It's a small, cute, and fuzzy little local French airport. The overwhelming majority of desitations offered here are French cities and Mediterranean holiday destinations (i'm guessing that is so because of lille's enormous student population that likes to head on holiday whenever time and money allows).
Most of the airport's strengths are related to its small size. In the very tiny but well designed terminal, there are only a few gates, a couple of shops, and the exit area. It's really minimalist but this allows you to move around easily and never feel rushed or stressed.
Also, the service here is really damn good. Despite being in the land of tedious service otherwise known as France, the employees at Lille airport are incredibly courteous and helpful, and also smile! wow, taht's a radical change from other French airports.
Thirdly, the public transport system, while limited to a two-per-hour bus between the airport and the Lille-Europe Train Station and taxis, does it's job.
I do have major complaints regarding the minimalistic refreshment options airside and the god-awful wifi, or seeming lack of. There are two options for wifi: one free-for-15-minutes that does the bare minimum and is slow, and another one which you must pay for, but somehow does not work unless you have "specific certificates to access it". WHAT? In this day and age, such a type of malfunctioning wifi is aberrant. Regarding the available refreshments airside, Lille Airport is a disgrace and a joke. Why? ALL the food stand and bars are landside, and they total a measly 3. There is NOTHING in the boarding area except for coffee makers and some machines.
I could love this airport, but it has way too many flaws in its current state. A few upgrades and a strategic reorganization would be most welcome. read more
