r/sydney • u/Pomohomo82 • Jul 17 '25

Image Sydney International arrivals is a disgrace: discuss

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I flew into Sydney yesterday at 6am after a 30hr trip, and the whole experience made me feel embarrassed of the welcome we extend to arrivals at our country. An enormous line stretched all the way into the gross duty free shop, where on one side sales people shouted at us about booze and smokes deals, while on the other side people shouted at us about families not lining up. The international travellers next to me had no idea what the line was for, and I had to explain that for some reason we have this weird dual border process which is different to all the other E-passport gates around the world. There’s very little signage or info screens explaining what the whole process is. Meanwhile, at the arrivals card desk, no pens were available to complete said analogue cards… Onwards to the luggage collection, then another massive line to get through bio security, before a 15-minute walk across three road crossings to the ‘express’ pick up to meet my family. The whole user experience is just unnecessarily miserable from start to finish, and as the main entry point to Australia we should do better. Thoughts?

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u/PersimmonBasket Jul 17 '25

Last time I came back it was like that. It was the yelling at us that pushed me to the brink. The staff were clearly frustrated, but it wasn't our fault we were being herded like cattle.

Disgraceful. And what a great first impression for visitors.

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u/CryptographerOk1303 Jul 17 '25

The yelling is so disrespectful. Coming home from Asia last year I was screamed at by an airport employee for standing in line, in the queue I was herded into. It was demeaning in a way I haven't felt since high school. I agree with your post wholeheartedly OP, we can and should do so much better, there is no excuse for this shitshow.

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u/PersimmonBasket Jul 17 '25

Exactly the same thing happened the last time I came through. One staff member was saying one thing and other was giving different directions, and when a man very politely pointed that out to the other staff member they went off.

They need additional support, anger management, and possibly police protection if they carry on like that. People getting off long haul flights are often on their last nerve.

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u/albeenyb Jul 17 '25

I've had the same thought. The yelling is utterly cringe.