My two passages through ODS were smooth and uneventful. Departure was actually better than many airports I've travelled through: first you go through security, THEN you check bags. Anything you can't bring in carry-on, you have a chance to stuff it in checked baggage. Arrival was a bit rustic; 'baggage claim' was a flatbed trailer behind a farm tractor, in the corner of the fenced area next to the gate. However, it was a warm pleasant day so no harm no foul. The worst thing I can say is the parking is bit of a problem - typical to ALL airports everywhere, and better than most I've visited! Quick and easy access from the city. Ever drive into town from Dulles, or Pulkovo, or Ezeiza, or Boryspil? OMFG! Perhaps not shiny new, but clean and serviceable. Everything you really need is there, and everyone was polite and pleasant to me. Maybe because I was polite to them? That's a hint, Lord Izairi!

I couldn't disagree more with the previous comment. Made by someone that must be a less traveled man or just a complainer. I have traveled to Odessa many times over the years and now live in Odessa. I have always found customs security only doing there job and police to be friendly efficient and good humoured. As for no mineral water? Well that's the law everywhere now and if you don't like it you can hardly blame the customs officer for it. Regarding souvenirs well some many westerns try to sneak stuff out and also try to sneak expensive gifts in to Ukraine. if you do not like that you had to declare or asked questions. Gee, get a life Lord Izairi Zainol . Well, I think you must be from England. Heathrow airport is the worst airport for cops and customs and lets not forget airport employees in the world. That airport is a joke !! Then lets not forget all US airports for customs and security.

My advice to you sir is just not come to Ukraine or Odessa if you want to complain and this comes from an Australian that has traveled and now lives in Odessa.

For others that are coming to Odessa ! Just know it is like any other airport.

I couldn't possibly disagree more with the previous comment. I have visited Odessa many times over the years and have always found customs security and police to be friendly efficient and good humoured. As for no mineral water? Well that's the law everywhere now and if you don't like it you can hardly blame the customs officer for it. Regarding souvenirs you should not bring books older than 1965 or antiques older than 1945 out of the country. Again a thankless but necessary job. The country's culture is almost being plundered for the price of a packet of cigarettes. Small and compact but that just means you can't get lost. And it has everything you would seriously want anyway... a bar a toilet a cafe and a duty-free. And only a very short ride from downtown. A pleasant and relaxed atmosphere too. If you're looking for unfriendly cops try Chicago or LAX sometime...!

It's the worst airport I have ever been to. The custom's favourite is taking money from all the foreigners, even students who study in Odessa, Ukraine! They will try their best to find a reason for taking extra charge from you, e.g. we shouldn't take mineral water, why you take so many souvenirs to our country, etc. The custom can't speak English at all, and they are not friendly at all, and they won't try to help you even though you face some problems.