Having made some hard comments on the airport, I thought I should make some kinder comments from my last trip through. Just to show that even
on fairly busy September days, passing through can be pleasant and efficient. Firstly baggage arrival was better, flagging 20 mins arrival but coming very quickly in under 5 minutes. And the rail ticket purchase had all positions open so that the queue moved very quickly. Returning, the security queues were short. A final comment that the train ticket machines can be mastered. There is an English option and a machine in the baggage hall to make use of that waiting time efficiently. I will be using that way for my ticket next time, having worked out how to get what I need. (A discount of 20% from a 2 person ticket. It's an Orange Saver, only beware, the return is only for 24 hours validity. But if you purchase a single one the saving is still made - you just have to do the same for the return journey).

I have been travelling through Kastrup monthly for 5 years now and can comment on its ups and downs. Some years in the summer outgoing waiting areas were frankly disgusting, dirty plates and rubbish not cleared. This year it has been much better. The availability of seating areas outside those dedicated to the food franchises is barely enough though - the great god of selling to passengers winning over passenger comfort. The new security hall is mostly very fast, 5 minutes average. Though one time a few months ago they had about 40 minutes queuing, clearly lack of response in putting much needed extra teams on the number of unused security stations. Serious management failure that day. Arriving baggage return is still far too slow, though on occasions the announced 16-18 minutes wait can be misleading, with bags arriving much sooner. But last Monday 3rd August was very bad, bags from multiple flights arriving in succession at the same carousel. 20 minutes waiting with so many people hanging around. This needs serious attention. The worst airport I know in this respect. And finally, the new rail ticket sales area is no improvement whatsoever. Is one queue an improvement on queues to individual ticket hatches? Doubtful! And it seems as if they are determined to make you wait 20 minutes there to get a ticket after your 20 minute baggage wait. Welcome to Denmark! Last Monday most sales hatches were open, but they needed the one unused one open too. In their eyes, it seems better to have a queue than have a ticket seller inactive for a few seconds. Visitors from abroad may not be able to use the ticket machines or their needs may be too complex.

With Copenhagen as my home airport I find its ease and design great! Getting in and out are never a problem and the connections to Sweden are as easy as it gets. I also agree with the annoyance of its shopping situation. I find everything overpriced and boring. I dislike all the restaurants and often find myself going to 7-11 for a quick sandwich or Starbucks for a croissant. It is relatively small and refreshingly clean. Having come from So.Cal, it is preferable to LAX and better than SAN. If they fixed the price and selection of food, I would give it a 5.

Kastrup

I visited this airport on average once every two months from 2003 to 2008 and was therefore witness to its reconstruction. While the airport as such is now quite OK, the hard sell attitude is more than unnerving. Directly after the security control, the "to the gates" sign actually points in the wrong direction to force you through even more shops. Yes, you read correctly - the exit from the security check is in the middle of the duty free shop already. If you find amongst all the merchandise a sign where to go, it does not give the shortest distance, but rather directs you in the exactly opposite way, to pass by a countless number of additional shops. Imagine how much fun that is if you are called to the gate already. All in all, this is more an overpriced shopping mall with some planes than an airport to help with convenient and efficient travel. Avoid it if you can.