FNC - an outstation that does it properly?!
Jan 25, 2023, 4:15 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: 64K or 2A
Programs: BA LT Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 785
FNC - an outstation that does it properly?!
Flying back from Funchal today and have been very pleasantly surprised by the way the operation has worked. At check in, there were two desks for CE, golds etc and the queue actually moved faster than the other. Fast track security worked, even though it got glares from non-fast track as we were just shoved in at the front of the queue. Then there was proper fast track into the gate/cage where passengers were firmly segregated by boarding group. Pity that’s not the norm.
While I’m posting, the info re the viewing terrace in the lounge database seems out of date. Now you just come through security and keep straight ahead and there are doors out to the terrace (smoking area) on the right.
While I’m posting, the info re the viewing terrace in the lounge database seems out of date. Now you just come through security and keep straight ahead and there are doors out to the terrace (smoking area) on the right.
Jan 25, 2023, 7:09 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Home Counties, UK
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 539
It’s a nice airport all the same and we have experienced orderly check-in queues on our trips out there. As for no lounge we’re quite happy to sit on the terrace with a coffee, even if it is a tad windy.
Jan 25, 2023, 7:32 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Sussex
Programs: BA; IHG; LHW; Hilton
Posts: 783
Feb 4, 2023, 6:01 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: BAEC Gold. Hilton Diamond
Posts: 409
Feb 4, 2023, 6:33 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 534
Up until that point I'd agree its a great little airport, our last experience though... upon being divided into groups ready for boarding we were all released at the same time so it ended up being a scramble across the tarmac with half the aircraft pushing past those that were actually in group 1-3. Not sure what they hoped to achieve or what they were scared of missing out on but it was perhaps the most hectic boarding I've ever experienced, literally families with a baby in hand and a push chair in the other legging it.
Feb 4, 2023, 7:51 am
#9
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: BA Exec Club, Accor Diamond, other airline programmes very basic
Posts: 194
The TAP lounge was never as far as I can recall available for CE passengers. It did accept Priority Pass though, however the last time I was there it was closed due to Covid still- even for passengers flying TAP.
Feb 4, 2023, 9:27 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: BAEC Gold. Hilton Diamond
Posts: 409
Thanks BarelyBAGold, that must have been it - I would have used Priority Pass… that will explain why the lounge was always empty! I must pop Madeira back on my list - it has been too long so thanks everyone for the reminder!
Feb 7, 2023, 4:28 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold-GGL
Posts: 1,182
From my recent trip to FNC:
No need to visit a check in desk as travelling HBO and checked in via the app. Proceeded to the fast track security and was through in under 10 minutes.
Great terrace for plane spotting!
The queue for passport control was short and efficient.
Boarding was the usual groups 1 to 3 scrum with a short walk to the aircraft and steps up.
No need to visit a check in desk as travelling HBO and checked in via the app. Proceeded to the fast track security and was through in under 10 minutes.
Great terrace for plane spotting!
The queue for passport control was short and efficient.
Boarding was the usual groups 1 to 3 scrum with a short walk to the aircraft and steps up.