Passengers have criticised the new seating at Ronaldsway Airport, with one branding it “absolutely bloody awful”.
The comment appeared under an airport update, which outlined that “work on the departure lounge improvements at Isle of Man Airport is progressing well, with phases four and five now nearing completion”.
Airport chiefs said that as part of phase five, “190 new seats have been installed in the rear waiting area, along with 92 additional seats in the downstairs holding lounge”.
Feedback
Perhaps expecting some comments on the choice of the new seating, they said the new seating has been chosen after feedback from passengers, input from the Frequent Passenger Group, guidance from the Accessibility Group, including layout considerations and a review of seating solutions used in other airports.
It added: The new seating was selected to balance comfort, accessibility, durability, and value for money: Wider and more accessible options, with dedicated areas based on accessibility advice.
“Modular and flexible layouts to support different passenger needs. Robust and hygienic materials suitable for a high-traffic environment”
Sitting on a Rock
However, the comments section quickly shifts to seating complaints, with one user responding: “Made to last, sat on one now, rock hard chairs and nowhere near enough tables. One square every now & again so drinks will be put on floor & knocked over ruining new carpet which looks good at the moment.”
Another passenger added: “No armrests, no comfort – it’s a step backwards.”
“All personality of the airport gone, replaced with the cheapest school style seats they could find,” said another.
One woman said: “Absolutely bloody awful the most uncomfy seats ever! Will DOI get anything right! Cheap and nasty looking. Did you view other airports?”
While one commenter didn’t mince his words, saying: “I’ll put it bluntly. They look shit.”
Security
One passenger said the seating “looks fine” but called for better security systems, such as those becoming more standard in UK airports.
They said: Actual improvement to passenger experience would be upgraded scanners where electrics or liquids don’t have to be removed from bags though like all UK airports either have or are in the process of installing.
“Some UK airports now allow you to bring more than 100ml liquids now.”
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