Many passengers departing from South West England deal with connections, resulting in some critical transit links with airports spread across Europe. 

While some airports are highly rated and considered clean, efficient, and easily navigable, others cause stress due to lengthy waits and neglected services. Recent research into passenger Google reviews from Holidu, the holiday rental platform, demonstrates this gap is wider than you think.

Why Airport Ratings Matter When You’re Travelling from the South West

For travellers in South West England, airports in Bristol, Exeter, and Newquay help jumpstart European trips. These regional airports have funnelled European connections, but long-haul services and other city break itineraries still require a funnelling connection to a major international airport. European Logistics is equally valuable as the home country’s departure location.

Holidu investigated the highest and lowest-rated airports in Europe, and the findings demonstrate just how extreme the range can be. Some airports score 4.4 and above out of 5 on Google Maps, with travellers leaving glowing reviews about comfort and efficiency. Others, conversely, sit well under 3.0, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction. That gap in ratings can make a world of difference in how a connection is perceived, whether it feels seamless or stressful.

There tends to be widespread consensus within the reviews. When given top ratings, Airports tend to be described as clean, have little waiting time at security, have clear instructions, have comfortable waiting areas, and have friendly personnel. Critical reviews indicate pinching points, queuing, inadequate facilities, and a lack of communication during service denial. For Passengers travelling from the South West, headed for leisure or business, those differences can change the flight experience in its entirety.

Europe’s Best Airports You’re Likely to Pass Through

Recently, the analysis of Google reviews on Europe’s 100 busiest airports against the quantitative value of submissions offers a classification of the best and the worst reviewed airports, and therefore a preview of what to expect during transit through the different airports in case they are part of the flight path.

Istanbul Airport (Turkey) 

Istanbul Airport is one of the top-reviewed airports with a rating of approximately 4.4 out of 5 and well over 100,000 reviews. Passengers describe the Airport as clean, well-organised, and modern, with a sense of spaciousness. 

In addition, there is a clear lack of chaos, which is typical in most airports. Reviewers appreciate the well-organised signage for the airport facilities as well as the restrooms, which aid in confident navigation.

Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport, Porto (Portugal)

Porto Airport in Portugal has just about the same rating as Istanbul Airport (4.4) from more than 26,000 reviews, and travellers like its size and the ability to navigate Porto Airport more swiftly than other large European airports. 

They also note the short lines at the security checkpoint, the staff cordiality, and the cleanliness of the facilities. Compared to other larger airports, Porto airport provides a more enjoyable experience for travelling to Portugal or further destinations.

Athens International Airport (Greece)

Athens International Airport in Greece has a rating of about 4.3 from more than 40,000 reviews. Passengers note the speed and efficiency of the security and customs control, as many say they have been faster than expected. Many other reviews praise the diverse range of shops and restaurants, and the fast and easy connections to the city. This sort of practical efficiency and traveller comfort is what keeps the rating so high.

Zurich Airport (Switzerland)

Zurich Airport in Switzerland has a similar rating to Athens International Airport, with about 4.3 from around 30,000 reviews. Its reputation is built on punctuality, easy transfers, and a high level of maintenance. Passengers frequently mention the simple structure of the airport, which is helpful for connections, and the large number of food and retail outlets. For those going on ski trips or travelling for work, Zurich is often a stopover, which is reassuringly well organised.

The consistent level of service provided to customers accounts for the good reputation earned by the airports, regardless of their size.

Will Europe’s Worst Airports Improve Before Your Next Trip?

Close to the other extreme, however, many airports tend to attract low ratings. For example, the reviews of Heraklion International in Crete are among the worst in the world, averaging a 2.6 out of 5 stars from over 20,000 reviews. Passengers complain about rampant overcrowding during the peak summer season, minimal maintenance, a serious shortage of seats, substandard restroom facilities, and ineffective ‘restroom’ signs. 

For holidaymakers, the juncture of the peak summer season and the flight to Crete, along with all the other grievances, can lead to a highly aggravating experience.

The reviews of Bordeaux-Merignac Airport are only a little better, scoring an average of 2.8 out of 5 from 13,000 reviews. Frequent complaints centre around long security lines, strained food availability, poor directional cues, and absolutely baffling systems. Bordering on the abuse of air travel, the experience of travellers aims to smear the images of Bordeaux and the other better parts of the French wine country. 

Some airports settle at this level, albeit receiving unending complaints and poor reviews. These would include Manchester, Berlin Willy-Brandt and Brussels-South Charleroi, which hover at the range between 3.1 and 3.2. All of these carry millions of passengers, and their complaints? Queueless security, lack of delay, and all the comfort you can imagine in a waiting room—that shouldn’t be difficult to figure out. Admittedly, the staffing is not set quite right.

Will these airports improve before your next trip? Some of them are making investments in new terminals, installing digital check-in amenities, and strengthening transport links. 

But these are overstated at the moment, and the return of the steady rise in passengers in 2025 is rather unremarkable. In the meantime, the reviews suggest that at the collapse you should expect, along with travelling in July and August, the worst-case scenario.