I arrived at this huge OR Tambo International Airport. I saw huge walls of marble, miles of ceramic tiles and the only signs for departure were for domestic, nothing for international.
On every floor there was an airport staff member sitting on a chair near the lifts. I went to the first one and said, “Please can you tell me where the International Departures are?”
She said one floor down. There again, miles of marble wall and no signs, but another person on a chair. I asked the same question and I was told, one floor down. Again I loaded all my stuff into the small lift. When I got out, yes you guessed it, no signs but another one in a chair. I am now so exhausted from getting in and out the lifts just to go three floors down for the same question and the same answer.
Why can’t the first person just say 3 floors down?
With all the delays I am now very thirsty and I bought a bottle of water for R15. When I got to customs they told me you can’t take it through. So I had to drink as much as I could and leave it behind.
I am 67 years old and it took me nearly 15 minutes to reach the Australian departure lounge as I had to walk nearly 1 kilometre.
This fancy airport is a nightmare.
When I arrived and left Perth it was a dream, all the signs were clearly marked, no miles of walking, everyone spoke English and I did not have to repeat myself.
So if you are leaving South Africa anytime soon get there about four hours before you need to because you may get lost at the airport and not get your flight out.
While waiting at OR Tambo International Airport for my flight, people were being called as they were late for the flight and now I know why.
The other alternative is to get in a wheelchair and get pushed to your destination.
