Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion International Airport

I was in line at passport control to leave Ben Gurion Airport and fly to New York with connecting flight in Moscow on Aeroflot airlines. When I got to passport control, the attendant at the scanner ( wearing a kippa) stated in no uncertain terms that my picture does not appear on the scanner, and therefore, I need to stand in another line for a security check. When I stated that I had no trouble ever with my passport the waved his hand in my face and refused to listen to me when I said that "perhaps something is wrong with your scanner.: Instead of going to another line where I would have again waited interminably, I proceeded to an office at the end of the area, saw 4 people just chatting, and said "excuse me, etc. and told them of my problem. They immediately gave me another small paper and said," go." I then went to another line and was sent on my way. Ben Gurion Airport needs to train their personnel better, check out their scanning machines which obviously do not work.

spent a week in Israel, but as soon as you arrive to that airport, you feel unwelcome and they asked you stupid things and private questions! seems more like we , who have dark skin, are the first to be controlled! felt humillated and will never go back there, even though I enjoyed the country!

Tel Aviv airport is just horrible! The security staff is very rude and the security checks are pointless and just stupid. The only positive about their harrassment process is that people are randomly selected. They security staff has no people skills whatsoever, they treat people like terrorists and don't care when people breaking down from the stress in front of their eyes. It took me over 4 hours getting in to the country (myself stuck in security) and almost 3 hours to get out (waiting in the queues as others were being checked). I saw two people (one of them a 60 yo innocent lady who didn't speak English) having their bag checked over and over and over for almost an hour. Of course without result. She didn't have any t-shirts or panties that would spontaneously burst into fire, which I assume is what they check for.

Do not go to this horrible uncivilized place!!!

Oh, and they didn't send my bag on my plane leaving the country....

Guys, i know that security is a big issue for Israel and I am very happy to cooperate as it is also in my favour! BUT do the officers have to be rude to the tourists Israel pretends to welcome gladly? Please I beg the touristboard to have a talk to the responsible minister: you can have a tight and professional security without offending so many people.

We tourists understand the need for severe security policy but again: at least be polite.

I had a flight last week from Ben Gurion, the security officer in my queu shouted to the people, we felt like live stock. She was very very rude. GO GO GO and STAY HERE STAY HERE were probably the only sentences she knew. Very very rude, I am sorry Israel, you can do better. I love your country and its inhabitants but this is a NO NO.

This airport is filled with young kids doing their national service asking silly questions of passengers that they have no idea what the answers should be. Seriously. You can answer anything to them and they wouldn't know the difference - their job is just to stop you to ask.

So you have this 16-year old girl in an ill-fitting uniform asking you what this visa stamp is for in your passport and you can answer that it's for the Republic of Vulcan and she would nod in acknowledgement. They're just there to waste your time.

Just spend 5 weeks in Israel visiting family. Spend close to 10 000 Shekel in the country. Was made to go thru the security drama. Stand in a line and are asked questions regarding who I visited, why I was there etc...my sister being questioned - is she a Jew, who is she married to, how long has she lived here - and she just stood by me to keep me company !!!

Then put your luggage thru the X-ray. Off to a long bench. Unpack EVERYTHING that took me 4hrs the night before. All souvenirs that had to be checked and rechecked. Bubblewrap taken off all. Then staff return to tell me all ok, here is a massive piece of bubblewrap for you to rewrap everything. Then off to book your luggage in : More drama !! Then had to take out items in my luggage as it was too heavy ,just to take it in as hand lugggage. Looked like a pack donkey. Went thru two more checks after booking in. Staff very arrogant and don't care attitude. Would it help to be friendly ??? They have all the power. I ended up just standing aside and letting them play with their stupid little blue trace sticks looking for heaven knows what !!!

It has spoiled the whole experience. Don't even try to get anything back in taxes. Wasting your time. Next time I'll send all my souvenirs in a box back home, before I depart. Save me the drama.

Ben Gurion Airport is incredible! I have travelled through a few times in the past year, and have been out of the terminal within 30 minutes including picking up luggage! That is incredible. Security is tight but there are no long queues and it is efficient. Flying back to London (Luton, Stansted and Heathrow) it puts the UK airports to shame. Welcome to the 21st Century is the message you get as you enter this incredible airport. (The country is pretty incredible as well!)

Great airport! Modern clean terminal is a pleasure to travel through. Staff are all helpful and assertive and security seems excellent. Queues were not too bad for anything, whilst duty free selection has improved. Terminal design makes travelling relaxing and at some times, almost like being in a lounge.

I think it is a very good airport. The security may be a bit tight but that is because Israel wants to show you that this is a very safe country, and it is! I had a great time in Israel!!!! recommended

Be polite to the security as they really can be rude and hold you for a very long time otherwise. I wouldn't go through Tel Aviv airport again to be honest. Found it beyond ridiculous!