Malpensa Airport

Malpensa Airport is a sprawling airport with terminals that branch out in different directions. When you first enter, the low ceilings can make you feel a bit claustrophobic, but once you're inside the terminal, things improve. There are various dining options available, although they can be a bit pricey. One thing to note is that gate announcements are only made 20 minutes prior to departure, so it's important to keep an eye on the listings and be prepared for a rush to the gates. For international flights, customs clearance is required, so it's important to factor in the additional time. On the positive side, security procedures are efficient, and you don't need to remove laptops, liquids, and other items from your backpack. However, from there, things go downhill. Boarding gates are not assigned until just 25 minutes before boarding, and food choices can be quite disappointing. The air conditioning is also quite weak, leading to uncomfortable temperatures at certain gates. In one instance, an Air France flight experienced delays in boarding due to overcrowded overhead storage bins, which took 40 minutes to resolve. These experiences have left some travelers swearing off flying through Malpensa Airport again. However, both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are decent terminals, and there is a free shuttle service that runs every 15 minutes between the two. The T1 bus stop is located across from the Sheraton hotel, while the T2 stop is at the very end of the departure building. When it comes to security, electrical devices and liquids can be left in your bag at T1. During a visit to Terminal 1, there was beautiful art on display, which some travelers have shared photos of. Passport control was efficient and the officers were friendly, providing a pleasant surprise for visitors. Malpensa Airport consists of two passenger terminals that are connected by shuttle buses and trains. There is also a free shuttle service available between Terminal 2 and Terminal 1. However, it seems that there is a lack of squat toilets, with only sitting toilets available during a visit. The airport is highly regarded for its ease of navigation, with convenient access by train, bus, or taxi. There are plenty of shops and dining options, including local establishments rather than just chain brands. Travelers have enjoyed items like focaccia and beer, and there are also vending machines available. Overall, the airport is described as modern, big, and nice. However, there have been some complaints about long queues at the duty-free area and a lack of departure and arrival boards. It's important to pay attention to the schedules to avoid missing your flight. Despite some minor criticisms, the staff at Malpensa Airport are praised for their effort to create a happy and positive atmosphere. It is considered one of the nicest airports by some travelers. It may be smaller than other international airports, but it effectively fulfills its purpose. However, there are suggestions for improvements in the public bathrooms and overall appearance, as some areas appear outdated. One traveler highlights the exceptional restrooms, but mentions that the rest of the airport falls a bit short. The food court in the Departure hall can get overwhelmingly busy and stuffy, but the Departures hall itself is better, with more food options. Transportation options to other destinations are well-operated, with buses and trains readily available. Most signs are in both Italian and English. It's worth noting that Milan is about an hour's train ride from Malpensa Airport, and there is a highly recommended hotel, Hotel Villa Malpensa, nearby with a 24-hour airport shuttle service. Overall, experiences at Malpensa Airport vary, but many travelers appreciate its functionality and commend the efforts of the staff. While improvements are suggested in certain areas, it remains a convenient and navigable airport with a range of amenities and transportation options.