

We had a very different experience. The people in front of us had 2 pushchairs and the guard was very very rude with the ladies concerning their pushchairs just because they didnt understand what was being asked of them. I tried to help by explaining I thought that he wanted the pushchairs folded and babies out... at this point the guy got really funny and made us wait for ages......I am fully aware of the serious job they have, having worked at heathrow myself, however this guy was horrible and left a bad last memory of Majorca

When returning from Majorca in June (Sat 20th) we arrived at the airport 2 hours before our flight time. After checking in we encountered a 40 minute wait to get through the security checks.We arrived at our departure gate 5 minutes before the flight time, but the flight had been delayed by 20 minutes so we were ok.
There were numerous people running for their flights down the long approach to the departures area and I am sure some must have missed flights. Just hope things have improved a bit as we are heading back this weekend
When we arrived at Palma Airport in June there was only 1 passport control desk open and 1 person checking passports. This also resulted in long queues as quite a lot of flights had arrived at around the same time. Maybe the airport authorities are also making cut backs during the recession.

Robert

Yes I do agree about the chaos.

We were lucky as we arrived far too early and checkin had only opened and we knew we would have to while away a lot of time at the airport, but due to the delays we only just made it!

Having said that I dont know if anyone has flown through Heraklion airport in Crete?

Its an absolute NIGHTMARE, you have to queue OUTSIDE in the heat of the day until they decide to open the doors and let you in - and only when the queues to checkin have gone down...........its absolute mayhem in there...........and as for their Duty Free shop........madness

Returned thru Palma last Saturday evening around 5PM. Took around 15 mins to get thru security, all the staff were pleasant and efficient, although the occasional smile (or lack of frown) would have been welcome.
For those that don't know there are two security entrances, one at each end of the upstairs departure area.

We came back in August and had no problems, in fact there were only about half a dozen people in front of us. Perhaps it had something to do eith the fact it was about 11pm! We love the late flights, more time in the resort - makes the holiday last that little bit longer!

just came through on late saturday night,big queues at security but they dealt with them quickly,
just allow that little bit extra time and you should be fine,

Have just returned from PMI - why the hell have the taken all the seating out of departures? We were at the airport early and there was nowhere to sit barring in cafes or the floor! There used to be loads of seats and they were always full so obviously needed!

Just read about this little trick in the car park at Palma Airport that happened at the end of Dec 2010.
After picking up some friends arriving on a flight they go back to the car which is parked on the 1st floor. Cars are parked in the neighbouring bays but there are not too many people around. The three friends put their suitcases in the boot of their Citroen car including a small bag containing passports, money, flight tickets, next to it. They close the boot of the car and jump in the seats. Just as they drive off they notice the 'boot open light' is shining. Stopped, closed it again and drove to their friends accommodation. Upon arriving they notice that the small bag is missing. What they realised had happened was someone was hiding at the back of the car, opened the boot snatched the bag within the 3-4 seconds whilst they got in the car.

Be aware!

Hi,just wondering if any one knows where the check in is for jet 2 at palma airport.have three small kids and would like to get dropped off somewhere near many thanks Jo

Hi we were there last month and it was gate 188, hope this helps,
Margaret(madmum)

As you look at the check in's from the door jet2 desks are at the very end on the right. Bonus tho straight up escalator and you are right on the security.

Hi,can anyone tell me if there is a smoking area at palma airport and where to find it,thanks.

There used to be 2, in zones A & C, but since the no smoking ban was enforced in jan this year they have been removed. So no smoking after security anymore. This was end of may this year.

Yes the smoking room has now gone after security ! We travelled back last Thursday ! HTH
Lou